The Book of Mormon is a record of God’s dealings with the inhabitants of the ancient Americas, who sailed here from Biblical lands. BYU professor Daniel Peterson says that the discovery of the “if/and” sentence construction made by his colleague, professor Royal Skousen, in his textual study of the Book of Mormon proves this linguistic lineage. Peterson writes:

In grammar, “conditional sentences” are sentences that discuss hypothetical situations and their consequences. Languages use a variety of constructions and verb forms to form such sentences…. A very common form of conditional sentence is the “if/then” construction, with the word “then” being optional…. What is absolutely not a common conditional form — in any period or dialect of English— is an “if/and” construction. Native speakers simply don’t use it. We never say things like, …  “If you cook it, and I’ll eat it.” Yet, although it never survives into English Bible translations, this construction is common in biblical Hebrew.

That is why it is significant to find “if/and” conditionals in the earliest English Book of Mormon, which presents itself as the translation of a record written by ancient Hebrews and their descendants. [1]

Skousen’s work has produced an in-depth linguistic analysis of the Book of Mormon and—for members of The Church of Jesus Christ— further proof of the authenticity of the book.

A Study of Book of Mormon Texts

The Book of Mormon came forth under miraculous circumstances—and has been a topic of scholarly debate ever since. Joseph Smith, the first prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, (the restoration of Christ’s ancient church) was led to the gold plates by a heavenly messenger named Moroni. It’s important to note that Joseph Smith had very little formal education and, at the time of the translation, “could neither write nor dictate a coherent and well-worded letter, let alone dictat[e] a book like the Book of Mormon,” according to his wife, Emma. [“Last Testimony of Sister Emma,” Saints’ Herald 26 (Oct. 1, 1879), 290.] Almost all of the present-day text of the Book of Mormon was translated during a three-month period between April and June of 1829, with a schoolteacher named Oliver Cowdery working as Joseph Smith’s scribe. The manuscript dictated by Joseph to his scribes is called the Original Manuscript, and only 28% of this document survives today. To assist in the printing of the book, Oliver Cowdery made a handwritten copy of the manuscript, which is known today as the Printer’s Manuscript. [2]

In the nearly 200 years since the first printing of the Book of Mormon, there have been 20 published editions of the book— 15 published by The Church of Jesus Christ, 4 by the Reformed Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (now the Community of Christ, which is a separate church established by former members years after the death of Joseph Smith) and one private edition published in 1858 by James Wright in New York City. Skousen has spent a quarter of a century studying each of these editions as well as the Original and Printer’s manuscripts to discover, as nearly as possible, the earliest text of the English translation of the Book of Mormon. [3]

Skousen’s findings are fascinating—but don’t detract from the truthfulness of the doctrine or the book. He writes:

… It has been a delight to have discovered evidence in the original manuscript to support what witnesses said about how Joseph Smith translated. In my initial work on the original manuscript of the Book of Mormon, I was always excited to discover the occasional error that had crept into the text. But over time I have become more amazed about the nature of the original text of the Book of Mormon. In particular, the original manuscript provides important evidence that the Book of Mormon is a revealed text from the Lord. Indeed, the consistency of the original language supports the argument that the text was revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith, word for word. [4]

The Significance of ‘If/And’

The Book of Mormon was written by ancient prophets whose ancestors came to the Americas from Jerusalem and other Biblical lands in a language called “reformed Egyptian.” (See Mormon 9:42 and 1 Nephi 1:12.) The significance of the Hebraic “if/and” construction is that it supports the linguistic heritage of the original authors of the Book of Mormon. As a young man with limited formal education, Joseph Smith would have no knowledge of this grammatical sentence structure. Peterson writes:

Joseph Smith would not have seen the Hebrew “if/and” conditional sentence in the King James Bible. Yet, in the original dictation manuscript of the Book of Mormon, 1 Nephi 17:50 reads “if he should command me that I should say unto this water be thou earth and it shall be earth.” That “and” was removed when Oliver Cowdery produced the so-called “Printer’s Manuscript,” but similar constructions— too many to dismiss as coincidental— appeared in the 1830 first edition. [1]

Skousen points out an entire sequence of “if/and” sentences in Helaman 12:13-21. For example, in verse 13: “yea and if he sayeth unto the earth move and it is moved.” Skousen writes:

Beginning with the 1837 edition, all these examples of the extra and have been edited out of the text. Such examples of a Hebraistic if-and construction in the original text provide further evidence that Joseph Smith received the text word for word. If he had received only ideas, there would have been no reason to have added the non-English use of and in all these examples. [4]

Peterson writes:

Such expressions— poor English, but good Hebrew— were eliminated by Joseph Smith himself in the second printing of the Book of Mormon. Though an unlettered man, he was a native speaker of English; he knew that these constructions were “wrong.” What we see in them, I think, is “language contamination,” leakage from the text’s original language into the translation language — much the way Spanish/English interpreters sometimes slip into “Spanglish.” But why would such things appear in “the most correct book?” Perhaps as a subtle divine hint that the original language of the Book of Mormon wasn’t English. [1]

Scholarly Studies vs. A Testimony of the Book of Mormon

Skousen’s study of the Book of Mormon provides an in-depth look into the textual changes of these scriptures. Richard Turley, assistant church historian and recorder for The Church of Jesus Christ, called Skousen’s work “the finest understanding that we have all had about the Book of Mormon.” [5] His work provides a rich background story through the textual changes that we can get in no other way. As Turley says, Skousen’s analysis is “an evaluation on how (Joseph Smith) translated it and what kind of text was revealed to him.” [5] The Critical Text Project is interesting, but is not the source upon which a testimony of the Book of Mormon is built—in other words, how a person knows that this book is the word of God. In the Introduction, the Prophet Joseph Smith writes:

I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.

