Conservapedia - User contributions [en]

Talk:Book of Mormon

2007-05-08T00:14:48Z

Leader: /* A SysOp inserted the word "supposedly" into a quote; I fixed this error. */

I have a question about the ancestry of Native Americans. I thought, that since genetic tests couldn't find a common ancestry between Jews and Native Americans, that modern LDS teaching is that while the descendants of the Lammanites lived (and still live, presumably) in America, the bulk of the Native Americans are descendants of people dispersed after the Flood (I think?), and not necessarily from Nephi et al. I don't want to change the article, because I'm not LDS, and I'm not sure about it, but I did want to ask if that part of this article was accurate. [[User:Kolbe|Kolbe]] 20:06, 24 March 2007 (EDT)

== Restored the proper title of the book which this article references; please do not remove or change. ==

The title of the book commonly known as "The Book of Mormon" is actually "The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ."

The removal of the rightful subtitle of such an extensively published book from a reference such as the Conservapedia wouldn't make sense coming from a neutral party.

The front matter of The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ makes it quite clear that the name of the book is indeed as I noted. If you wish to verify the authenticity of my observation, please take a look [http://scriptures.lds.org/ here] and [http://scriptures.lds.org/en/bm/contents here]. Please also feel free to open physical copy of the aforementioned book you may have at hand, and you will find in the front matter of the book the same full title.

Just as the full title of Sean Hannity's most recently published book is "Deliver Us From Evil: Defeating Terrorism, Despotism, and Liberalism," so too does "The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ" have a proper name, including a subtitle. Please do not remove the book's subtitle from the first reference to the name of the book in the article. [[User:Leader|Leader]] 22:54, 6 May 2007 (EDT)

The whole thing seems a little bizarre, but, hey, to each his own.[[User:Livingston|Livingston]] 22:56, 6 May 2007 (EDT)

Bizarre that we use the proper name of what is arguably the most important uniquely American religious text in publication? Why would anyone oppose the proper name of a book? [[User:Leader|Leader]] 23:40, 6 May 2007 (EDT)

: The subtitle was added in 1982. Maybe that deserves a mention? [[User:Brainslug|Brainslug]] 10:16, 7 May 2007 (EDT)
:: Never mind, see that it's in the reference section. [[User:Brainslug|Brainslug]] 10:17, 7 May 2007 (EDT)

==The title business==

Look, I think I know what this is about, and it's silly, let's stop it.

I think it is an appropriate courtesy to Mormons to use the full title as it is presently given, if they really care about this point. A footnote symbol alerts the reader that there might be something more, and the footnote notes the title change. Nothing is being hidden, everything's on the up-and-up.

Now, [[User:Leader|Leader]], do you commonly refer to "The Holy Bible, Containing the Old Testament, and the New: Newly Translated out of the Original tongues: and with the former Translations diligently compared and revised, by his Majesty's Special Commandment. Appointed to be read in Churches?" I'll bet you don't. I'll bet just call it "the King James version" or "the Holy Bible" or "the Bible." Even though that long sentence is exactly what's on the title page. And I'll bet you just call the Book of Mormon "the Book of Mormon" when you're not trying to make a point.

What I'm sure this is all about is that Mormons have views that are somewhat outside the Christian mainstream. That's not going to go away. Some Christians are always going to say Mormons aren't really Christians. Just as some Catholics don't think Protestants are really Christians (and vice versa). Just as some Friends General Conference Quakers don't think Friends United Meeting Quakers are really Quakers.

And without even looking I can tell you with 99% accuracy what the title business is about. I betcha the Mormons-are-not-Christians faction says "See? They just added it as window-dressing to fool people," and I betcha the Mormons say "We've always been Christians, that was taken for granted, we didn't think anything need to be said about it, but when the question came up we adjusted the title to reflect what's always been true." Am I right?

We can talk about it, but please, no edit wars or changes without discussion or flat assertions that one title "the proper title" and others are wrong. [[User:Dpbsmith|Dpbsmith]] 11:36, 7 May 2007 (EDT)

== A SysOp inserted the word "supposedly" into a quote; I fixed this error. ==

CPAdmin1 inserted the word "supposedly" as follows; I have illustrated with strikeout text:
<blockquote>Thus the Book of Mormon was <s>supposedly</s> translated by the gift and power of God, and not by any power of man. (David Whitmer, An Address to All Believers in Christ, Richmond, Mo.: n.p., 1887, p. 12.)</blockquote>Check out the reference to the article in question if you wish to see proof of the fact that the text is as I quoted it, and not as CPAdmin1 altered it to read.

I have fixed this error, and kindly request that all who disagree with the personal religious views of Latter-day Saints not resort to doctoring quotes to express their views. [[User:Leader|Leader]] 20:14, 7 May 2007 (EDT)

Talk:Book of Mormon

2007-05-08T00:14:19Z

Leader: A SysOp inserted the word "supposedly" into a quote; I fixed this error.

I have a question about the ancestry of Native Americans. I thought, that since genetic tests couldn't find a common ancestry between Jews and Native Americans, that modern LDS teaching is that while the descendants of the Lammanites lived (and still live, presumably) in America, the bulk of the Native Americans are descendants of people dispersed after the Flood (I think?), and not necessarily from Nephi et al. I don't want to change the article, because I'm not LDS, and I'm not sure about it, but I did want to ask if that part of this article was accurate. [[User:Kolbe|Kolbe]] 20:06, 24 March 2007 (EDT)

== Restored the proper title of the book which this article references; please do not remove or change. ==

The title of the book commonly known as "The Book of Mormon" is actually "The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ."

The removal of the rightful subtitle of such an extensively published book from a reference such as the Conservapedia wouldn't make sense coming from a neutral party.

The front matter of The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ makes it quite clear that the name of the book is indeed as I noted. If you wish to verify the authenticity of my observation, please take a look [http://scriptures.lds.org/ here] and [http://scriptures.lds.org/en/bm/contents here]. Please also feel free to open physical copy of the aforementioned book you may have at hand, and you will find in the front matter of the book the same full title.

Just as the full title of Sean Hannity's most recently published book is "Deliver Us From Evil: Defeating Terrorism, Despotism, and Liberalism," so too does "The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ" have a proper name, including a subtitle. Please do not remove the book's subtitle from the first reference to the name of the book in the article. [[User:Leader|Leader]] 22:54, 6 May 2007 (EDT)

The whole thing seems a little bizarre, but, hey, to each his own.[[User:Livingston|Livingston]] 22:56, 6 May 2007 (EDT)

Bizarre that we use the proper name of what is arguably the most important uniquely American religious text in publication? Why would anyone oppose the proper name of a book? [[User:Leader|Leader]] 23:40, 6 May 2007 (EDT)

: The subtitle was added in 1982. Maybe that deserves a mention? [[User:Brainslug|Brainslug]] 10:16, 7 May 2007 (EDT)
:: Never mind, see that it's in the reference section. [[User:Brainslug|Brainslug]] 10:17, 7 May 2007 (EDT)

==The title business==

Look, I think I know what this is about, and it's silly, let's stop it.

