Book of Mormon, D & C, Pearl of Great Price

In many ways, the Book of Mormon and the Bible are similar. Both testify of the Savior’s divinity and of our Heavenly Father’s active role in our lives. However, there is one significant difference: the Book of Mormon was written for us. Although it was written in ancient times, the people of the Book of Mormon civilizations didn’t have this book. It was written by the prophets, who added their testimonies and experiences and then passed it along to the next prophet. It wasn’t shared with their people, because it wasn’t their book. They had the original scriptures brought from Jerusalem, but not the Book of Mormon.

Because the authors were prophets, they were able to see our day and to know what would be of worth to us. They write about their own civilizations, and yet the problems they describe are the problems we face today. Gordon B. Hinckley, former president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, described how the book relates to our own civilization:

“I know of no other writing that sets forth with such clarity the tragic consequences to societies that follow courses contrary to the commandments of God. Its pages trace the stories of two distinct civilizations that flourished on the Western Hemisphere. Each began as a small nation, its people walking in the fear of the Lord. Each prospered, but with prosperity came growing evils. The people succumbed to the wiles of ambitious and scheming leaders who oppressed them with burdensome taxes, who lulled them with hollow promises, who countenanced and even encouraged loose and lascivious living, who led them into terrible wars that resulted in the death of millions and the final extinction of two great civilizations in two different eras.

No other written testament so clearly illustrates the fact that when men and nations walk in the fear of God and in obedience to his commandments, they prosper and grow, but when they disregard him and his word, there comes a decay which, unless arrested by righteousness, leads to impotence and death. The Book of Mormon is an affirmation of the Old Testament proverb, “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Prov. 14:34.)Gordon B. Hinckley, “The Power of the Book of Mormon,” Ensign, Jun 1988, 2 “

President Hinckley described their day, but you can see that it describes the world today as well. The United States, for instance, also started as a small nation of people who, for the most part, were religious people and became a large nation which struggles with a growing lack of respect for the values God gave us. The challenges President Hinckley describes are those we face today. Many nations in the world today face these challenges and the answer, while not an easy one, is found in the pages of the Book of Mormon…written for our day.

The book is not just a gloom and doom warning, however. It doesn’t just describe the sad results. It tells us how they happened and what we can do to prevent or overcome the problems. If nations return to righteousness, if they learn to care more about God and virtue than about greed and power, we can enjoy the blessings reserved for righteous civilizations.

My father was not a member of the church. I converted as a teenager without my family. One day I found a copy of the Book of Mormon under the driver’s seat of the car while retrieving something he sent me for. It had a bookmark in it, and was clearly well-read. I asked him about it. He explained that he read it once to see what I’d gotten myself into and then found he enjoyed the stories, so he kept it in the car to read while he waited for people.

There are many ways to read the Book of Mormon. The first time, you might read out of curiosity. You might read it again for pleasure. Whatever your reason, you should also consider reading it to find out if it’s true. You already know that millions believe it is; why not find out for yourself?

Most of the writing is not challenging. I find it far easier to read than the Old Testament. It’s more like the New Testament, so if you have experience reading the Bible, you’ll find no trouble reading most of the Book of Mormon.

Try to read it all the way through, even if there are spots that seem complicated or confusing to you. In future readings, those difficult spots will seem easier. Only when you’ve read it all will you completely understand why it has converted so many people. Pray before reading. God knows if it’s true—ask Him to tell you as you read. You may want to start with a section near the end, so you’ll know how to tell if it’s true:

“And 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.
“And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.” (Moro. 10:4–5.)

Then go back and read from the start, keeping in mind that God has promised to tell you personally whether or not it is true. You won’t have to take anyone else’s word for it.

Consider keeping a journal as you read. This can help you keep track of the people and events, the doctrine, and the teachings. If you record your feelings about what you are reading, it will help you as you seek to find out if it’s true.

Many people mark scriptures as they go along. They mark those that inspire them or that they consider important. Many use one color of marking pencil just for references to the Savior, so they can then go back and review all the teachings about Jesus when they are finished. You will find you must mark a great deal of the book when you do this. Boyd K. Packer explained:

After the people of Lehi had arrived in the Western Hemisphere, Lehi had a vision of the tree of life. His son Nephi prayed to know its meaning. In answer, he was given a remarkable vision of Christ.
In that vision he saw:
• A virgin bearing a child in her arms,
• One who should prepare the way—John the Baptist,
• The ministry of the Son of God,
• Twelve others following the Messiah,
• The heavens open and angels ministering to them,
• The multitudes blessed and healed,
• The crucifixion of the Christ,
• The wisdom and pride of the world opposing his work. (See 1 Ne. 11:14–36.)

That vision is the central message of the Book of Mormon.

The Book of Mormon is in truth another testament of Jesus Christ.”Boyd K. Packer, “‘The Things of My Soul’,” Ensign, May 1986, 59