But this analysis of the Book of Mormon isn’t necessarily designed to help others gain a testimony of the book. Even Skousen wrote:

There has also been a spiritual dimension to this work, although my own testimony of the Book of Mormon is not based on my work on the critical text project, but rather on my own personal witness that this book records events which really happened. [4]

Rather, the analysis is a fascinating study of the Book of Mormon text and how it has changed—and hasn’t really changed at all—from the first translation to the latest published edition of the scripture. Skousen wrote:

The systematic nature of the original text and the spelling out of Book of Mormon names support the theory that the text was revealed to Joseph Smith, word for word and even letter for letter. On the other hand, all subsequent transmissions of the text appear to be subject to human error. At each stage, the accuracy of the transmission has depended upon the carefulness of the transmitter, whether Joseph Smith, his scribes, or later editors and typesetters. (This caveat, of course, equally applies to the critical text itself.) Although all have tried to do their best, every transmission of the text appears to have led to some mistakes. Yet none of these errors significantly interfere with either the message of the book or its doctrine. These textual errors have never prevented readers of the book from receiving their own personal witness of its truth.

The editing of the text (including Joseph Smith’s for the 1837 edition) should, in nearly all instances, be viewed as translating the text into a more standard variety of English. Moreover, in his editing of the text, Joseph acted as a human editor; his 1837 and 1840 revisions do not represent any kind of “final authorial intent” since Joseph Smith is not the author of the Book of Mormon. Nor is there any evidence that his editorial revisions represent inspired corrections to the text, especially since he left unchanged dozens of substantive errors that the scribes originally made when they copied from the original manuscript to the printer’s manuscript.

The original text of the Book of Mormon reflects the style of Early Modern English—namely, the biblical style from the 1500s. Nonetheless, this biblical style in the Book of Mormon is not identical to the style of the King James Bible except in those Book of Mormon passages which directly quote from the King James Bible (such as Isaiah and Matthew). [4]

These findings, as Skousen has pointed out, in no way detract from the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. Rather, they illustrate the truthfulness of the words of an ancient prophet, found on the Title Page of the Book of Mormon:

And now, if there are faults they are the mistakes of men; wherefore, condemn not the things of God, that ye may be found spotless at the judgment-seat of Christ.

How Can We Know the Book of Mormon is The Word of God?

How, then, can we find out for ourselves whether the Book of Mormon is the word of God? The Introduction to the Book of Mormon tells us:

We invite all men everywhere to read the Book of Mormon, to ponder in their hearts the message it contains, and then to ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ if the book is true. Those who pursue this course and ask in faith will gain a testimony of its truth and divinity by the power of the Holy Ghost. (See Moroni 10:3–5.)

Those who gain this divine witness from the Holy Spirit will also come to know by the same power that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, that Joseph Smith is His revelator and prophet in these last days, and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord’s kingdom once again established on the earth, preparatory to the Second Coming of the Messiah.

This is how Skousen gained his testimony of the Book of Mormon. He writes:

About twenty-five years ago, as I was reading the Book of Mormon during a time of personal difficulty, I reread the account of Ammon, King Lamoni, and the queen in Alma 19, which records the moment when the servant woman Abish raises the queen from the ground (Alma 19:29–30):

“And it came to pass that she went and took the queen by the hand, that perhaps she might raise her from the ground; and as soon as she touched her hand she arose and stood upon her feet, and cried with a loud voice, saying: O blessed Jesus, who has saved me from an awful hell! O blessed God, have mercy on this people!

“And when she had said this, she clasped her hands, being filled with joy, speaking many words which were not understood….”

As I was reading this passage, the spirit personally witnessed to me, “This really happened.” I have always cherished this moment in my life, and have been grateful to the Lord for the sure knowledge that the Book of Mormon is the word of the Lord. [4]

I love this because it illustrates how each person can gain a testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon—by reading, then praying and asking God, and finally receiving an answer through the Holy Ghost. Elder Russell M. Nelson, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (with the First Presidency, the governing body of The Church of Jesus Christ), taught:

I would like to add my testimony of the divinity of this book. I have read it many times. I have also read much that has been written about it. Some authors have focused upon its stories, its people, or its vignettes of history. Others have been intrigued by its language structure or its records of weapons, geography, animal life, techniques of building, or systems of weights and measures.

Interesting as these matters may be, study of the Book of Mormon is most rewarding when one focuses on its primary purpose—to testify of Jesus Christ. By comparison, all other issues are incidental.