I think it is an appropriate courtesy to Mormons to use the full title as it is presently given, if they really care about this point. A footnote symbol alerts the reader that there might be something more, and the footnote notes the title change. Nothing is being hidden, everything's on the up-and-up.

Now, [[User:Leader|Leader]], do you commonly refer to "The Holy Bible, Containing the Old Testament, and the New: Newly Translated out of the Original tongues: and with the former Translations diligently compared and revised, by his Majesty's Special Commandment. Appointed to be read in Churches?" I'll bet you don't. I'll bet just call it "the King James version" or "the Holy Bible" or "the Bible." Even though that long sentence is exactly what's on the title page. And I'll bet you just call the Book of Mormon "the Book of Mormon" when you're not trying to make a point.

What I'm sure this is all about is that Mormons have views that are somewhat outside the Christian mainstream. That's not going to go away. Some Christians are always going to say Mormons aren't really Christians. Just as some Catholics don't think Protestants are really Christians (and vice versa). Just as some Friends General Conference Quakers don't think Friends United Meeting Quakers are really Quakers.

And without even looking I can tell you with 99% accuracy what the title business is about. I betcha the Mormons-are-not-Christians faction says "See? They just added it as window-dressing to fool people," and I betcha the Mormons say "We've always been Christians, that was taken for granted, we didn't think anything need to be said about it, but when the question came up we adjusted the title to reflect what's always been true." Am I right?

We can talk about it, but please, no edit wars or changes without discussion or flat assertions that one title "the proper title" and others are wrong. [[User:Dpbsmith|Dpbsmith]] 11:36, 7 May 2007 (EDT)

== A SysOp inserted the word "supposedly" into a quote; I fixed this error. ==

CPAdmin1 inserted the word "supposedly" as follows; I have illustrated with strikeout text:
<blockquote>Thus the Book of Mormon was <s>supposedly</s> translated by the gift and power of God, and not by any power of man. (David Whitmer, An Address to All Believers in Christ, Richmond, Mo.: n.p., 1887, p. 12.)</blockquote>Check out the reference in the article if you wish to see proof of the fact that the text is as I quoted it, and not as CPAdmin1 altered it to read.

I have fixed this error, and kindly request that all who disagree with the personal religious views of Latter-day Saints not resort to doctoring quotes to express their views. [[User:Leader|Leader]] 20:14, 7 May 2007 (EDT)

Book of Mormon

2007-05-08T00:02:30Z

Leader:

''The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ''<ref>[http://scriptures.lds.org/en/bm/contents The Book of Mormon]; Title page since 1982: ''The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.'' Original title page: ''The Book of Mormon: An Account Written by the Hand of Mormon upon Plates Taken from the Plates of Nephi.''</ref> is one of the four standard works, or scriptures, of the [[Mormons|Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints]] (Mormons). The other standard works are the [[Bible]], the [[Pearl of Great Price]], and the [[Doctrine and Covenants]].

Mormons believe that [[Joseph Smith]], Jr. translated the Book of Mormon from a set of gold plates he received from an angel named Moroni<ref>[http://scriptures.lds.org/js_h/1/34-35#34 "History of Joseph Smith,"] History of the Church Vol. 1</ref>

<blockquote>
“Joseph Smith would put the seer stone into a hat, and put his face in the hat, drawing it closely around his face to exclude the light; and in the darkness the spiritual light would shine. A piece of something resembling parchment would appear, and on that appeared the writing. One character at a time would appear, and under it was the interpretation in English. Brother Joseph would read off the English to Oliver Cowdery, who was his principal scribe, and when it was written down and repeated to Brother Joseph to see if it was correct, then it would disappear, and another character with the interpretation would appear. Thus the Book of Mormon was translated by the gift and power of God, and not by any power of man.” (David Whitmer, An Address to All Believers in Christ, Richmond, Mo.: n.p., 1887, p. 12.)
 -Russell M. Nelson, “A Treasured Testament,” <ref>[http://library.lds.org/nxt/gateway.dll/Magazines/Ensign/1993.htm/ensign%20july%201993.htm/a%20treasured%20testament.htm "A Treasured Testament,"] Ensign, July 1993, 61</ref></blockquote>

The Book of Mormon tells the story of the descendents of Lehi, who took his family from Jerusalem to the Americas. According to the book, Lehi's wicked sons, Laman and Lemual, turned against his righteous sons, Nephi and Sam, and were cursed with dark skin<ref>[http://www.gospeldoctrine.com/Alma3.htm GospelDoctrine.com]</ref>. Mormons believe that these people were the ancestors of some Native Americans; these people are referred to as "Lamanites" in the Book of Mormon:<ref>[http://search.ldslibrary.com/125037 Elder Spencer W. Kimball of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles]</ref> 

Nephi and Sam's descendents, the Nephites, eventually turned to wickedness and were destroyed by the more numerous Lamanites. One of the last Nephites, Moroni, buried the golden plates in what is now New York State to keep them from falling into the hands of the Lamanites and being destroyed.<ref>[http://scriptures.lds.org/en/bm/contents The Book of Mormon]</ref> Three Nephites were blessed with eternal life and still wander the Earth today serving others.<ref>[http://deseretmail.com/mormon-life/curric/story?story_id=1580 "Clyde J. Williams on the Three Nephites and the Doctrine of Translation,"] Thoughts on Gospel Doctrine Lesson 42, Deseret Book.</ref> 

[[Jesus]]' post-resurrection appearance in the New World is also documented in the Book of Mormon. In 1982, the subtitle, "Another Testament of Jesus Christ" was added to the title page<ref>[http://www.signaturebookslibrary.org/essays/bookofmormon.htm A Short Introduction to the Book of Mormon]</ref>.

==Contents==

The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ [http://scriptures.lds.org/en/bm/contents] is divided up into many sections or parts, including a Title Page, Introduction, 'The Testimony of Three Witnesses,' 'The Testimony of Eight Witnesses,' the 'Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith,' 'A Brief Explanation about The Book of Mormon," and the following main parts or divisions commonly referred to as "books," as in "The Book of Moroni," followed by the common abbreviation in parentheses:
First Nephi (1 Ne.), Second Nephi (2 Ne.), Jacob (Jacob), Enos (Enos), Jarom (Jarom), Omni (Omni), Words of Mormon (W of M), Mosiah (Mosiah), Alma (Alma), Helaman (Hel.), Third Nephi (3 Ne.), Fourth Nephi (4 Ne.), Mormon (Morm.), Ether (Ether), and Moroni (Moro.).

The first sentence of the Introduction is quite self-explanatory: "The Book of Mormon is a volume of holy scripture comparable to the Bible. It is a record of God’s dealings with the ancient inhabitants of the Americas and contains, as does the Bible, the fulness of the everlasting gospel." http://scriptures.lds.org/en/bm/introduction

==Other denominations==

The Book of Mormon is also accepted as Scripture by some breakaway denominations, the largest of which, the [[Community of Christ]] (est. 1860), publishes its own versions of the Book of Mormon, with different chapter and verse divisions, and one with "modernized" language. Most other Christian denominations, Catholic and Protestant, reject the Book of Mormon as Scripture.

