Part I: What are scriptures?

(This is a 2-part article. Don't forget to read Part II: Is the Book of Mormon scripture?)

What is the Book of Mormon? The majority of the world knows and recognizes the Bible as scripture, but why do Latter-Day Saints claim that the Book of Mormon is also scripture? I'd like to start considering the answers to those questions by first defining the word scripture.

Scripture means "a writing" and is used to denote a writing recognized as sacred and inspired. Jesus Christ described them as such: "Search the scriptures . . . for they are they which testify of me." (John 5:39). We also know that in the Old Testament, scripture was written or dictated to scribes by various prophets. In the New Testament the records were kept by apostles and prophets who testified of Christ's birth, life, ministry, Atonement, and Church.

Another word that is commonly used in conjunction with the word scriptures is canon. Canon, from its Greek origins, originally meant "a rod for testing straightness." It is now used to categorize the authoritative collection of the sacred books used by the true believers in Christ. The Bible came about through multiple councils in early Christianity, first among the Jews and later among the Christians, to determine which books should be apart of the canon and which should be discarded. Some of the rules for deciding for or against a particular document were: (1) Is it claimed that the document was written by a prophet or an apostle? (2)Is the content of the writing consistent with known and accepted doctrines of the faith? (3) Is the document already used and accepted in the Church?

I don't mean to belabor the details of what scriptures are and how we came to have them, but I think the history lesson is important to make sure there is a clear understanding of the word scripture as I will be using it in the future. In summary, it is safe to conclude that the following is true of all scripture:
1. A sacred and inspired text.
2. Text that testifies of Jesus Christ.
3. Written by (or dictated by) a prophet or apostle.
4. Teaches about the doctrine of Jesus Christ.

First and foremost let me declare that we believe the Bible is scripture. We read the Bible, we study the Bible, and it is a part of the Mormon canon of scripture, or as we call it, The Standard Works. We also believe the Book of Mormon to be scripture, which I will explain of in:

The Book of Mormon, Part II.

Part II: Is the Book of Mormon scripture?

(This is a 2-part article. First read Part I: What are scriptures?)


The title is always a good place to start. The cover reads: "The Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ." It is another or additional testament of Jesus Christ. Believing in the Book of Mormon does not in any way nullify the Bible. It does not replace the Bible. It adds to and expounds upon the knowledge contained in the Bible. Let's use the same criteria used with the Bible, when determining which books would remain as scripture:
1. Is it a sacred and inspired text? Yes, though I know that could be considered a matter of opinion, or of belief. I'll come back to that.
2. Does it testify of Jesus Christ? The title says it does - and those who have read it, whether or not they believe it is scripture, will not be able to deny that it teaches of and testifies of Jesus Christ.
3. Was it written by (or dictated by) a prophet or apostle? The authors of the books claim to be prophets and I believe that they are.
4. Does it teach the doctrine? Yes, as revealed upon reading it. It teaches the same doctrines taught in the Bible, and even goes on to explain them in more detail and I believe, with greater clarity.

Jesus Christ told us: "And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd." (John 10:16) Even at the time of Christ's coming there were people elsewhere in the world. Some of them would have been part of the scattered and lost tribes of Israel, but they were not lost to Christ. He knew them and He loved them as this scripture explains. We believe that the Book of Mormon is a record of one of those scattered groups.

"The Book of Mormon is a volume of holy scripture comparable to the Bible. It is a record of God's dealings with ancient inhabitants of the Americas and contains the fulness of the everlasting gospel" (Book of Mormon, Title Page.)

So again I ask the question: Why? What need is there for another testament of Jesus Christ, when the Bible already testifies and teaches of Him?

