Book of Mormon: Revised Authorized Edition

The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ

I have read 'The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ' well over a dozen times, and I can honestly say this book has impacted my life in ways I cannot even begin to describe. This book, along with the Holy Bible, contains the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but unlike the Bible, it includes many plain and precious things that have been removed from the Bible by various individuals for various reasons over the course of many translations over many centuries. This book is truly 'Another Testament of Jesus Christ.' This book is the best companion to the Holy Bible of any religious text available today. It brings understanding to some Bible doctrines which are more difficult for the average person to understand. The ancient prophet Ezekiel foresaw the coming forth in the latter days of this book of scripture. He referred to it as the stick of Joseph. He foretold that the Saints of the latter days would combine it with the ancient stick of Judah, the Bible, and that the two would become one in their hand. This book is the promised stick of Joseph, this ancient scriptural record which had slumbered in the dust for well over a millennium. Interestingly, this book has only had one translation from the original writings of ancient prophets (which were abridged into a single record inscribed upon golden plates by an ancient Prophet-Historian named Mormon). Joseph Smith, Jr. took the original golden plates, on which this record was inscribed in Reformed Egyptian, and translated their contents into English. One amazing thing about this book is that near the end, it contains a promise that if one reads and ponders this book, and then asks God, in the name of Jesus Christ, in sincere prayer, with real intent, if this book is true, the truth of it will be revealed to you by the Holy Spirit. One final note: This book also contains a specific warning to the inhabitants of the American continent(s), revealing that this is a land of promise, and that those who abide upon it are under covenant with the Lord to obey him, and as long as they do so, they will be under his protection. However, if the day comes that they are 'ripened in iniquity,' the Lord's protection will be taken away and they will be left to themselves. Every ancient civilization described in this book that had enjoyed the Lord's protection while they were righteous eventually degenerated to where they had ripened in iniquity and each was destroyed off the face of the land, to the very last man. This sobering warning should be understood by all in the western hemisphere, but most especially those that inhabit the nation with the most to lose: The United States of America.

13 out of 14 people found this review helpful.

Marvelous!

I have never understood the Lord as well as I do now since reading and cross-referencing the Book of Mormon and the Bible! So uplifting and fulfilling. I think everyone should take the time and really read and pray just as the Lord asks us too, they will find that this is true!

8 out of 8 people found this review helpful.

Poorly written

Although I understand that this is a sacred text to some, it is very poorly written. Having read the Bible, as well as other sacred texts from different religions, I am accustomed to reading this style of writing however, I cannot read this. I've tried several times, but I find it incredibly difficult to focus on the message this text is attempting to give due to the constant abuse of one particular phrase.

2 out of 16 people found this review helpful.

Early American Religious Fiction

The reviews here are interesting for a number of reasons. Most seem to be written by members of the Utah LDS Church (which many people mistakenly assume is the ONLY Mormon denomination; it is not.) The give-away is that so many of these reviews use the LDS Church's 1983 subtitle "Another Testament of Christ"--which, of course, is NOT the original title of "The Book of Mormon."
What makes this amusing is that the particular edition of "The Book of Mormon" being advertised above is published by the RLDS Church (also called "The Community of Christ") which is headquartered in Independence, Missouri--and which US law recognizes as the LEGAL heir to the original church organized near Palmyra, New York by Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdrey in the Spring of 1830.
The RLDS Church (the Community of Christ) is the second largest Mormon denomination; it was founded by the actual blood relatives of Joseph Smith (his sons, his brother William and his sisters, his mother, paternal uncles and their fanmilies.) Except for the legal widow of Hyrum Smith--and her son by Hyrum, Joseph F. Smith--NO members of the Smith family followed Brigham Young and the Quroum of the Twelve to Utah. They stayed in the midwest--in Nauvoo and Independence--which were the sites that Joseph Smith set apart as the "gathering places" for Mormons.

I'm a Reform Mormon (www.reformmormonism.org)--which is a new Mormon denomination. Reform Mormonism is to LDSism what Reform Judaism is to Orthodox Judaism.

Reform Mormons consider ALL scripture to be man-made--that is, art. NO book is infallible. We don't consider "The Book of Mormon" to be history: the facts of Mormon history--not to mention ancient American and Middle Eastern history--simply do nor support the book as an historical record.