== Polygamy ==

It should be noted that the Book of Mormon does not teach [[polygamy]]; it is instead found in the [[Doctrine and Covenants]], section 132. The Book of Mormon says the following concerning plural marriage:

''"Wherefore, my bretheren, hear me, and hearken to the word of the Lord: For there shall not any man among you have save it be one wife, and concubines he shall have none"'' (Jacob 2:27).

==Notes and references==
<references/>

[[Category:Book of Worship]]

Book of Mormon

2007-05-07T23:52:24Z

Leader: Fixed the quote, using blockquotes to clarify the fact that the entire text (which CPAdmin1 altered, inserting the word "supposedly"), is an exact quote.

''The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ''<ref>[http://scriptures.lds.org/en/bm/contents The Book of Mormon]; Title page since 1982: ''The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.'' Original title page: ''The Book of Mormon: An Account Written by the Hand of Mormon upon Plates Taken from the Plates of Nephi.''</ref> is one of the four standard works, or scriptures, of the [[Mormons|Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints]] (Mormons). The other standard works are the [[Bible]], the [[Pearl of Great Price]], and the [[Doctrine and Covenants]].

Mormons believe that [[Joseph Smith]], Jr. translated the Book of Mormon from a set of gold plates he received from an angel named Moroni<ref>[http://scriptures.lds.org/js_h/1/34-35#34 "History of Joseph Smith,"] History of the Church Vol. 1</ref>

<blockquote>
“Joseph Smith would put the seer stone into a hat, and put his face in the hat, drawing it closely around his face to exclude the light; and in the darkness the spiritual light would shine. A piece of something resembling parchment would appear, and on that appeared the writing. One character at a time would appear, and under it was the interpretation in English. Brother Joseph would read off the English to Oliver Cowdery, who was his principal scribe, and when it was written down and repeated to Brother Joseph to see if it was correct, then it would disappear, and another character with the interpretation would appear. Thus the Book of Mormon was translated by the gift and power of God, and not by any power of man.” (David Whitmer, An Address to All Believers in Christ, Richmond, Mo.: n.p., 1887, p. 12.)
</blockquote> Russell M. Nelson, “A Treasured Testament,” [http://library.lds.org/nxt/gateway.dll/Magazines/Ensign/1993.htm/ensign%20july%201993.htm/a%20treasured%20testament.htm "A Treasured Testament,"] Ensign, July 1993, 61</ref>

The Book of Mormon tells the story of the descendents of Lehi, who took his family from Jerusalem to the Americas. According to the book, Lehi's wicked sons, Laman and Lemual, turned against his righteous sons, Nephi and Sam, and were cursed with dark skin<ref>[http://www.gospeldoctrine.com/Alma3.htm GospelDoctrine.com]</ref>. Mormons believe that these people were the ancestors of some Native Americans; these people are referred to as "Lamanites" in the Book of Mormon:<ref>[http://search.ldslibrary.com/125037 Elder Spencer W. Kimball of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles]</ref>

Nephi and Sam's descendents, the Nephites, eventually turned to wickedness and were destroyed by the more numerous Lamanites. One of the last Nephites, Moroni, buried the golden plates in what is now New York State to keep them from falling into the hands of the Lamanites and being destroyed.<ref>[http://scriptures.lds.org/en/bm/contents The Book of Mormon]</ref> Three Nephites were blessed with eternal life and still wander the Earth today serving others.<ref>[http://deseretmail.com/mormon-life/curric/story?story_id=1580 "Clyde J. Williams on the Three Nephites and the Doctrine of Translation,"] Thoughts on Gospel Doctrine Lesson 42, Deseret Book.</ref>

[[Jesus]]' post-resurrection appearance in the New World is also documented in the Book of Mormon. In 1982, the subtitle, "Another Testament of Jesus Christ" was added to the title page<ref>[http://www.signaturebookslibrary.org/essays/bookofmormon.htm A Short Introduction to the Book of Mormon]</ref>.

==Contents==

The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ [http://scriptures.lds.org/en/bm/contents] is divided up into many sections or parts, including a Title Page, Introduction, 'The Testimony of Three Witnesses,' 'The Testimony of Eight Witnesses,' the 'Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith,' 'A Brief Explanation about The Book of Mormon," and the following main parts or divisions commonly referred to as "books," as in "The Book of Moroni," followed by the common abbreviation in parentheses:
First Nephi (1 Ne.), Second Nephi (2 Ne.), Jacob (Jacob), Enos (Enos), Jarom (Jarom), Omni (Omni), Words of Mormon (W of M), Mosiah (Mosiah), Alma (Alma), Helaman (Hel.), Third Nephi (3 Ne.), Fourth Nephi (4 Ne.), Mormon (Morm.), Ether (Ether), and Moroni (Moro.).

The first sentence of the Introduction is quite self-explanatory: "The Book of Mormon is a volume of holy scripture comparable to the Bible. It is a record of God’s dealings with the ancient inhabitants of the Americas and contains, as does the Bible, the fulness of the everlasting gospel." http://scriptures.lds.org/en/bm/introduction

==Other denominations==

The Book of Mormon is also accepted as Scripture by some breakaway denominations, the largest of which, the [[Community of Christ]] (est. 1860), publishes its own versions of the Book of Mormon, with different chapter and verse divisions, and one with "modernized" language. Most other Christian denominations, Catholic and Protestant, reject the Book of Mormon as Scripture.

== Polygamy ==

It should be noted that the Book of Mormon does not teach [[polygamy]]; it is instead found in the [[Doctrine and Covenants]], section 132. The Book of Mormon says the following concerning plural marriage:

''"Wherefore, my bretheren, hear me, and hearken to the word of the Lord: For there shall not any man among you have save it be one wife, and concubines he shall have none"'' (Jacob 2:27).

==Notes and references==
<references/>

[[Category:Book of Worship]]

Book of Mormon

2007-05-07T03:42:47Z

Leader: Oops...I forgot the "the." Updated to reflect the full name including the initial "the."

'''The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ'''<ref>[http://scriptures.lds.org/en/bm/contents The Book of Mormon]; Title page since 1982: ''The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.'' Original title page: ''The Book of Mormon: An Account Written by the Hand of Mormon upon Plates Taken from the Plates of Nephi.''</ref> is one of the four standard works, or scriptures, of the [[Mormons|Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints]] (Mormons). The other standard works are the [[Bible]], the [[Pearl of Great Price]], and the [[Doctrine and Covenants]].