To illustrate, I'm going to relay an analogy that my husband Austin tells. But before I do, consider these two scriptures, one from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament:

"At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, he shall that is worthy of death be put to death; but at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death." (Deuteronomy, 17:6)

". . . in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established." (Matthew 18:16)

Now for Austin's Witness Analogy:
There was a man who had to go to court to prove whether a certain event did or did not happen. He claimed it did, but the prosector argued it did not. A judge and jury were apart of the proceedings, to decide for against the accused. He had one single witness who was willing to testify for him. Not only was there only one witness, but that witness was the brother of the accused (I will call this man Witness A). Witness A gave a compelling tale that was convincing and corroborated with much of the evidence, but the jury was not completely convinced because of the single witness and also because of his relation to the accused that could mean he was biased. Fortunately, as the trial was coming to a close, a second witness came forward (Witness B). Witness B was not related to the accused but had seen the entire thing. Not only was he able to testify so that the brother's testimony was confirmed, but because he was in a different location than Witness A, he had a different perspective from which he was also able to add details. His story added clarity and understanding so that the jury was left without any doubt of the truth.

What I am suggesting, and what this analogy intends to illustrate, is that the Bible is like the first witness of Jesus Christ. It is so closely linked to Him and related to Him in every way that sometimes it is taken into question. Sometimes the details within it feel confusing or subjective. The Book of Mormon is the second witness of Jesus Christ. It is able to clarify the confusion and make straight that which seems subjective. It is meant to unify and add unto the testimonies of the prophets and apostles in the Bible. That is why we, as Latter-Day Saints, read both sets of scriptures. We believe that when they are used in conjunction with one another, the principles and doctrines of the Gospel of Jesus Christ are made plain and simple to understand. Thus instead of having only one witness, we have two witnesses.

The beauty of the Book of Mormon is that you don't have to believe me. You don't have to "take my word for it." At the very end of the Book of Mormon a prophet named Moroni made an invitation:

"Behold I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.

And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.

And whatsoever thing is good is just and true; wherefore nothing that is good denieth the Christ, but acknowledgeth that he is.

And ye may know that he is, by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore I would exhort you that ye deny not the power of God; for he worketh by power, according to the faith of the children of men, the same today and tomorrow, and forever." 

Moroni, chapter 10, verses 3-7

(Similar scriptures in the Bible about asking God and receiving answer: James 1:5-6; Matthew 7:7-12)

So is the Book of Mormon truly scripture or not? The 4 points of criteria at the beginning are good stepping stones for understanding how to recognize scripture, but they are still subjective, dependent upon one's opinions or beliefs. So again, how can we know?

Here's what I know: truth is truth. Either the Book of Mormon is false and Joseph Smith was the biggest con-man in the history of the world, or the Book of Mormon is true and Joseph Smith was a prophet called by God to translate the scriptures and restore the Gospel of Jesus Christ in its fullness to the earth. I cannot answer for anyone else if the Book of Mormon is true or not. For anyone that really wants to know, you have to go to the source of all truth: God. Moroni echos the testimonies of Matthew and James with his promise: to pray to Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ, asking with faith, and that you will receive an answer.

I've read the Book of Mormon and the Bible, many times now. I've prayed and received my answer. I'm betting you can guess what it was. I would encourage everyone to never be afraid of questions and never be afraid of the possibility that there is more knowledge that Heavenly Father can give us, He wants to give us, and has provided a way for us to receive. My perspective is where's the harm in asking? Where's the risk in testing Moroni's promise?

In case anyone is interested in learning more, please ask any questions! We are all searching for more truth and understanding and can learn and grow together.

For any interested, a free Book of Mormon is available here.

The Greatest Gift

I never know quite how to explain my feelings about the Christmas season, because so much of what makes Christmas special is the feelings I get from thinking about Christ's birth and His life here on earth. In an attempt to explain, though, let me paint a picture:

I see the world: the helplessness, the sadness, the despair, the darkness. I see all the things that cause people to give up hope. And then I think about Jesus Christ and His miraculous birth and the fog of doubt dissipates in the light of His perfect love. Where there is darkness, He is the Light. Where there is death, He is the Life.

