The Book of Mormon is subtitled “Another Testament of Jesus Christ.” According to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints website,

The Book of Mormon is a volume of holy scripture comparable to the Bible. It is a record of God’s dealings with ancient inhabitants of the Americas and contains the fulness of the everlasting gospel. [1]

Most members of the church read both the Bible and the Book of Mormon. Sunday School classes teach a three-year rotation with a year spent studying the Old Testament, the New Testament, and the Book of Mormon.* So, the three are familiar enough to you, and you probably see many similarities between them.

You probably won’t be surprised to hear that when I read the Book of Mormon, I don’t recognize the same voice, the same message, or any more than a superficial comparison between the Bible and the Book of Mormon. I understand that might offend you, but I hope you will at least consider my perspective. You might find it helpful, at least, to know why orthodox Christians like me cannot accept the Book of Mormon as Scripture.

I want to offer the following points of contrast: the Bible and the Book of Mormon don’t have comparable sources, don’t have a comparable theme, don’t have a comparable writing style, the prophetic voice is not comparable, the moral standing is not comparable, and the glory that shines from the Book of Mormon does not compare to the glory that shines forth from the Bible.

Continue reading “The Bible vs. the Book of Mormon: Another Challenge to my LDS Friends” →