Mormons believe that [[Joseph Smith]], Jr. translated the Book of Mormon from a set of gold plates he received from an angel named Moroni<ref>[http://scriptures.lds.org/js_h/1/34-35#34 "History of Joseph Smith,"] History of the Church Vol. 1</ref>

“Joseph Smith would put the seer stone into a hat, and put his face in the hat, drawing it closely around his face to exclude the light; and in the darkness the spiritual light would shine. A piece of something resembling parchment would appear, and on that appeared the writing. One character at a time would appear, and under it was the interpretation in English. Brother Joseph would read off the English to Oliver Cowdery, who was his principal scribe, and when it was written down and repeated to Brother Joseph to see if it was correct, then it would disappear, and another character with the interpretation would appear. Thus the Book of Mormon was translated by the gift and power of God, and not by any power of man. (David Whitmer, An Address to All Believers in Christ, Richmond, Mo.: n.p., 1887, p. 12.)"<ref>Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, [http://library.lds.org/nxt/gateway.dll/Magazines/Ensign/1993.htm/ensign%20july%201993.htm/a%20treasured%20testament.htm "A Treasured Testament,"] Ensign, July 1993
</ref>

The Book of Mormon tells the story of the descendents of Lehi, who took his family from Jerusalem to the Americas. According to the book, Lehi's wicked sons, Laman and Lemual, turned against his righteous sons, Nephi and Sam, and were cursed with dark skin<ref>[http://www.gospeldoctrine.com/Alma3.htm GospelDoctrine.com]</ref>. Mormons believe that these people were the ancestors of some Native Americans; these people are referred to as "Lamanites" in the Book of Mormon:<ref>[http://search.ldslibrary.com/125037 Elder Spencer W. Kimball of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles]</ref>

Nephi and Sam's descendents, the Nephites, eventually turned to wickedness and were destroyed by the more numerous Lamanites. One of the last Nephites, Moroni, buried the golden plates in what is now New York State to keep them from falling into the hands of the Lamanites and being destroyed.<ref>[http://scriptures.lds.org/en/bm/contents The Book of Mormon]</ref> Three Nephites were blessed with eternal life and still wander the Earth today serving others.<ref>[http://deseretmail.com/mormon-life/curric/story?story_id=1580 "Clyde J. Williams on the Three Nephites and the Doctrine of Translation,"] Thoughts on Gospel Doctrine Lesson 42, Deseret Book.</ref>

[[Jesus]]' post-resurrection appearance in the New World is also documented in the Book of Mormon. In 1982, the subtitle, "Another Testament of Jesus Christ" was added to the title page<ref>[http://www.signaturebookslibrary.org/essays/bookofmormon.htm A Short Introduction to the Book of Mormon]</ref>.

==Contents==

The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ [http://scriptures.lds.org/en/bm/contents] is divided up into many sections or parts, including a Title Page, Introduction, 'The Testimony of Three Witnesses,' 'The Testimony of Eight Witnesses,' the 'Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith,' 'A Brief Explanation about The Book of Mormon," and the following main parts or divisions commonly referred to as "books," as in "The Book of Moroni," followed by the common abbreviation in parentheses:
First Nephi (1 Ne.), Second Nephi (2 Ne.), Jacob (Jacob), Enos (Enos), Jarom (Jarom), Omni (Omni), Words of Mormon (W of M), Mosiah (Mosiah), Alma (Alma), Helaman (Hel.), Third Nephi (3 Ne.), Fourth Nephi (4 Ne.), Mormon (Morm.), Ether (Ether), and Moroni (Moro.).

The first sentence of the Introduction is quite self-explanatory: "The Book of Mormon is a volume of holy scripture comparable to the Bible. It is a record of God’s dealings with the ancient inhabitants of the Americas and contains, as does the Bible, the fulness of the everlasting gospel." http://scriptures.lds.org/en/bm/introduction

==Other denominations==

The Book of Mormon is also accepted as Scripture by some breakaway denominations, the largest of which, the [[Community of Christ]] (est. 1860), publishes its own versions of the Book of Mormon, with different chapter and verse divisions, and one with "modernized" language. Most other Christian denominations, Catholic and Protestant, reject the Book of Mormon as Scripture.

== Polygamy ==

It should be noted that the Book of Mormon does not teach [[polygamy]]; it is instead found in the [[Doctrine and Covenants]], section 132. The Book of Mormon says the following concerning plural marriage:

''"Wherefore, my bretheren, hear me, and hearken to the word of the Lord: For there shall not any man among you have save it be one wife, and concubines he shall have none"'' (Jacob 2:27).

==Notes and references==
<references/>

[[Category:Book of Worship]]

Book of Mormon

2007-05-07T03:41:10Z

Leader: Restored the proper title of the book which this article references; please do not remove or change.

The '''Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ'''<ref>[http://scriptures.lds.org/en/bm/contents The Book of Mormon]; Title page since 1982: ''The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.'' Original title page: ''The Book of Mormon: An Account Written by the Hand of Mormon upon Plates Taken from the Plates of Nephi.''</ref> is one of the four standard works, or scriptures, of the [[Mormons|Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints]] (Mormons). The other standard works are the [[Bible]], the [[Pearl of Great Price]], and the [[Doctrine and Covenants]].

Mormons believe that [[Joseph Smith]], Jr. translated the Book of Mormon from a set of gold plates he received from an angel named Moroni<ref>[http://scriptures.lds.org/js_h/1/34-35#34 "History of Joseph Smith,"] History of the Church Vol. 1</ref>

“Joseph Smith would put the seer stone into a hat, and put his face in the hat, drawing it closely around his face to exclude the light; and in the darkness the spiritual light would shine. A piece of something resembling parchment would appear, and on that appeared the writing. One character at a time would appear, and under it was the interpretation in English. Brother Joseph would read off the English to Oliver Cowdery, who was his principal scribe, and when it was written down and repeated to Brother Joseph to see if it was correct, then it would disappear, and another character with the interpretation would appear. Thus the Book of Mormon was translated by the gift and power of God, and not by any power of man. (David Whitmer, An Address to All Believers in Christ, Richmond, Mo.: n.p., 1887, p. 12.)"<ref>Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, [http://library.lds.org/nxt/gateway.dll/Magazines/Ensign/1993.htm/ensign%20july%201993.htm/a%20treasured%20testament.htm "A Treasured Testament,"] Ensign, July 1993
</ref>

The Book of Mormon tells the story of the descendents of Lehi, who took his family from Jerusalem to the Americas. According to the book, Lehi's wicked sons, Laman and Lemual, turned against his righteous sons, Nephi and Sam, and were cursed with dark skin<ref>[http://www.gospeldoctrine.com/Alma3.htm GospelDoctrine.com]</ref>. Mormons believe that these people were the ancestors of some Native Americans; these people are referred to as "Lamanites" in the Book of Mormon:<ref>[http://search.ldslibrary.com/125037 Elder Spencer W. Kimball of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles]</ref>

Nephi and Sam's descendents, the Nephites, eventually turned to wickedness and were destroyed by the more numerous Lamanites. One of the last Nephites, Moroni, buried the golden plates in what is now New York State to keep them from falling into the hands of the Lamanites and being destroyed.<ref>[http://scriptures.lds.org/en/bm/contents The Book of Mormon]</ref> Three Nephites were blessed with eternal life and still wander the Earth today serving others.<ref>[http://deseretmail.com/mormon-life/curric/story?story_id=1580 "Clyde J. Williams on the Three Nephites and the Doctrine of Translation,"] Thoughts on Gospel Doctrine Lesson 42, Deseret Book.</ref>

[[Jesus]]' post-resurrection appearance in the New World is also documented in the Book of Mormon. In 1982, the subtitle, "Another Testament of Jesus Christ" was added to the title page<ref>[http://www.signaturebookslibrary.org/essays/bookofmormon.htm A Short Introduction to the Book of Mormon]</ref>.