We consider "The Book of Mormon" to be early American religious fiction--and as such, it can be inspirational for readers open to such inspiration. The stories in the book clearly reflect the frontier Evangelical Christian practices of the 1820's. The various prophet characters sound like Methodist preachers. (Joseph Smith himself was a member of the Palmyra, New York Methodist teeenage debating organization in 1822 and 1824; in 1825 while living in Harmony, Pennsylvania he applied for membership in the local Methodist Church there--and was denied membership because of his continued involvement in treasure digging and folk-magic. The original "Church of Christ" that Joseph and Oliver Cowdrey organized in 1830 had a church government based on the Methodist's model.[The Aaronic and Melchezdek Priesthoods were FIRST introduced into Mormonism several years later--in 1834 in Kirtland, Ohio.)

The crowds who come under the influence of the prophet characters in "The Book of Mormon" react like evangelical Christians would act at a revival: they faint (are "slain in the spirit"), they speak in tongues, they shout praises and "hallelujahs"--behavior which, interestingly enough, is no longer found in any of Mormonism's various denominations. (Certainly NOT in the Utah LDS Church.)

1 out of 13 people found this review helpful.

Interesting and dull at the same time

It is also very interesting that several reviewers state that this is the 'best' book ever written. Compare these comments to the Mormon Church - or I suppose I should say the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints - normal statement that the Book of Mormon is a companion text to the Bible. As you see here - in reality to their believers it is a replacement. It is also an obvious 19th century work of fiction. It interests me that all ancient works of literature, be they religious texts or works of literature, are found on papyrus or other ancient paper or for inscriptions such as the Rosetta Stone writing is carved into rock. But only the Book of Mormon was found on golden tablets - which of course are not around any more. Even the Jewish people knew that gold had much better uses than for writing - but never mind to the dedicated believer that nothing about this work jives with what is histroically established about the life and times of Jesus of Nazereth. Oh well.......

1 out of 9 people found this review helpful.

The Divine Word entangled in folktales

The Book of Mormon,a religious text and one of the sources of faith, belief, practice,and morals for the members of the, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints;would be a difficult book to read for a person whose knowledge of the Bible is very limited or absent. The book of Mormon is a compilation of stories, myths, beliefs,tales,and bits and pieces taken from the Bible, and then woven together as 'divine scripture.'Granted, the book is a good read, because of the many stories it has, and also because one can read Bible scriptures that have been taken out of context, and then woven into the author's(i.e.,Alma)main story. Thus, the reader,again somebody who does not know the Bible, would be likely to accept the Book's statements as divine scriptures. On the other hand, one has also to have in mind that, the book of Mormon is not the sole source of the LDS's teachings. They also have, the Doctrine and Covenants book;the Pearl of Great price; and the the KJV of the Bible. To better appreciate the book of Mormon, the reader has to have read the Bible, because otherwise, ignorance would result in one's confusion. As a whole, the book is a good story-tale; the divine word of God, is located in the Bible. Although, the Book of Mormon is said to be, Another Testament of Jesus Christ, the person who has read a Bible would know that,according to the writer of the Book of Hebrews(a Bible book,and part of the Christian canon of scripture) God spoke last to humans in the person of his son, God in the flesh(not that Jesus Christ became a God after his earth experience, as Mormon teaching proclaims,(John 1:1-18);Hebrews 1:1-4. Thus, to understand the confusion that the Book of Mormon may cause the reader, one ought to know the Bible first; simply because, when the Book of Mormon is read carefully, one can see that a lot of its,stories, are a retelling of Biblical stories with some twists, and a few touches of distortion.(Mark 8:21)!

1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Constant companion

No matter what happens in life this is the book that gives me answers. Every problem can be resolved when you turn to and apply the things of this book to your life. You will never read a more profound book...ever...anywhere.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Changed My Life...Forever

After reading the BoM, I decided to join the Church. Quite simply, reading it is a most welcome change from the sadnesses and troubles of life. Its words teach of something that no words can adequately explain. I entered as a skeptic and left as a hope-filled, grateful & optimistic believer. This book is true & I testify of that. Enjoy!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

The greatest book ever published

This is the greatest book ever published. The information found in the book is true. Reading, studying, pondering this book will change your life in a great way.

A reviewer

I know the Book of Mormon is true. It was written by men of God and followers of Jesus Christ of the Ancient Americas. Joseph Smith truly translated the records by the gift and power of God. The Book of Mormon witnesses that God and Jesus Christ are real and that they live and that they care about the persons of this world and the many persons of other worlds, which they have created, create and will create. Those who claim that it is false and contradictory to the Bible obviously have no desire to know that it is true. Also, they have read or studied material written by anti-mormon enthusiasts and apostates from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. If a person genuinely wants to know if the Book of Mormon is true, he or she should sincerely read and study the book and ask God. Latter-day Saint Church members can also help.

