Ready Always / Who we are / Scripture

What even is the Book of Mormon?

1

The hallway answer

About 15 seconds

“It’s a book of scripture, kind of like a companion to the Bible. It’s about ancient people in the Americas, and its main point is Jesus Christ, including Him visiting them after He was resurrected. And no, the musical isn’t accurate.”

Then ask them: Want me to show you my favorite part? It’s like two pages.
I want the real answer ↓
2

The real answer

About 5 minutes

Its subtitle is “Another Testament of Jesus Christ.” The Church’s Topics and Questions page notes that in more than 6,000 verses it refers to Jesus Christ almost 4,000 times, using 100 different names. Its high point is the resurrected Savior visiting people in the Americas (3 Nephi 11).

Latter-day Saints believe ancient prophets wrote it on metal plates, a prophet-historian named Mormon abridged it (that’s where the name comes from), and Joseph Smith translated it “by the gift and power of God.” It was published in 1830.

It ends with an invitation, not an argument. Moroni 10:4–5 asks readers to ponder it and ask God with “real intent” whether it is true. That’s the best answer to give a friend: read a chapter together and let them decide.

Scriptures to know. Tap to read.

Moroni 10:3-5Ask God if it’s true
3Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts. 4And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. 5And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things. Read in Book of Mormon, Connected →
3 Nephi 11:8-11Jesus appears in the Americas
8And it came to pass, as they understood they cast their eyes up again towards heaven; and behold, they saw a Man descending out of heaven; and he was clothed in a white robe; and he came down and stood in the midst of them; and the eyes of the whole multitude were turned upon him, and they durst not open their mouths, even one to another, and wist not what it meant, for they thought it was an angel that had appeared unto them. 9And it came to pass that he stretched forth his hand and spake unto the people, saying: 10Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world. 11And behold, I am the light and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning. Read in Book of Mormon, Connected →
2 Nephi 25:26We talk of Christ
26And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins. Read in Book of Mormon, Connected →
Ezekiel 37:16-17Two records joined in one
16Moreover, thou son of man, take thee one stick, and write upon it, For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions: then take another stick, and write upon it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions: 17And join them one to another into one stick; and they shall become one in thine hand. Read in Old Testament, Connected →
3

Go deeper

Research room

What’s behind the question

Many teens only know the Book of Mormon from a Broadway musical or a meme. Curiosity is a great opening.

OfficialTopics and Questions: Book of Mormon ↗OfficialGospel Topics Essay: Book of Mormon Translation ↗How the translation happened, from eyewitness accountsWeak ThingsBook of Mormon, Connected →Read any chapter with conference talks and study toolsFaithful scholarshipScripture Central: KnoWhys ↗Short, footnoted answers about specific passages

Source labels: Official = published by the Church. Scripture = the standard works. Faithful scholarship = independent Latter-day Saint researchers. Helpful, but not official.

4

For me

Think it through
  1. Have I ever asked God, myself, if the Book of Mormon is true?
  2. What chapter would I share with a friend first?
  3. How has the Book of Mormon helped me know Jesus Christ?
Act in faithWhat do I already know and believe here?
Eternal perspectiveHow does God’s plan change how I see this?
Good sourcesWho could I ask: a parent, a leader, the scriptures?

Notes stay on this page while it’s open and aren’t saved or sent anywhere.

5

Practice this one

Pick a reply

Friends also ask

Do you believe in the Bible?Aren’t you a Mormon? Why does everyone say “Latter-day Saint” now?You really think there’s a prophet today?

Weak Things is an independent site, not an official website of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Answers are written to match the Church’s published teachings, and every answer links to its sources.

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