==Contents==

The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ [http://scriptures.lds.org/en/bm/contents] is divided up into many sections or parts, including a Title Page, Introduction, 'The Testimony of Three Witnesses,' 'The Testimony of Eight Witnesses,' the 'Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith,' 'A Brief Explanation about The Book of Mormon," and the following main parts or divisions commonly referred to as "books," as in "The Book of Moroni," followed by the common abbreviation in parentheses:
First Nephi (1 Ne.), Second Nephi (2 Ne.), Jacob (Jacob), Enos (Enos), Jarom (Jarom), Omni (Omni), Words of Mormon (W of M), Mosiah (Mosiah), Alma (Alma), Helaman (Hel.), Third Nephi (3 Ne.), Fourth Nephi (4 Ne.), Mormon (Morm.), Ether (Ether), and Moroni (Moro.).

The first sentence of the Introduction is quite self-explanatory: "The Book of Mormon is a volume of holy scripture comparable to the Bible. It is a record of God’s dealings with the ancient inhabitants of the Americas and contains, as does the Bible, the fulness of the everlasting gospel." http://scriptures.lds.org/en/bm/introduction

==Other denominations==

The Book of Mormon is also accepted as Scripture by some breakaway denominations, the largest of which, the [[Community of Christ]] (est. 1860), publishes its own versions of the Book of Mormon, with different chapter and verse divisions, and one with "modernized" language. Most other Christian denominations, Catholic and Protestant, reject the Book of Mormon as Scripture.

== Polygamy ==

It should be noted that the Book of Mormon does not teach [[polygamy]]; it is instead found in the [[Doctrine and Covenants]], section 132. The Book of Mormon says the following concerning plural marriage:

''"Wherefore, my bretheren, hear me, and hearken to the word of the Lord: For there shall not any man among you have save it be one wife, and concubines he shall have none"'' (Jacob 2:27).

==Notes and references==
<references/>

[[Category:Book of Worship]]

Talk:Book of Mormon

2007-05-07T03:40:10Z

Leader: /* Restored the proper title of the book which this article references; please do not remove or change. */

Talk:Book of Mormon

2007-05-07T02:54:41Z

Leader: Restored the proper title of the book which this article references; please do not remove or change.

Book of Mormon

2007-05-07T02:49:07Z

Leader: There is no honest reason for a neutral party to refuse to use the correct name of the book; I have therefore updated the name used at the top of the article to reflect the actual title of the book.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

2007-05-05T23:18:11Z

Leader: /* Mormons' relationship to Christianity */

[[Image:SaltLakeTemple.jpg|right|thumb|Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Salt Lake temple]]

{{Christianity}}

The '''Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints,'''<ref>[http://www.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=ca07ae4af9c7e010VgnVCM1000004e94610aRCRD Style Guide - The Name of the Church] LDS.org</ref> informally known as the '''Mormons''', was founded by [[Joseph Smith]] in 1830. The church migrated from New York to Kirtland Ohio, until they were forced out by mobs, but the they than moved to Illinois. The church also sent large groups of Saints to Missouri, while they were in Kirtland, Ohio, but were forced out of the state by the State Government, they joined the Saints in Illinois. They were there for a few years, but were forced out by mobs. They then moved to Utah where they have many members there and worldwide. The Mormons perform enormous amounts of missionary activity. Today, there are more than 12.5 million members.<ref>[http://www.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=d10511154963d010VgnVCM1000004e94610aRCRD Worldwide Church Statistics] LDS.org</ref>

In 1847, Mormons, led by [[Brigham Young]], traveled west to escape persecution and founded [[Salt Lake City, Utah]]. Salt Lake City is famous for its wide streets, which were made wide enough to allow a wagon team to turn around. Salt Lake City is home to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, which has been recording since 1910 and broadcasting since 1929. Its recordings usually feature Mormon hymns and patriotic music. The Choir has made five gold and two platinum recordings.

Church members follow a law of health known as the Word of Wisdom that promotes healthy eating as well as avoiding tobacco, alcohol, coffee, tea and illegal drugs.<ref>[http://www.mormon.org/learn/0,8672,1301-1,00.html The Word of Wisdom] Mormon.org</ref>

[[Category: Religion]]

==Mormons' relationship to Christianity==
Unlike most Christian denominations, Mormons accept [[The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ]] in addition to the [[King James Bible]]. The Book of Mormon includes an account of ancient peoples living in the Americas from long before, and until centuries after Christ's mortal ministry on Earth. According to the [[The Book of Mormon]], Jesus Christ appeared in the Americas after his resurrection, healing the sick, blessing the children, and teaching the people. According to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, The Book of Mormon was translated through divine revelation received by the founder and first prophet, [[Joseph Smith]], Jr.

President [[Gordon B. Hinckley]] said the following about the [[Book of Mormon]] in an October, 2002 [[General Conference]] address entitled "The Marvelous Foundation of Our Faith": <blockquote>"This remarkable book stands as a testimonial to the living reality of the Son of God. The Bible declares that 'in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established' (Matt. 18:16). The Bible, the testament of the Old World, is one witness. The Book of Mormon, the testament of the New World, is another witness.</blockquote><blockquote>I cannot understand why the Christian world does not accept this book. I would think they would be looking for anything and everything that would establish without question the reality and the divinity of the Savior of the world."<ref>[http://www.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=e74c4d4297602110VgnVCM100000176f620aRCRD] Mormons Reflect Christianity in Lifestyle] as stated in the April, 2007 newsroom article at lds.org</ref></blockquote>

Latter-day Saints (Mormons) believe in Christ, they testify of Christ, their church bears his name, and they strive to follow his example. From the organization of the Church of Jesus Christ in 1830, the Church's doctrine focused on Jesus Christ. Joseph Smith, Jr. wrote in 1842 to Chicago Democrat editor John Wentworth a statement of Church beliefs. The first of these 13 doctrinal declarations, later called the Articles of Faith, stated the following:<blockquote>“We believe in God the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost."<ref>[http://www.lds.org/portal/site/LDSOrg/menuitem.b12f9d18fae655bb69095bd3e44916a0/?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=4ebe76e6ffe0c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1] The Marvelous Foundation of Our Faith] from the October 2002 General Conference</ref></blockquote>