When you read the Book of Mormon, concentrate on the principal figure in the book—from its first chapter to the last—the Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God. …

Each individual who prayerfully studies the Book of Mormon can also receive a testimony of its divinity. In addition, this book can help with personal problems in a very real way. Do you want to get rid of a bad habit? Do you want to improve relationships in your family? Do you want to increase your spiritual capacity? Read the Book of Mormon! It will bring you closer to the Lord and His loving power. [6]

The Book of Mormon is the word of God, and we can know this for ourselves. The Hebraisms and other discoveries that Professor Skousen found in his Critical Text Project add another rich layer to what many already know: that this book is true, and it was written by ancient prophets who sailed to the Americas from Jerusalem.

Believe it or not, at one time the very notion of government had less to do with politics than with virtue. … [James] Madison, [George] Washington, and [Abraham] Lincoln all understood that democracy cannot possibly flourish in a moral vacuum and that organized religion plays an important role in preserving and maintaining public morality. Indeed, John Adams, another of America’s Founding Fathers, insisted: “We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion.” (John Adams, The Works of John Adams, Second President of the United States, Charles F. Adams, 1854.)

Yet that is precisely the position we find ourselves in today. Our government is succumbing to pressure to distance itself from God and religion. Consequently, the government is discovering that it is incapable of contending with people who are increasingly “unbridled by morality and religion.” [1] 

But no book shows the connection between politics and religion with as much depth and clarity as The Book of Mormon—another testament of Jesus Christ, a companion scripture to the Bible and a record of God’s dealings with the peoples who lived in the ancient Americas.

The Book of Mormon—A Witness and a Warning

Modern prophets and apostles in The Church of Jesus Christ have called the Book of Mormon “a witness and a warning” for our day. The ancient prophets are witnesses who testify of the Savior, Jesus Christ, and teach the truths of His gospel. And they warn of the consequences of those who choose to disobey the commandments of God—consequences to individuals and entire nations. The late President Gordon B. Hinckley, a past president of The Church of Jesus Christ, said:

I know of no other writing which 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 this Western Hemisphere. Each began as a small nation, its people walking in the fear of the Lord. 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 and total 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 that, unless arrested by righteousness, leads to impotence and death. [2] 

The Book of Mormon is a warning for those who live in the modern Americas. The Lord tells us that this land—called the Land of Promise—is a land of liberty, and those who are here were led by the hand of God. People who live in the Land of Promise must obey God’s commandments or they will “be brought into captivity” (2 Nephi 1:7). Mormon, the ancient prophet who compiled the records that became the Book of Mormon, witnessed the destruction of his people. He also saw our day. With the unique insight of his people’s demise and the divine guidance of the Lord, he carefully and painstakingly chose the information that would be most helpful to those who would read this book—us, the people who live in the modern days.

It is often said that hindsight is 20/20. Through the hindsight of these ancient Book of Mormon peoples, we are given the foresight to prevent and correct the same problems in our day. The hindsight of the Book of Mormon shows us that government and the righteousness of its people are inseparably intertwined. If the government becomes corrupt, the people must enact a change. If the people become corrupt, the government must rely on the prophets to preach repentance. When corruption goes unchecked, calamities and destruction follow.

Democracy: The Power of the People to Remain Righteous

 Throughout the thousand-year history of the book of Mormon, the balance of power and the systems of government changed many times. But through the lens of history, Book of Mormon prophets show us that democracy is the preferable choice of governments. Righteous kings work well, but wicked kings pervert the ways of God and lead their people astray. A democracy is ruled by the voice of the people. It’s common for the majority of people to choose righteousness and only a small part to choose wickedness. When the majority of the people choose wickedness, problems arise. (See Mosiah 29:21-27.)

In a democracy, people are responsible for their own actions. If they turn away from God, they can’t blame a wicked king. Thus, a democratic government reflects the level of righteousness of its people. Government leaders are chosen by and beholden to the people. The voice of the people voted them in, and the voice of the people can vote them out. When the majority of the people choose to ignore the corruption of their leaders and the perversion of just laws, they are held accountable to God. Righteousness is a foundational tenet of any democratic society. James Madison, often called the father of the Constitution, said:

We have staked the whole future of American civilization not upon the power of the government—far from it. We have staked the future of all of our political institutions upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God. (Russ Walton, Biblical Principles of Importance to Godly Christians, New Hampshire: Plymouth Foundation, 1984, p. 361.)

The Book of Mormon has severe warnings for those who live in a democracy. A free people are obligated to defend and protect their freedoms—from enemies within and without their government and country. In times of prosperity, people are quick to forget the Lord and are often lulled into a false sense of security. But in all times and in all ages, people must elect “wise, honest and upstanding leaders.” If they don’t, their situation can deteriorate rapidly. The late Ezra Taft Benson, a past president of The Church of Jesus Christ, said:

Too many Americans have lost sight of the truth that God is our source of freedom—the Lawgiver—and that personal righteousness is the most important essential to preserving our freedom. So, I say with all the energy of my soul that unless we as citizens of this nation forsake our sins, political and otherwise, and return to the fundamental principles of Christianity and of constitutional government, we will lose our political liberties, our free institutions, and will stand in jeopardy before God. No nation which has kept the commandments of God has ever perished, but I say to you that once freedom is lost, only blood—human blood—will win it back. [3]

That sentence is a warning to all free nations: Once freedom is lost, only human blood will win it back. America’s Founding Fathers and those who fought with them sacrificed their blood to establish the Land of the Free. American blood was spilt in the fight to free black people from slavery and again to reaffirm their right to equal treatment under the law during the Civil Rights Movement. Freedom is never easy to obtain and should never be taken for granted. If the modern examples aren’t enough proof, the Book of Mormon offers many more.