Just as insane as Scientology

A Mormon friend of mine recomended that I read the Book of Mormon and after I finished reading half of it I realized that Joesph Smith was just as much a fraud (and just as insane) as L Ron Hubbard was. I'm sorry but believing that all black people are 'cursed' is just as nuts as believing that an alien named Lord Xenu is the source of all human suffering. If I could give this thing Zero Stars I would but since I can't I will leave it at that

0 out of 7 people found this review helpful.

An insiders view

Wonderful. This book checks off my balance sheet. All of my life, in my heart, i've known what I believe. I can recognize truth when it's infront of me, and yet still, i had to take the challenge, and pray about it. The answer was unmistakable. Now i have on paper what i've always believed. God didn't leave the rest of the world out. He visited the Americas too. What a loving and gracious God to give us so very much, and then more scripture for our guidance. What a wonderful companion to the Bible. I cherish my time to read both. Do not pass the opportunity by. Take the challenge for your self. YOU read part of it, YOU pray about it. And YOU will know. No one can or should answer that question for you.

Another Testament of Jesus Christ

I have read the Book of Mormon. I asked God if it is true and he answered my prayer in the affirmative. Read this book with an open and honest heart. If you do, then when you ask Heavenly Father if it is true he will answer your prayer. Don't take my word for it, ask God. (James 1:5)

Peace brought by the Book of Mormon

There is no book that I have ever read that makes me feel the way I do when I read the Book of Mormon. At times my life can feel 'out of flow' or extremely busy and in 'commotion'. However, whenever I take the time to read this book and ponder its teachings I feel so much better. The passages are rich with meaning and application to my life. It is filled with hidden treasures and has given me balance, support and direction in my life. As I read it I feel the peace, comfort and love that only God can give. Enjoy your treasure.

True Doctrine, Word of God

This is the most true book I have ever read and it has brought happiness to my life. There have been many attacks on it being false, mainly on it mentioning horses, steel, and iron. Keep in mind that in 1833, Charles Darwin had found evidence that HORSES had in fact lived in Pre-Colombian America. Also in 1930, 22 IRON beads were discovered in Havana, Illinois that were Pre-Colombian and STEEL was found under an ancient temple in Panama. There was even steel in the Old Testament (Job 20:24 and Deuteronomy 4:20) Read the Book of Mormon for yourself and then decide what you believe before studying attacks against it. It's worth it.

Ridiculous Fiction

This is a ridiculous story! And on top of that, not even interesting! If you like repetitious mumbo-jumbo, and fiction which is not even remotely similar to true North American history, go ahead and purchase the book. But if a rational, thinking, knowledgeable person is seeking a good read...forget it!

0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Interesting & uplifting work of fiction

An uplifting work of fiction. Having read the book more than once, and having studied the history behind it's writing, I am puzzled why so many people keep claiming this book it 'true' or written by god. It is enjoyable and uplifting - but far too much evidence available that proves it is fiction - not historical. If you enjoy reading scriptures, you'll probably enjoy this book. If you prefer a good Robert Ludlam novel, pass this by. I've noticed some people recommending getting the book free from lds.org - if you do, be forewarned that missionaries will end up on your doorstep to try and convert you.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

An Essential Reading of the TRUE Religion

This book will definately help you better understand the true bible which is the King James Bible. Those that doubt the truths in the Book of Mormon or the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints no doubt also doubt the teachings of the King James version bible. They obviously don't believe in family togetherness, worshiping together, praying together, eating together, the joy of life, love, Jesus Christ.

Not True

I'd like to go on and on about how this book is really not true and what it's like to be brought up in the mormon religion but I'll just cut to the chase... Not true. Not interesting. I truly feel sorry for those who are still trapped in the cult of mormonism. There are many people who could do better without the religion hampering their ability to be all they can truly be. I'm glad to be free...

0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Such A Helpful Book

Ya know, one of the great things about being an LDS church member is the joy and satisfaction that you understand. All of the people who doubt the Book of Mormon are definately reading it with the wrong spirit. For those that need the proof, you need to look no further than Nephi's journey out of Jerusalem which happens to be the exact way one would leave during that time. Or maybe one could read the Allegory of the Olive Tree, since Olive Trees can only be grown in certain areas of the world, New York not being one. Or, for even more proof, how about looking at the chiasmus that is interlaced throughout the book. All of these things are things that Joseph Smith would not have known or could have no way of knowing. So what if it predicts Christ before his time. These are prophets, they always testify of the future.. The greatest testimony of the book is the spirit that you feel when you read it and the confirmation you can receive when you pray after reading it of its truth. That's the only confirmation worth while!