The LDS website states: <blockquote>"We believe in the Jesus of the New Testament, and we believe what the New Testament teaches about Him. We do believe things about Jesus that other Christians do not believe, but that is because we know, through revelation, things about Jesus that others do not know."<ref>[http://www.mormon.org/question/faq/category/answer/0,9777,1601-1-56-16,00.html Is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a Christian church?] As answered on the LDS Church's website</ref></blockquote>

==Wards==
Wards are local congregations of the church. The Bishop is the leader of the ward and he serves along with two of his counselors. The entire ward meets every week on Sunday to worship the Lord Jesus Christ and to receive counsel. The meetings are divided into three different hours:
*First hour - '''Sacrament meeting'''. Our main purpose in attending sacrament meeting is to renew our covenants through partaking of the sacrament and to worship our Heavenly Father through hymn singing and prayer. Sacrament meeting provides an opportunity for members to strengthen their faith, find inner peace and spiritual healing, receive inspiration, and be instructed in the gospel. A member of the bishopric begins the meeting welcoming all members and visitors. There is an opening hymn followed by an opening prayer (invocation). This is followed by conducting ward business where members are released and sustained from callings. Then the sacrament of bread and water is prepared, blessed by the priesthood, and passed to the congregation. The sacrament is a renewal of the covenants each member made at baptism to remember the Lord Jesus Christ and to keep his commandments. On the first Sunday of the month, the meeting conductor starts off the bearing of testimonies by offering his own personal testimony. A testimony is a personal witness that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. As inspired by the Spirit, other members give their testimonies. On the other three Sundays, there are talks from members. The sacrament meeting concludes with a closing hymn and prayer.
*Second hour - '''Sunday School''', '''Primary''' and '''Nursery'''. Its purposes are to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ and strengthen individuals and families by encouraging them to study the scriptures, obey the commandments, receive the essential ordinances, and keep the associated covenants. All the adults and youth meet in Sunday School classes. Children younger than twelve and three or older attend Primary. Children who are at least 18 months old but who are not yet 3 years old on 1 January may attend nursery at the discretion of their parents.
:'''Adult Sunday School''' - The adults meet in several different classes. New members to the Church usually attend a Gospel Essentials class where they learn the basic teachings of the Church. Most of the other adults attend a Gospel Doctrine class where they are instructed in the Gospel of Jesus Christ from the scriptures. The main subjects rotate every four years: Old Testament, New Testament, Book of Mormon, and the last year is Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price and Church history. The bible used by Church members is the King James Version.
:'''Youth Sunday School''' - The youth meet in several different classes according to their ages. There are usually separate classes for twelve and thirteen year olds, fourteen and fifteen year olds and sixteen and seventeen year olds. When they turn eighteen, the member starts attending the adult classes.
:'''Primary''' - The purpose of Primary is to teach children the gospel of Jesus Christ and help them learn to live it.
:'''Nursery''' - The purpose of the nursery class is to provide a loving, safe, organized place where young children can increase their understanding of and love for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, have positive experiences in a Church setting, and grow in feelings of self-worth.
*Third hour - '''Priesthood''', '''Relief Society''', '''Young Men''', '''Young Women''', '''Primary''' and '''Nursery'''. The men meet in Priesthood, the adult women meet in Relief Society,the male youth meet in Young Men, the female youth meet in Young Women and the children continue to meet in Primary or Nursery.
:'''Priesthood''' - The purpose of the priesthood meetings are to increase priesthood holders’ knowledge of the gospel; strengthen their dedication to becoming better husbands, fathers, sons, and neighbors; and help them become active participants in fulfilling the mission of the Church.
:'''Relief Society ''' - The purpose of Relief Society is to provide relief for the poor and needy and to bring people to Christ.
:'''Young Men''' - The purpose of the Young men group is to prepare the young men of the Aaronic Priesthood to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood, to receive the ordinances of the temple, and to serve a full-time mission.
:'''Young Women''' - The purpose of the Young Women organization is to help each young woman, ages 12 to 18, "come unto Christ".

==General Conference==
The entire church meets twice a year (in April and October) to hear messages from the Prophet and President of the church, his two counselors, members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and other Church leaders. The members listen to modern-day revelation from these church leaders.

==Scriptures==
The four standard works of the Church are:
*The King James Version of the Bible - both the Old and New Testaments
*The Book of Mormon - Another Testament of Jesus Christ
*Doctrine and Covenants - Modern-day revelation as received by the Prophet Joseph Smith and other modern-day prophets
*Pearl of Great Price - Selection of translations, revelations and narrations from the Prophet Joseph Smith.

==Polygamy==
Early prejudice against Mormons was sparked in part by its early practice of [[polygamy]], which was sanctioned from 1840 until 1890. Even though it was officially discontinued in 1890, Mormonism and polygamy continue to be associated in the popular mind.

A 1998 statement by LDS Present Gordon B. Hinckley states:
:This Church has nothing whatever to do with those practicing polygamy. They are not members of this Church. . . . If any of our members are found to be practicing plural marriage, they are excommunicated, the most serious penalty the Church can impose. Not only are those so involved in direct violation of the civil law, they are in violation of the law of this Church.<ref>[http://www.mormon.org/question/faq/category/answer/0,9777,1601-1-114-1,00.html What is the Church’s position on polygamy?] LDS website</ref>

However, in addition to "the" Church (the 12.5-million-member Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), there continue to be small splinter groups, which also consider themselves to be Mormons and do practice polygamy. The most notable is the "Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" (often called "Fundamentalist Mormons.") This group numbers about ten thousand. It broke from the Mormon church in 1890 over the issue of polygamy. It made headlines in 2006 and 2007, when leader Warren Jeffs was arrested by the FBI and indicted by a grand jury on charges of arranging illegal "marriages" between male followers and underage girls.

==References==
<references/>

==External Links==
===Non-Mormon===
*[http://www.mormonwiki.org MormonWiki]
*[http://jesusnotjoseph.com JesusNotJoseph]
*[http://www.mrm.org Mormonism Research Ministry]
===Mormon===
*[http://www.lds.org Official Church Website]
*[http://www.mormon.org Official Church Website for Investigators]

[[Category:Christianity]]
[[Category:LDS Church]]

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

2007-05-05T23:08:19Z

Leader: /* Mormons' relationship to Christianity */

[[Image:SaltLakeTemple.jpg|right|thumb|Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Salt Lake temple]]

{{Christianity}}

The '''Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints,'''<ref>[http://www.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=ca07ae4af9c7e010VgnVCM1000004e94610aRCRD Style Guide - The Name of the Church] LDS.org</ref> informally known as the '''Mormons''', was founded by [[Joseph Smith]] in 1830. The church migrated from New York to Kirtland Ohio, until they were forced out by mobs, but the they than moved to Illinois. The church also sent large groups of Saints to Missouri, while they were in Kirtland, Ohio, but were forced out of the state by the State Government, they joined the Saints in Illinois. They were there for a few years, but were forced out by mobs. They then moved to Utah where they have many members there and worldwide. The Mormons perform enormous amounts of missionary activity. Today, there are more than 12.5 million members.<ref>[http://www.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=d10511154963d010VgnVCM1000004e94610aRCRD Worldwide Church Statistics] LDS.org</ref>

In 1847, Mormons, led by [[Brigham Young]], traveled west to escape persecution and founded [[Salt Lake City, Utah]]. Salt Lake City is famous for its wide streets, which were made wide enough to allow a wagon team to turn around. Salt Lake City is home to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, which has been recording since 1910 and broadcasting since 1929. Its recordings usually feature Mormon hymns and patriotic music. The Choir has made five gold and two platinum recordings.

