The Book of Mormon

Abstract

The Book of Mormon is perhaps the most significant addition to world scripture in the last two centuries. It is the foundational text for a Christian denomination—the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—that is rapidly approaching 18 million members worldwide, and it may be the most widely distributed book ever produced by an American, with more than 200 million copies in 110 languages. Nevertheless, the book’s length, archaic language, and complicated narrative can make it difficult to read. This introductory guide explains the origins of the Book of Mormon in 1830, traces its various editions, outlines its contents, and identifies its major themes. It surveys the many controversies surrounding the book, as well as the role it plays in the lives of believers. This guide presents diverse interpretations, both faithful and skeptical, as it explores the relationship between the Book of Mormon and the Bible, assesses its historical claims, and discusses its literary features with representative examples and a few extended passages. It concludes by focusing on some of the teachings in the Book of Mormon that are relevant for readers in the modern world, including materialism, militarism, and faith in a secular age. This volume provides the background information needed to read the Book of Mormon knowledgeably and fluently.