Difference between revisions of "Book of Mormon"
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| − | The Book of Mormon is one of the four standard works, or scriptures, of the [[Mormons|Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints]] (Mormons). The other standard works are the [[Bible]], the Pearl of Great Price, and the Doctrine and Covenants. | + | The '''Book of Mormon''' is one of the four standard works, or scriptures, of the [[Mormons|Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints]] (Mormons). The other standard works are the [[Bible]], the Pearl of Great Price, and the Doctrine and Covenants. |
Mormons believe that [[Joseph Smith]] translated the Book of Mormon from a set of golden plates he received from an angel named Moroni<sup>1</sup>. Smith translated the golden plates by placing a pair of seer stones, called the [[Urim and Thummim]], into a hat he held tight against his face. The translated words appeared as a spiritual light.<sup>2</sup>. | Mormons believe that [[Joseph Smith]] translated the Book of Mormon from a set of golden plates he received from an angel named Moroni<sup>1</sup>. Smith translated the golden plates by placing a pair of seer stones, called the [[Urim and Thummim]], into a hat he held tight against his face. The translated words appeared as a spiritual light.<sup>2</sup>. | ||
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[[Jesus]]' post-resurrection appearance in the New World is also documented in the Book of Mormon. In 1982, a subtitle, "Another Testament of Jesus Christ" was added to the title<sup>7</sup>. | [[Jesus]]' post-resurrection appearance in the New World is also documented in the Book of Mormon. In 1982, a subtitle, "Another Testament of Jesus Christ" was added to the title<sup>7</sup>. | ||
| + | ==Other denominations== | ||
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| + | The Book of Mormon is also accepted as Scripture by some other denominations, all of which share roots in Joseph Smith, Jr.'s religious movement. The largest of these groups is the Missouri-based [[Community of Christ]]. The Community of Christ publishes its own editions (an Authorized Edition, and a Revised Authorized Edition with some archaic language modernized) of the Book of Mormon with nearly identical text to the version published by the Salt Lake City-based church, but with different chapter and verse divisions. | ||
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| + | Most other Christian denominations, Catholic and Protestant, reject the Book of Mormon as being Scripture. | ||
== Polygamy == | == Polygamy == | ||
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The doctrine of polygamy is not found anywhere in the Book of Mormon but is instead found in the [[Doctrine and Covenants]], chapter 132. The Doctrine and Covenants (D&C) is an additional book of revelations mostly recorded by Joseph Smith, Jr. which are also held to be Scripture by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This doctrine was repealed in 1890 by Official Declaration--1 which appears as an appendix to the Doctrine and Covenants. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has not taught polygamy since. | The doctrine of polygamy is not found anywhere in the Book of Mormon but is instead found in the [[Doctrine and Covenants]], chapter 132. The Doctrine and Covenants (D&C) is an additional book of revelations mostly recorded by Joseph Smith, Jr. which are also held to be Scripture by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This doctrine was repealed in 1890 by Official Declaration--1 which appears as an appendix to the Doctrine and Covenants. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has not taught polygamy since. | ||
| − | D&C 132 is part of the Doctrine and Covenants of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but has never been accepted as part of the Doctrine and Covenants of some other Latter-Day Saint denominations, such as the | + | D&C 132 is part of the Doctrine and Covenants of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but has never been accepted as part of the Doctrine and Covenants of some other Latter-Day Saint denominations, such as the Community of Christ, which has always rejected polygamy. |
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Revision as of 21:29, March 15, 2007
The Book of Mormon is one of the four standard works, or scriptures, of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons). The other standard works are the Bible, the Pearl of Great Price, and the Doctrine and Covenants.
Mormons believe that Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon from a set of golden plates he received from an angel named Moroni1. Smith translated the golden plates by placing a pair of seer stones, called the Urim and Thummim, into a hat he held tight against his face. The translated words appeared as a spiritual light.2.
The Book of Mormon tells the story of the descendents of Lehi, who took his family from Jerusalem to the Americas. According to the book, Lehi's wicked sons, Laman and Lemual, turned against his righteous sons, Nephi and Sam, and were cursed with dark skin3. Mormons believe that these people were the ancestors of Native Americans; they call them "Lamanites."4
Nephi and Sam's descendents, the Nephites, eventually turned to wickedness and were destroyed by the Lamanites. One of the last Nephites, Moroni, buried the golden plates in what is now New York State to keep them from falling into the hands of the Lamanites.5 Three Nephites were blessed with eternal life and still wander the world today helping Mormon families.6
Jesus' post-resurrection appearance in the New World is also documented in the Book of Mormon. In 1982, a subtitle, "Another Testament of Jesus Christ" was added to the title7.
Other denominations
The Book of Mormon is also accepted as Scripture by some other denominations, all of which share roots in Joseph Smith, Jr.'s religious movement. The largest of these groups is the Missouri-based Community of Christ. The Community of Christ publishes its own editions (an Authorized Edition, and a Revised Authorized Edition with some archaic language modernized) of the Book of Mormon with nearly identical text to the version published by the Salt Lake City-based church, but with different chapter and verse divisions.
Most other Christian denominations, Catholic and Protestant, reject the Book of Mormon as being Scripture.
Polygamy
It should be noted that the Book of Mormon does not teach polygamy. The Book of Mormon says concerning multiple marriages:
"Wherefore, my bretheren, hear me, and hearken to the word of the Lord: For there shall not any man among you have save it be one wife, and concubines he shall have none" (Jacob 2:27).
The doctrine of polygamy is not found anywhere in the Book of Mormon but is instead found in the Doctrine and Covenants, chapter 132. The Doctrine and Covenants (D&C) is an additional book of revelations mostly recorded by Joseph Smith, Jr. which are also held to be Scripture by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This doctrine was repealed in 1890 by Official Declaration--1 which appears as an appendix to the Doctrine and Covenants. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has not taught polygamy since.
D&C 132 is part of the Doctrine and Covenants of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but has never been accepted as part of the Doctrine and Covenants of some other Latter-Day Saint denominations, such as the Community of Christ, which has always rejected polygamy.
1. "History of Joseph Smith," History of the Church Vol. 1.
2. Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, "A Treasured Testament," Ensign, July 1993
4. Elder Spencer W. Kimball of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
6. "Clyde J. Williams on the Three Nephites and the Doctrine of Translation," Thoughts on Gospel Doctrine Lesson 42, Deseret Book.