Church members follow a law of health known as the Word of Wisdom that promotes healthy eating as well as avoiding tobacco, alcohol, coffee, tea and illegal drugs.<ref>[http://www.mormon.org/learn/0,8672,1301-1,00.html The Word of Wisdom] Mormon.org</ref>

[[Category: Religion]]

==Mormons' relationship to Christianity==
Mormons accept [[The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ]] in addition to the [[King James Bible]]. The Book of Mormon includes an account of ancient peoples living in the Americas from long before, and until centuries after Christ's mortal ministry on Earth. According to the [[The Book of Mormon]], Jesus Christ appeared in the Americas after his resurrection, healing the sick, blessing the children, and teaching the people. According to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, The Book of Mormon was translated through divine revelation received by the founder and first prophet, [[Joseph Smith]], Jr.

President [[Gordon B. Hinckley]] said the following about the [[Book of Mormon]] in an October, 2002 [[General Conference]] address entitled "The Marvelous Foundation of Our Faith": <blockquote>"This remarkable book stands as a testimonial to the living reality of the Son of God. The Bible declares that 'in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established' (Matt. 18:16). The Bible, the testament of the Old World, is one witness. The Book of Mormon, the testament of the New World, is another witness.</blockquote><blockquote>I cannot understand why the Christian world does not accept this book. I would think they would be looking for anything and everything that would establish without question the reality and the divinity of the Savior of the world."<ref>[http://www.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=e74c4d4297602110VgnVCM100000176f620aRCRD] Mormons Reflect Christianity in Lifestyle] as stated in the April, 2007 newsroom article at lds.org</ref></blockquote>

Latter-day Saints (Mormons) believe in Christ, they testify of Christ, their church bears his name, and they strive to follow his example. From the organization of the Church of Jesus Christ in 1830, the Church's doctrine focused on Jesus Christ. Joseph Smith, Jr. wrote in 1842 to Chicago Democrat editor John Wentworth a statement of Church beliefs. The first of these 13 doctrinal declarations, later called the Articles of Faith, stated the following:<blockquote>“We believe in God the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost."<ref>[http://www.lds.org/portal/site/LDSOrg/menuitem.b12f9d18fae655bb69095bd3e44916a0/?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=4ebe76e6ffe0c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1] The Marvelous Foundation of Our Faith] from the October 2002 General Conference</ref></blockquote>

The LDS website states: <blockquote>"We believe in the Jesus of the New Testament, and we believe what the New Testament teaches about Him. We do believe things about Jesus that other Christians do not believe, but that is because we know, through revelation, things about Jesus that others do not know."<ref>[http://www.mormon.org/question/faq/category/answer/0,9777,1601-1-56-16,00.html Is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a Christian church?] As answered on the LDS Church's website</ref></blockquote>

==Wards==
Wards are local congregations of the church. The Bishop is the leader of the ward and he serves along with two of his counselors. The entire ward meets every week on Sunday to worship the Lord Jesus Christ and to receive counsel. The meetings are divided into three different hours:
*First hour - '''Sacrament meeting'''. Our main purpose in attending sacrament meeting is to renew our covenants through partaking of the sacrament and to worship our Heavenly Father through hymn singing and prayer. Sacrament meeting provides an opportunity for members to strengthen their faith, find inner peace and spiritual healing, receive inspiration, and be instructed in the gospel. A member of the bishopric begins the meeting welcoming all members and visitors. There is an opening hymn followed by an opening prayer (invocation). This is followed by conducting ward business where members are released and sustained from callings. Then the sacrament of bread and water is prepared, blessed by the priesthood, and passed to the congregation. The sacrament is a renewal of the covenants each member made at baptism to remember the Lord Jesus Christ and to keep his commandments. On the first Sunday of the month, the meeting conductor starts off the bearing of testimonies by offering his own personal testimony. A testimony is a personal witness that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. As inspired by the Spirit, other members give their testimonies. On the other three Sundays, there are talks from members. The sacrament meeting concludes with a closing hymn and prayer.
*Second hour - '''Sunday School''', '''Primary''' and '''Nursery'''. Its purposes are to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ and strengthen individuals and families by encouraging them to study the scriptures, obey the commandments, receive the essential ordinances, and keep the associated covenants. All the adults and youth meet in Sunday School classes. Children younger than twelve and three or older attend Primary. Children who are at least 18 months old but who are not yet 3 years old on 1 January may attend nursery at the discretion of their parents.
:'''Adult Sunday School''' - The adults meet in several different classes. New members to the Church usually attend a Gospel Essentials class where they learn the basic teachings of the Church. Most of the other adults attend a Gospel Doctrine class where they are instructed in the Gospel of Jesus Christ from the scriptures. The main subjects rotate every four years: Old Testament, New Testament, Book of Mormon, and the last year is Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price and Church history. The bible used by Church members is the King James Version.
:'''Youth Sunday School''' - The youth meet in several different classes according to their ages. There are usually separate classes for twelve and thirteen year olds, fourteen and fifteen year olds and sixteen and seventeen year olds. When they turn eighteen, the member starts attending the adult classes.
:'''Primary''' - The purpose of Primary is to teach children the gospel of Jesus Christ and help them learn to live it.
:'''Nursery''' - The purpose of the nursery class is to provide a loving, safe, organized place where young children can increase their understanding of and love for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, have positive experiences in a Church setting, and grow in feelings of self-worth.
*Third hour - '''Priesthood''', '''Relief Society''', '''Young Men''', '''Young Women''', '''Primary''' and '''Nursery'''. The men meet in Priesthood, the adult women meet in Relief Society,the male youth meet in Young Men, the female youth meet in Young Women and the children continue to meet in Primary or Nursery.
:'''Priesthood''' - The purpose of the priesthood meetings are to increase priesthood holders’ knowledge of the gospel; strengthen their dedication to becoming better husbands, fathers, sons, and neighbors; and help them become active participants in fulfilling the mission of the Church.
:'''Relief Society ''' - The purpose of Relief Society is to provide relief for the poor and needy and to bring people to Christ.
:'''Young Men''' - The purpose of the Young men group is to prepare the young men of the Aaronic Priesthood to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood, to receive the ordinances of the temple, and to serve a full-time mission.
:'''Young Women''' - The purpose of the Young Women organization is to help each young woman, ages 12 to 18, "come unto Christ".

==General Conference==
The entire church meets twice a year (in April and October) to hear messages from the Prophet and President of the church, his two counselors, members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and other Church leaders. The members listen to modern-day revelation from these church leaders.