Freedom of Religion is the Foundation of Democracy

If the Book of Mormon offers us any examples, it’s this: Freedom of religion is the foundation upon which a democracy is built. A democracy is government for the people, by the people. This in and of itself implies that the people within the system are trustworthy and willing to be accountable to each other and a higher power for their actions. Each person—or at least the majority of the people—must be willing to put the needs of others and the country ahead of their own selfish desires. In a democracy, everyone has to work together to get anything done. Where does one learn to be honest, charitable, trustworthy, work well with others and to uphold the good and the decent? They learn these concepts at home, at church, and in the scriptures.

Churches and the religious conscience not only provide a moral compass for the people, they are also a safeguard against government corruption. Elder Ballard said:

The framers of the Constitution probably assumed that religious freedom would establish religion as a watchdog over government, and believed that free churches would inevitably stand and speak against immoral and corrupt legislation. All churches not only have the right to speak out on public moral issues, but they have the solemn obligation to do so. Religion represents society’s conscience, and churches must speak out when government chooses a course that is contrary to the laws of God. To remove the influence of religion from public policy simply because some are uncomfortable with any degree of moral restraint is like the passenger on a sinking ship who removes his life jacket because it is restrictive and uncomfortable. [1] 

A recurring theme in the Book of Mormon is this: If you want to enact change among a people, teach them the gospel of Jesus Christ. This change doesn’t happen overnight, but over a period of time. Alma, the high priest and chief judge, relinquished his government position to preach the gospel to the people. The people were beginning to forget the Lord, and problems were arising. “As the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just—yea it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them—therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God” (Alma 31:5).

Rooting Out Government Corruption & Secret Combinations

The Book of Mormon spells out in no uncertain terms the dangers to peoples, governments, and society as a whole posed by secret combinations—which are groups of people who meet in secret and plot to lie, cheat, murder, steal and eventually take over governments. How bad are secret combinations? “The regulations of the government were destroyed, because of the secret combination of the friends and kindreds of those who murdered the prophets” (3 Nephi 7:6). For those who feel that these threats don’t plague the modern times, the ancient prophets have specifically told us otherwise.

And the Gentiles are lifted up in the pride of their eyes … and have put down the power and miracles of God, and preach up unto themselves their own wisdom and their own learning, that they may get gain. … And there are also secret combinations, … according to the combinations of the devil, for he is the founder of … murder, and works of darkness” (2 Nephi 26:20, 22).

Conspiracy theories make great movie plots, but they are often disregarded by the public—until it’s too late. Ancient and modern prophets have warned against being blinded by the wiles of corrupt government leaders. President Benson said:

[The Book of Mormon] … states that the downfall of two great American civilizations came as a result of secret conspiracies whose desire was to overthrow the freedom of the people. … (See Ether 8:21.) Now undoubtedly [the ancient prophet] Moroni could have pointed out many factors that led to the destruction of the people, but notice how he singled out the secret combinations, just as the Church today could point out many threats to peace, prosperity, and the spread of God’s work, but it has singled out the greatest threat as the godless conspiracy. There is no conspiracy theory in the Book of Mormon —it is a conspiracy fact.

Then Moroni speaks to us in this day and says, “Wherefore, the Lord commandeth you, when ye shall see these things come among you that ye shall awake to a sense of your awful situation, because of this secret combination which shall be among you” (Ether 8:14). [4] 

President Benson spoke more than 30 years ago, and yet the “godless conspiracy” is alive, well and thriving today. It’s time to awake to a sense of our awful situation. Secret combinations are rampant—they are in many places and come from all walks of life. They are not just in criminal organizations. They enact unjust laws and they tear down righteous laws enacted by the voice of the people. They mock the laws of God and the people who would follow them. But the foresight extended to us through the Book of Mormon includes the solution to this growing problem—preaching the word of God. This is the only way to root out evil from among a people. The Book of Mormon clearly shows that bad governments are more than dictators and tyrants—they are all systems of government that pervert the laws of God and limit freedom of religion.

The Power of the Word of God and the Pain of Ignoring the Threat to Freedom

Two groups of people—the Lamanites and the Nephites—gave us powerful examples of what a righteous, faithful people can do, and the awful consequences that follow a righteous people who are seduced by the wiles of secret combinations. A secret band called the Gadianton Robbers was overrunning the Nephite and Lamanite nations and threatening their utter destruction. Their responses to the threat led to the safety of one nation and the destruction of the other. The Lamanites hunted down all the Gadianton robbers and “they did preach the word of God among the more wicked part of them, insomuch that this band of robbers was utterly destroyed from among the Lamanites” (Helaman 6:37). The Nephites, however, “did build them up and support them… until they had overspread all the land of the Nephites, and had seduced the more righteous” to believe in their works and eventually joined in their wickedness (Helaman 6:38). The Gadianton Robbers took over the Nephite government, destroyed their laws and persecuted the humble followers of God (Helaman 6:39).

