Introduction

I've read a lot of interesting things about Mormons over the years, but during this presidential campaign it's gotten worse than usual. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe some interesting things. This blog will examine some of those beliefs (from an insider's perspective).

The purpose of this blog is to clarify some of the misconceptions floating around and to provide a context for the beliefs and events related to the Mormon Church. I won't proselytize or go into depth. There are plenty of other sources for that. This is simply meant to be a brief response to what I am seeing in the media. If you have suggestions for questions please drop me a line.

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

What is the Book of Mormon and why do the Mormons need more scripture?

I'm tempted to ask why wouldn't people want more scripture in these complex times? It has been the pattern of God from Adam on down, to reveal His will to men and women. These men and women have shared their stories with others and have written down the words of God revealed to them. As long as there have been people worthy and willing to listen to Him, He has spoken.

Consider the command and promise in the letter of James contained in the New Testament – "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."

Clearly, God is willing to give His wisdom to all mankind. We believe that the Lord keeps this promise regardless of where people are located in the world. As Mormons, we believe that there were people on the American continents thousands of years ago who also sought to know God. He responded to their petitions just as He did to the petitions of those in the Middle East. And as a Church, we believe that God wanted us to have His words to the ancient inhabitants of the American continents (The Book of Mormon), just as He wanted us to have His words to the ancient inhabitants of the Middle East (The Bible).