==Scriptures==
The four standard works of the Church are:
*The King James Version of the Bible - both the Old and New Testaments
*The Book of Mormon - Another Testament of Jesus Christ
*Doctrine and Covenants - Modern-day revelation as received by the Prophet Joseph Smith and other modern-day prophets
*Pearl of Great Price - Selection of translations, revelations and narrations from the Prophet Joseph Smith.

==Polygamy==
Early prejudice against Mormons was sparked in part by its early practice of [[polygamy]], which was sanctioned from 1840 until 1890. Even though it was officially discontinued in 1890, Mormonism and polygamy continue to be associated in the popular mind.

A 1998 statement by LDS Present Gordon B. Hinckley states:
:This Church has nothing whatever to do with those practicing polygamy. They are not members of this Church. . . . If any of our members are found to be practicing plural marriage, they are excommunicated, the most serious penalty the Church can impose. Not only are those so involved in direct violation of the civil law, they are in violation of the law of this Church.<ref>[http://www.mormon.org/question/faq/category/answer/0,9777,1601-1-114-1,00.html What is the Church’s position on polygamy?] LDS website</ref>

However, in addition to "the" Church (the 12.5-million-member Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), there continue to be small splinter groups, which also consider themselves to be Mormons and do practice polygamy. The most notable is the "Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" (often called "Fundamentalist Mormons.") This group numbers about ten thousand. It broke from the Mormon church in 1890 over the issue of polygamy. It made headlines in 2006 and 2007, when leader Warren Jeffs was arrested by the FBI and indicted by a grand jury on charges of arranging illegal "marriages" between male followers and underage girls.

==References==
<references/>

==External Links==
===Non-Mormon===
*[http://www.mormonwiki.org MormonWiki]
*[http://jesusnotjoseph.com JesusNotJoseph]
*[http://www.mrm.org Mormonism Research Ministry]
===Mormon===
*[http://www.lds.org Official Church Website]
*[http://www.mormon.org Official Church Website for Investigators]

[[Category:Christianity]]
[[Category:LDS Church]]

Book of Mormon

2007-05-05T22:59:52Z

Leader:

The '''Book of Mormon''': Another Testament of Jesus Christ is one of the four standard works, or scriptures, of the [[Mormons|Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints]] (Mormons). The other standard works are the [[Bible]], the [[Pearl of Great Price]], and the [[Doctrine and Covenants]].

Mormons believe that [[Joseph Smith]], Jr. translated the Book of Mormon from a set of gold plates he received from an angel named Moroni1:

“Joseph Smith would put the seer stone into a hat, and put his face in the hat, drawing it closely around his face to exclude the light; and in the darkness the spiritual light would shine. A piece of something resembling parchment would appear, and on that appeared the writing. One character at a time would appear, and under it was the interpretation in English. Brother Joseph would read off the English to Oliver Cowdery, who was his principal scribe, and when it was written down and repeated to Brother Joseph to see if it was correct, then it would disappear, and another character with the interpretation would appear. Thus the Book of Mormon was translated by the gift and power of God, and not by any power of man. (David Whitmer, An Address to All Believers in Christ, Richmond, Mo.: n.p., 1887, p. 12.)"2.

The Book of Mormon tells the story of the descendents of Lehi, who took his family from Jerusalem to the Americas. According to the book, Lehi's wicked sons, Laman and Lemual, turned against his righteous sons, Nephi and Sam, and were cursed with dark skin3. Mormons believe that these people were the ancestors of some Native Americans; these people are referred to as "Lamanites" in the '''Book of Mormon''': Another Testament of Jesus Christ4

Nephi and Sam's descendents, the Nephites, eventually turned to wickedness and were destroyed by the more numerous Lamanites. One of the last Nephites, Moroni, buried the golden plates in what is now New York State to keep them from falling into the hands of the Lamanites and being destroyed.5 Three Nephites were blessed with eternal life and still wander the Earth today serving others.6

[[Jesus]]' post-resurrection appearance in the New World is also documented in the Book of Mormon. In 1982, the subtitle, "Another Testament of Jesus Christ" was added to the title page7.

==Contents==

The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ [http://scriptures.lds.org/en/bm/contents] is divided up into many sections or parts, including a Title Page, Introduction, 'The Testimony of Three Witnesses,' 'The Testimony of Eight Witnesses,' the 'Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith,' 'A Brief Explanation about The Book of Mormon," and the following main parts or divisions commonly referred to as "books," as in "The Book of Moroni," followed by the common abbreviation in parentheses:
First Nephi (1 Ne.), Second Nephi (2 Ne.), Jacob (Jacob), Enos (Enos), Jarom (Jarom), Omni (Omni), Words of Mormon (W of M), Mosiah (Mosiah), Alma (Alma), Helaman (Hel.), Third Nephi (3 Ne.), Fourth Nephi (4 Ne.), Mormon (Morm.), Ether (Ether), and Moroni (Moro.).

The first sentence of the Introduction is quite self-explanatory: "The Book of Mormon is a volume of holy scripture comparable to the Bible. It is a record of God’s dealings with the ancient inhabitants of the Americas and contains, as does the Bible, the fulness of the everlasting gospel." http://scriptures.lds.org/en/bm/introduction

==Other denominations==

The Book of Mormon is also accepted as Scripture by some breakaway denominations, the largest of which, the [[Community of Christ]] (est. 1860), publishes its own versions of the Book of Mormon, with different chapter and verse divisions, and one with "modernized" language. Most other Christian denominations, Catholic and Protestant, reject the Book of Mormon as Scripture.

== Polygamy ==

It should be noted that the Book of Mormon does not teach [[polygamy]]; it is instead found in the [[Doctrine and Covenants]], section 132. The Book of Mormon says the following concerning plural marriage:

''"Wherefore, my bretheren, hear me, and hearken to the word of the Lord: For there shall not any man among you have save it be one wife, and concubines he shall have none"'' (Jacob 2:27).

----

1. [http://scriptures.lds.org/js_h/1/34-35#34 "History of Joseph Smith,"] History of the Church Vol. 1.

2. Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, [http://library.lds.org/nxt/gateway.dll/Magazines/Ensign/1993.htm/ensign%20july%201993.htm/a%20treasured%20testament.htm "A Treasured Testament,"] Ensign, July 1993

3. [http://www.gospeldoctrine.com/Alma3.htm GospelDoctrine.com]

4. [http://search.ldslibrary.com/125037 Elder Spencer W. Kimball of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles]

5. [http://scriptures.lds.org/en/bm/contents The Book of Mormon]

6. [http://deseretmail.com/mormon-life/curric/story?story_id=1580 "Clyde J. Williams on the Three Nephites and the Doctrine of Translation,"] Thoughts on Gospel Doctrine Lesson 42, Deseret Book.

7. [http://www.signaturebookslibrary.org/essays/bookofmormon.htm A Short Introduction to the Book of Mormon]

[[Category:Book of Worship]]