There is no more powerful witness and warning for our day than this—the Lamanites who hunted down and preached the word of God to the wicked in their midst were spared. Their government and freedoms were saved from destruction at that time. The Nephites who rationalized, justified and finally joined the wicked ways of the robbers lost their freedoms and their government was overtaken. How will we react when the secret combinations of our day overturn our just laws, threaten our freedoms and work to tear down the protections of our God-given Constitution? The threat is real, and the time to act is now. Will the righteous among us—regardless of religious affiliation—stand up for the morals, values and freedoms we hold dear? Or will we, too, succumb to the wiles of the wicked, lose our freedoms and have to wrest them back through the shedding of human blood?

What’s in the Book of Mormon, Anyway?

The Book of Mormon contains the history of the people living in the American continents, beginning at about 600 B.C. and concluding at 400 A.D. These records coincide with the time period of many books in the Bible. The Book of Mormon recounts stories of family strife, missionary work, wars, conversions, and most importantly, the visit of Jesus Christ to the Americas.

Christ’s visit to the Book of Mormon peoples is central to the message of the Book of Mormon. I personally have found great inspiration, comfort, and direction when reading these passages. The doctrine of Jesus Christ transcends all race, creed, and time, and that becomes evident through reading the Book of Mormon.

The Book of Mormon also contains accounts of several wars between the Nephites and the Lamanites, the two most prominent groups of people in the Book of Mormon. Through reading about these wars, we can see the impact that faith and obedience have on a group of people, and we can see the devastating and widespread effects of pride and wickedness. Is there any part of this that we can’t relate to today? Our world right now is full of war, greed, and destruction. The Book of Mormon provides the answers we need to bring ourselves back into the light.

The World Needs Another Witness of Christ

The world today seems to be continually moving further and further away from the doctrine of Jesus Christ. Values that used to be common and accepted are now seen as stodgy, out of date, and even intolerant. So many people operate under the delusion that they can be happy and enlightened through solely their own efforts; they think that they don’t need the redemption offered by Christ.

The Bible isn’t strong enough anymore to stand alone as a witness of Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon is there to add strength to the testament of the Savior. Mormons also have living prophets and apostles who are set apart as special witnesses of Christ. Our world needs many witnesses of Jesus Christ to effectively spread His message.

The Book of Mormon Is for Individuals

This book is not intended just to stand as a witness against the world–it is here for you individually, to help, guide, and comfort you through your journeys and trials. I have read the Book of Mormon through several times, and each time I learn something new. Different chapters and verses shine to me, and the Holy Ghost teaches me and helps me through the adversity I face.

I remember one time in particular when I was facing a situation that greatly affected me, but one over which I had little control. I was distraught; I didn’t know what to do or how to move forward. So I opened my scriptures and started reading in the book of 3 Nephi when Jesus Christ is ministering among the American peoples after His resurrection. I came across this verse: “And Jesus said unto them: Pray on; Nevertheless they did not cease to pray” (19:26). In that moment I knew that God knew me and that He knew my pain. All I could do in that situation was to keep praying, and I felt peace.

You too can find the peace you seek by reading the Book of Mormon. The testimonies of the Savior are powerful and beautiful, and you are invited to develop your own witness of Jesus Christ. (See Moroni 10:3 – 5). The Book of Mormon is meant for our times and for those individuals living in our times; it is meant for you.

The Church of Jesus Christ has been faced in recent years with mocking, disrespectful and offensive attention from some Hollywood producers and their productions. Church leaders did not retaliate, boycott or make a fuss. Instead, they responded as the Savior did, and encouraged members to do the same—by not engaging in contentious conversations and conducting themselves with dignity and thoughtfulness when in the public arena [1].

Certainly Church members are offended when their most sacred practices are misrepresented or presented without context or understanding…. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as an institution does not call for boycotts. Such a step would simply generate the kind of controversy that the media loves. … If the Church allowed critics and opponents to choose the ground on which its battles are fought, it would risk being distracted from the focus and mission it has pursued successfully for nearly 180 years. Instead, the Church itself will determine its own course as it continues to preach the restored gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world. [1]

Responding with Christian Courage

Elder Robert D. Hales, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (a governing body of The Church of Jesus Christ), answered this question from a young member: “Why doesn’t the Church defend itself more actively when accusations are made against it?” He responded:

I would say that one of mortality’s great tests comes when our beliefs are questioned or criticized. In such moments, we may want to respond aggressively—to ‘put up our dukes.’ But these are important opportunities to step back, pray, and follow the Savior’s example.  …When we respond to our accusers as the Savior did, we not only become more Christlike, we invite others to feel His love and follow Him as well.

To respond in a Christlike way cannot be scripted or based on a formula. The Savior responded differently in every situation. When He was confronted by wicked King Herod, He remained silent. When He stood before Pilate, He bore a simple and powerful testimony of His divinity and purpose. Facing the moneychangers who were defiling the temple, He exercised His divine responsibility to preserve and protect that which was sacred. Lifted up upon a cross, He uttered the incomparable Christian response: ‘Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do’ (Luke 23:34).