His birth is the greatest gift we have ever been given. It is the most important, most meaningful, most all encompassing gift. It is a gift that was given willingly and lovingly by a Father in Heaven who loved all of his children so much that He sent His Only Begotten Son into the world, to save all mankind. It is an event that is too great for my simple mind to comprehend, and yet I know it occurred with every fiber of my being. It surpasses belief and faith - it is a knowledge that I feel in my soul must be true. I do not have to see or be given physical proof to feel and know to the core of my being that Jesus Christ is my Savior.

In a season of giving, I marvel at the gift Heavenly Father gave us in sending Jesus Christ, and I marvel again at the gift Jesus Christ gave us in His sacrifice and Atonement. These are perfect gifts. These are gifts given with perfect love, regardless of our asking for them or even accepting them. These gifts are perfect examples of how to give.

We are not perfect. I certainly never claim to be! But despite our personal imperfections, I know we can follow the example that has been laid before us, as we give gifts to loved ones. In the midst of holiday shopping (and I love shopping at any time of the year!), I hope we can all find time to give gifts of love, not only to those we love, but to those both known and unknown, whatever the gift may be. It may involve shopping. It may come in the form of acts of service. I myself have made a few gifts, in an effort to save on cost but to still give a thoughtful present. The moment we forget about ourselves and our wish lists, is the moment we are able to see the needs of others and find sincere ways to fulfill those needs and give good gifts.

The Apostle Paul has said, "Let us not be weary in well-doing . . . As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men." - Galatians, Chapter 6, Verses 9-10

The Spirit of Christmas is the Spirit of Christ. And the Spirit of Christ is GIVING, especially giving JOY!

The Nativity

Click to learn more about the story of Christmas.

Ask, Seek, Knock

My thoughts today are inspired by Austin's sister's painting (Bailey Gunther, who is currently serving a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the North Carolina, Charlotte mission). Bailey is an amazing artist and this has to be one of my favorites. There are certain words that come to my mind when I look at this little girl praying: innocence, purity, trust, love, hope, faith, sincerity. Prayer for her seems so natural and right and good. She doesn't look like she's doing it out of a sense of duty, but because she wants to speak to her Father in Heaven. Perhaps it is because she is still a child, and being aware that she is a child, is naturally humble. "As soon as we learn the true relationship in which we stand toward God (namely, God is our Father and we are His children), then at once prayer becomes natural and instinctive on our part" (Bible Dictionary).

This picture reminds me that, while I may be an adult, I am and always will be a child of my Heavenly Father. As an adult I am easily swayed by thoughts of "I'm right," "I know more than . . . " etc. Looking at this picture reminds me that I need to be like this child in my attitude towards my Father in heaven and towards prayer. Prayer is an essential part of deepening and improving the closeness of my relationship with Him. I think it is easy to feel that God is far away, that He's in "heaven," where ever that is. We know He loves us, but how can we really know Him? That's where prayer has changed everything for me. I talk to Him, I ask Him questions, I tell him about my day and about my worries, and ask Him for help with the things I have to do tomorrow. It is in those moments of true, sincere prayer that I feel close to Him because I feel so loved and peaceful and comforted; I know that whatever comes tomorrow, I won't have to do it alone. The more of myself that I offer to Him, the more He offers to me in every aspect of my life. With each conversation/prayer, each answered question and each witnessed little miracles (or even large ones), I come to know Him better.

"Ask and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

For everyone that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?

Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?"

Matthew, Chapter 7, Verses 7-11    

Even as a mortal, imperfect person, I do my best to give good things to my children when they ask for them. Consider then a perfect Heavenly Father who, when asked for good things, will give them. The formula, as described in those scriptures, is to: ASK / SEEK / KNOCK. All of those words are verbs. That means there is an action required! For me (a literature nerd), that means RESEARCH - asking questions, seeking knowledge from reputable sources, and knocking at heaven's gates through simple, sincere prayer. The promise is that I (and every other person who uses these steps) will RECEIVE, FIND, and the door will OPEN.