If you asked a random person about Mormons you will most probably be met with a blank stare, or maybe a raised eyebrow. If you are lucky they will look at something in the sky and start scratching their head and will start muttering something under their breath. You are luckier if you will hear them say “Hey they have a different Bible right?” And you will probably be thinking “What on earth is that new bible?”
Well wonder no more! That book is called ‘The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.’ It is one of those many pre-judged books before knowing the real teachings inside. It is one of those you-have-to-know-about-it-more-so-go-ahead-and-read-it kind of reading.
To understand the content of these ancient records, first things first. Mormons are Christians, and if you would like to know more about that, you can read the article Are Mormons Christians?
Contrary to popular belief, the Book of Mormon is not about Joseph Smith or anything related cult or evil doings but is a handbook of instructions on how to live true Christians living. These ancient records have events that happened even before Jesus Christ was born. The focus of the book is not Mormon, nor is it about anybody else. The book’s subtitle reads, “Another Testament of Jesus Christ,” meaning it is all about Christ and His teachings on how we can follow Him more closely. However, Mormons still believe in the Bible that it also leads us to believe in Christ. The Book of Mormon is another set of ancient records with testimonies about our Savior.
In the introduction of the Book of Mormon, it is described as “[containing]…the fullness of the everlasting gospel.” The gospel of Jesus Christ is what can help us to become the best persons we can be and for our own eternal gain. Nephi, one of the writers and prophets in the Book of Mormon, clearly stated:
And 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 [forgiveness] of their sins.
The Book of Mormon also teaches us the purpose of life. Most of us know that we gain experience from our decisions, but not everyone understand the reason why we have to gain experiences and until when can we use these experiences. God prepared a plan for us to be with Him again. His love exists and can be understood through this book.
The only way to know the truthfulness of this book is to follow an invitation as shared in the introduction page:
We invite all men everywhere to read the Book of Mormon, to ponder in their hearts the message it contains, and then to ask God, The Eternal Father, in the name of Christ if the book is true. Those who pursue this course and ask in faith will gain a testimony of its truth and divinity by the power of the Holy Ghost.