Some people mistakenly think responses such as silence, meekness, forgiveness, and bearing humble testimony are passive or weak. But to ‘love [our] enemies, bless them that curse [us], do good to them that hate [us], and pray for them which despitefully use [us], and persecute [us]’ (Matthew 5:44) takes faith, strength, and, most of all, Christian courage. [2]

Opposition Brings Opportunities

The Church has determined that staying focused on what is important—that is, preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world—will gain far greater ground. Elder Hales said:

Through the years we learn that challenges to our faith are not new, and they aren’t likely to disappear soon. But true disciples of Christ see opportunity in the midst of opposition. …Experience shows that seasons of negative publicity about the Church can help accomplish the Lord’s purposes. In 1983 the First Presidency wrote to Church leaders, ‘Opposition may be in itself an opportunity. Among the continuing challenges faced by our missionaries is a lack of interest in religious matters and in our message. These criticisms create … interest in the Church. … This provides an opportunity [for members] to present the truth to those whose attention is thus directed toward us.’ [2]

An example of this has occurred with the “Book of Mormon” musical, which was written by the creators of “SouthPark” and mocks much of what The Church of Jesus Christ holds sacred. Boston resident Liza Morong’s parents took her to see the musical in New York City in September of 2011. The 21-year-old musical theater major said she laughed during the entire show and thought, “These people are crazy. They must be brainwashed.” But she was also curious about the religion, and found herself on Mormon.org—intending to “continue her amusement.” She found a live chat with missionaries and starting chatting with Elder Trevor Boardman, a missionary in the referral center at the MissionaryTrainingCenter in Provo, Utah. [3]

“I thought, ‘These clowns are in for a treat with me,’” Morong said. “But (Elder Boardman) was so incredibly nice. I could not be mean to him.” His genuine kindness caught Morong off guard. So instead of harassing him, she asked sincere questions she had after seeing the musical. Eventually, Morong was taught the gospel of Jesus Christ, read the Book of Mormon and decided to be baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. [3]

Richard Marcus, a California resident and former mayor of Culver City, California, had been doing research and asking questions about The Church of Jesus Christ when a friend invited him to see the “Book of Mormon” musical. “I was looking for anything I could. I knew it was a goof, a spoof, a satire, but I thought, ‘I don’t have anything. Maybe I should check that out,’” he said. After seeing the show, Marcus said, “I wanted even more to find out what this was all about.” He tried to buy a copy of the Book of Mormon at the theater’s souvenir counter but was disappointed to find out it was a copy of the musical’s script. He eventually met with the missionaries, received a copy of the real Book of Mormon and decided to be baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ. [4]

When members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints respond to their accusers and mockers as the Savior did, miracles can happen—just as they did when Jesus Christ walked on the earth.

Elder Hales said:

When we do not retaliate—when we turn the other cheek and resist feelings of anger—we … stand with the Savior. We show forth His love, which is the only power that can subdue the adversary and answer our accusers without accusing them in return. That is not weakness. That is Christian courage. [2]

Read the Book of Mormon from your browser.

The Book of Mormon is the word of God. Nephi, a prophet in the ancient Americas whose history and revelations are found in the Book of Mormon, says in 2 Nephi 32:3, “Feast upon the words of Christ; … behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.” The warm and peaceful spirit I feel when I read the scriptures is the Holy Spirit, confirming to me the truthfulness of the words. How do I know this? Ether, another ancient American prophet whose writings are found in the Book of Mormon, says in Ether 4:11-12:

“He that believeth these things which I have spoken, him will I visit with the manifestations of my Spirit, and he shall know and bear record. For because of my Spirit he shall know that these things are true; for it persuadeth men to do good. And whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do good is of me; for good cometh of none save it be of me.”

The Book of Mormon is a ‘Safe Harbor’

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, said:

“Love. Healing. Help. Hope. The power of Christ to counter all troubles in all times—including the end of times. That is the safe harbor God wants for us in personal or public days of despair. That is the message with which the Book of Mormon begins, and that is the message with which it ends, calling all to ‘come unto Christ, and be perfected in him’ (Moroni 10:32).” [1] 

The Book of Mormon is a comforting friend and a safe harbor. Often when I read the verses inside, it is like they are speaking directly to me. I know the Book of Mormon is true, but not from a single, powerful spiritual witness. Of gaining a testimony—or a witness that the Book of Mormon is true—Elder Boyd K. Packer, the president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (a governing body of The Church of Jesus Christ), said:

 “My experience has been that a testimony does not burst upon us suddenly. Rather it grows, as Alma said, from a seed of faith. ‘It will strengthen your faith: for ye will say I know that this is a good seed; for behold it sprouteth and beginneth to grow’ (Alma 32:30). If you nourish it, it will grow; and if you do not nourish it, it will wither (see Alma 32:37–41). Do not be disappointed if you have read and reread and yet have not received a powerful witness. You may be somewhat like the disciples spoken of in the Book of Mormon who were filled with the power of God in great glory ‘and they knew it not’ (3 Ne. 9:20).

“Do the best you can. Think of this verse: ‘See that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order’ (Mosiah 4:27).” [2]

This reminds me of a best friend. You don’t meet and become best friends in a day. You can become friends in a day, but true and lasting friendships develop over time. You share experiences, laughter, sorrow, confidences. Over time, the bonds deepen and you become best friends. The Book of Mormon is like a best friend for me. I can open the book in times of need and turn to verses that offer me comfort, insight and guidance. I have heard people say that they opened the scriptures to a random page and found answers to their prayers. While that has happened to me on occasion, more often I have found the answers I seek in the place where I am reading. It is a “safe harbor” where I can find answers, peace and guidance in the words of God.

