The Book of Mormons
The Book of Mormons is an account of Christ’s ministry to ancient America, recounting stories like Joseph in Egypt and Daniel in the Lion’s Den, along with teachings on faith and His role as Redeemer for all humanity.
Text may be confusing to some readers due to its nonchronological structure. For instance, Mormon jumped back and forth between Nephi’s first-person account of events and Nephi & Jacob’s personal diaries from Mormon’s interpretation of another record.
It Testifies of Jesus
The Book of Mormon was intended to demonstrate to both Jews and Gentiles alike that Jesus is indeed the Christ, the Eternal God manifesting himself to all nations (Book of Mormon title page). It contains many accounts regarding Jesus’s Atonement and Resurrection as well as stories about how prophets like Nephi and Jacob battled evil within their communities.
The Book of Mormon records how those who choose righteousness are blessed and flourish, while evildoers are cursed and destroyed. Samuel and Moroni both warn us that God will judge those who commit evildeeds according to their deeds (2 Nephi 20).
Although certain aspects of this book may seem unusual or unlikely at first, its message asks readers to approach it with faith and prayer. Moroni asks readers not to judge its words until they have been tested; chapters have also been numbered – an addition by Bible publishers as they attempt to divide solid blocks of undivided text – yet do not correspond with biblical chapter and verse system.
It Takes Place in the Ancient Americas
For decades, many LDS readers imagined the Book of Mormon stories taking place in an ancient New World, often inspired by Arnold Friberg’s artwork which appeared in editions of the book and became part of how LDS believers imagined scriptural settings. Unfortunately, however, his paintings do not convey all that archaeologists now understand about American history.
Archaeological evidence strongly points to Mesoamerica as the location for Jaredites, Nephites and Lamanites in their early history. Mesoamerica was unique among New World cultures because its fully literate civilizations produced nonperishable records that document historical events.
But even if one accepts Mesoamerica as the setting for the Book of Mormon events, it remains impossible to place them within an exact chronological framework due to several inserted chapters and nonchronological narrative shifts within the text itself.
It Was Written by Jesus’s Followers
The Book of Mormon depicts Jesus appearing to the people in ancient America and asking them to keep a record of his ministry there, along with teaching them how to baptize and organize His church. Additionally, He promised peace, abundant food and spiritual contentment would come if humanity believed and obeyed His gospel message.
Joseph Smith claimed he translated the Book of Mormon with divine help. Using a seer stone to block out light and dictated text directly to a scribe, Joseph finished translating its 588 pages within 90 days.
Latter-day Saints use the Book of Mormon as an aid for understanding promptings from the Holy Spirit. They revere it and regularly pray over it, reading often and sharing its teachings with others while enjoying its literary qualities as poetry or prose.
It Helps You Find Peace
Studying the Book of Mormon often helps its readers achieve peace in their lives. This scripture contains numerous stories of righteous individuals who kept their covenants with God even during difficult times; furthermore it clearly details circumstances associated with genuine peace: including lack of wealth for poor, cabals trying to take over government control, or civil war (see 4 Nephi).
The Book of Mormon contains many stories of courageous individuals who found strength in following God despite overwhelming odds, inspiring us to seek Christ’s forgiveness and peace. Stories like Joseph in Egypt, Daniel in the Lion’s Den, Esther (see Mosiah), Lehi’s courageous missionary work (2 Nephi 6), or Lehi himself give hope that even when things seem at their worst, lasting peace is possible by upholding our covenants with Him.
