The Unauthorized Investigator's Guide to
The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-day Saints

Lesson 1

The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ

The Missionaries Will Teach...

Our loving Heavenly Father knew that after centuries of darkness that disbelief, doubt, and misinformation would remain.  That is why he gave us an ancient book that contains the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  This book is called The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.  This book is convincing evidence that Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God.

A heavenly messenger by the name of Moroni told Joseph Smith that some gold plates were buried in the side of a hill near his home in upstate New York.  These gold plates contained a history of the ancient inhabitants of the Americas written by ancient American prophets.  It tells of God's dealings with them.  Joseph Smith used the power of God to translate these writings into English.  The prophets in The Book of Mormon were authorized to teach and administer the gospel of Jesus Christ.  After Jesus Christ was resurrected, he visited these people.  Jesus directly taught them the gospel and established the church.  The Book of Mormon is proof that "God does inspire men and call them to his holy work in this age and generation, as well as in generations of old" (D&C 20:11).  The way to find out that The Book of Mormon is true is by reading, pondering, and praying about it.  If you are an honest seeker of truth, you will soon come to feel that The Book of Mormon is the word of God.

For enduring conversion, it is critical that you read, ponder, and pray about The Book of Mormon.  When you begin reading The Book of Mormon, you are taking an important step in coming to know that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God and that the true church has been restored to the earth.

Some Additional Thoughts...

Introduction to the Book of Mormon debate.  Whether or not it is possible, plausible, or likely, that The Book of Mormon is an accurate translation of an authentic ancient document is an important topic that is hotly debated.  Here is my introduction to the discussion.

If The Book of Mormon is True, does that indicate that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true or false?  I argue that it indicates that the Church is false.

 


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If you have a question or would like to discuss these topics, I suggest that you go to a Mormon-related bulletin board (here are some recommendations). If you'd like to contact me with comments or feedback, you may send an email to analytics@lds4u.com.