Life is Hard, Handle with Prayer—and Reading the Book of Mormon

I can’t remember the exact phrase, but I love it: Life is hard, so handle with prayer. I added reading the Book of Mormon because prayer and reading this book of scripture has and continues to sustain me in good times and trials.

Elder Packer said:

“Life moves all too fast. When you feel weak, discouraged, depressed, or afraid, open the Book of Mormon and read. Do not let too much time pass before reading a verse, a thought, or a chapter.” [2]

I can always tell when I have slacked off my reading and praying. I am less able to handle the stress of kids, finances, housework and all of the other aspects of life. But when I delve into the scriptures, “feasting upon the words of Christ,” all things seem to fall into place. I have the patience I need with my kids. I am able to accomplish so much more and feel good about what I’ve done—and not stressed that I didn’t do enough.

As Elder Packer said, my testimony of the Book of Mormon didn’t come suddenly with a miraculous event. It has come slowly over time. Each time I read, I feel the spirit of the book and the Holy Spirit in the book. Like a best friend, I can always turn to the Book of Mormon to find the words my Heavenly Father wants me to hear—the answers to my questions, the peace I am seeking, the comfort that I need. And in doing so, my faith in my Heavenly Father increases, and I know that He knows me and loves me.

Read the Book of Mormon Online.

The primary purpose of the Book of Mormon is to testify of Christ. Joseph Smith, the first prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ in the latter days, said:

“I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.” [1]

 Feast upon the Words of Christ

 Nephi, an ancient American prophet whose writings are found in the Book of Mormon, said bringing people to Christ was the purpose of the book. The scripture 2 Nephi 25:26 reads:

“And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.”

Nephi also said, in 2 Nephi 33:10:

“And if ye believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the words of Christ, and he hath given them unto me; and they teach all men that they should do good.”

If I want my children to have the words of Christ written on their hearts, they have to read them. Well, not just read them, but “feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do” (2 Nephi 32:3). What is feasting upon the words of Christ? It is studying the scriptures, in faith, with the purpose of gaining knowledge of the Savior and His teachings—not just to say that you read that day.

Elder Boyd K. Packer, president of The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (a governing body of The Church of Jesus Christ), said:

“The central purpose of the Book of Mormon is its testament of Jesus Christ. Of more than 6,000 verses in the Book of Mormon, far more than half refer directly to Him.” [2]

Plain and Precious Truths of Christ in the Book of Mormon

The teachings of Jesus Christ in the Book of Mormon are plain and precious—by divine design. Alma, another ancient American prophet, said: “I have spoken unto you plainly that ye cannot err” (Alma 5:43).

Elder David A. Bednar, an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, said:

“The convincing and converting powers of the Book of Mormon come from both a central focus upon the Lord Jesus Christ and the inspired plainness and clarity of its teachings. Nephi declared, ‘My soul delighteth in plainness unto my people, that they may learn’ (2 Nephi 25:4). The root word plain in this verse does not refer to things that are ordinary or simple; rather, it denotes instruction that is clear and easily understood.

“The Book of Mormon is the most correct of any book on earth because it centers upon the Truth (see John 14:6; 1 Nephi 13:40), even Jesus Christ, and restores the plain and precious things that have been taken away from the true gospel (see 1 Nephi 13:26, 28–29, 32, 34–35, 40). The unique combination of these two factors—a focus on the Savior and the plainness of the teachings—powerfully invites the confirming witness of the third member of the Godhead, even the Holy Ghost. Consequently, the Book of Mormon speaks to the spirit and to the heart of the reader like no other volume of scripture.” [3]

I vividly remember the first time my husband read the scriptures to our oldest child. He took our infant son—who was only weeks old—in his arms and read the Book of Mormon to him. He wanted our son to know the words of the Savior from his infancy. Elder Bednar said:

“Youth of all ages, even infants, can and do respond to the distinctive spirit of the Book of Mormon. Children may not understand all of the words and stories, but they certainly can feel the ‘familiar spirit’ described by Isaiah (Isaiah 29:4; see also 2 Nephi 26:16).” [3]

We wanted our children to feel the “familiar spirit” of the Book of Mormon so that as they grew up, they would find comfort in the familiar words. As we read the Book of Mormon as a family, my children learn of the Savior and His teachings. My husband and I also encourage our children to read the Book of Mormon on their own. Both family and personal scripture study help our children gain their own testimony of the truths of the Savior. It is not enough for my children to know that I know—they have to know. And the only way they can truly know for themselves is to read it.

Meet Mormons

Hi Andrea,

Our selection in the Book of Mormon for this last week has been from 4 Nephi though Mormon 6. It
has been very interesting reading especially from the perspective of having returned recently from my
mission. I am very grateful for missions because of how they bring one’s focus to the basic principles
of the Gospel and their role in daily life. While reading in Mormon this week I found it very interesting to
compare the faith of Mormon and Moroni with the fear and despair of the fallen Nephites. This section of
the Book of Mormon is of course the section where Mormon witnesses the total destruction of his people
in the final battle at Cumorah. Over these final chapters of the Book of Mormon the people are given
many chances to call on God and ask him to help them but reject this opportunity. I can only imagine
just how dark it must have been to be so uncertain as to the future of their civilization and their individual
lives. The final battle at Cumorah is of course the climax and ultimate fall. In this darkest moment I found
verse 7 of Mormon 6 to be especially descriptive of the people’s lack of faith. It says: “And it came to pass
that my people, with their wives and their children, did now behold the armies of the Lamanites marching
towards them; and with that awful fear of death which fills the breasts of all the wicked, did they await to
receive them.” Without Christ and faith in God there is nothing left but to fear. We don’t know the end and
what will happen to us at any given moment.

