The Doctrine and Covenants is the compilation of revelations received primarily by Joseph Smith Jr, but also by other early prophets of the Mormon Church, during the Church’s Restoration on the earth. The Doctrine and Covenants was originally known as the Book of Commandments. It contains divine instruction from the Lord on how to organize His Church once again on the earth. Mormons believe that, although most of the instructions and...

As described in its “Introductory Note,” The Pearl of Great Price is a “selection of choice materials” relative to aspects of faith and doctrine of the Mormon Church. Much of this material was received by Joseph Smith Jr. through revelation.  Some of the material was translated from ancient writings. The Book of Moses is the first part of the Pearl of Great Price.  It is an extract from the book of Genesis, from Joseph Smith’s...

The Book of Mormon is known as another testament of Jesus Christ, namely, an account of His dealings with the ancient inhabitants of the American continent. Mormons believe the Book of Mormon contains the fullness of the gospel of Christ, and reveals, clarifies, and upholds a number of doctrines and stories in the Bible.  (For instance, some scholars question the stories of Jonah and Job, calling them allegorical.  When Christ visited...

English-speaking members of the Mormon Church typically use the King James Version of the Bible.  Mormons understand that the Bible underwent innumerable alterations during the first two centuries of its existence, but they believe that, as far as it is translated correctly, the Bible contains the word of God. Each member should study the Old and New Testament and pray to know the truth of the records contained therein. The word Bible...

The exact process by which the Book of Mormon was translated is known only to Joseph Smith.  He described it as through the “gift and power of God,” and attributed the Urim and Thummim as a vehicle for translation.  From contemporary accounts of others, including his wife, Emma, Oliver Cowdery, and Martin Harris, all whom acted as scribes during the translation, it is possible to piece together some idea of the process. Joseph Smith...

The Book of Mormon is a translated document, originally written in a language which Joseph Smith Jr. described as Hebrew, written in “Reformed Egyptian” characters.  As Joseph Smith was not well educated, even in English, how was he able to translate it?  The Lord provided him with seer stones, also called the Urim and Thummim. They are described as “instruments prepared by God to assist man in obtaining revelation and in...