Moroni, just as his father Mormon, had a different point of view with regard to his purpose and future. Interestingly, Moroni was also unsure of his future. He had people hunting him that wanted him dead. His attitude, however, was completely different from that of the fallen Nephites. Repeatedly throughout Mormon chapter 8 he says “it mattereth not” speaking of his life and future. I think we can learn a lot from this example because in the end it really doesn’t matter as long as we have faith in Christ. If we live by his law and by his commandments what happens will always what he wants to have happen and we do not need to concern ourselves with the details. We can place ourselves in his hands with complete certainty that there is nothing more to be done. I know that I have felt many times a feeling of complete peace and tranquility while in the midst of some of my biggest challenges. It is a wonderful feeling and
truly overcomes the sadness and despair of any external events. If we are here on earth and want to be happy then we can do what the Lord has asked and be certain that we will have happiness. I know this is true and am very grateful that I have felt many times in my life certainty and faith in God’s plan. My goal is to strive everyday to live with an attitude of faith and complete trust, seeking to complete the tasks that the Lord has planned for me. He wants the best for me and wants to guide me to find happiness.

I love you bunches and am glad for the wonderful life you live and the great example you are of service
and love. I hope the best for you every day and that you can have the inward peace the spirit brings.

Love,
Luke

One lesson found early in the book is a lesson on agency and entitlement, taught by both the words and deeds of a prophet named Nephi (nee-fie).

The Book of Mormon is made up of many books written by the prophets who inhabited the ancient American continent. The first was written by Nephi. In 1 Nephi 15, Nephi is trying to explain to his older brothers, Laman and Lemuel, the revelations he and his father have been given. However, his brothers aren’t receptive and think they are without fault, like many people might feel in their situation.

In 1 Nephi 15:8, Nephi records, “And I said unto them: Have ye inquired of the Lord?” His older brothers’ response, “We have not; for the Lord maketh no such thing known unto us.”

Laman and Lemuel’s response represents many of us when faced with a challenge.They are sort of willing enough to listen to what is told to them; however, they have no desire to actually go and find out something for themselves.

We should be actively engaged in our learning, both temporal and spiritual.

Too often, especially as a student, I’ve noticed this mentality with those who attend classes. Students look to be entertained, to have the answers simply given to them. They would like to learn, however they lack the desire to seek and be taught. A critical part of learning is action. On campuses nationwide, not just BYU, students know that the fastest way to failure is to just show up at class, and the fastest way to success is to engage oneself in their own education by actively pursuing knowledge.

Knowledge is ability, and ability precedes success. Instead of feeling entitled to learn and then do nothing about it, go and seek after your own knowledge, both in spiritual and secular endeavors, and you will come to understand the truth of all things. Christ said, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (Luke 11:9).

This lesson from the Book of Mormon can be applied in other places, not just in circles of education. Have you ever seen how much of our daily news is simply rumors? There is an incredible amount of unsubstantiated claims in the world around us, and the amount of it we take as truth is appalling. It is a great practice to seek after the truth in all situations. Fact check as much as you want.

However, I know one way to know the truth of all things, and that is through prayer. Prayer is direct communication between God and an individual. When you pray in faith, you are lifting your thoughts and words to the heavens to the most powerful being in the universe, the Omnipotent, Omnipresent God of Heaven and Earth.

We can seek answers from the Lord through prayer.

He only speaks truth through the whisperings of the Holy Ghost, or the Holy Spirit as some call him. Why, then, would anyone sit around and wait for knowledge to simply be given to them? Or, even worse, why would anyone say there is no way to know the truth for sure, so they give up the pursuit? With an all-knowing God in Heaven who loves us and wants us to know the truth of all things, it is sheer foolishness to think that truth is never an option.

Thus it is perfectly logical that Nephi asks first, “Have you inquired of the Lord?” to his brothers, and follows it up with a great statement about God. He says, “Do ye not remember the things which the Lord hath said? – If ye will not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith, believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these things shall be made known unto you” (1 Nephi 15:11).

I echo Nephi’s words with what I know to be true: I know that if you ask God with a sincere heart, truly seeking truth, the Holy Spirit will manifest the truth unto you if you are receptive to its promptings. May we not be like the rest of the world, confused by a lack of truth. Let us be proactive and find the knowledge that will always benefit us.

This article was written by Andrew L., a student at Brigham Young University and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Additional Resources

About Mormons

Always having a positive outlook will help us find happiness in our lives.

As a student at Brigham Young University I have the opportunity to take religion classes.  Currently I am taking a Book of Mormon class. While reading from the Book of Mormon, I came across the following scripture in 2 Nephi 10:23  “Therefore cheer up your hears and remember that ye are free to act for yourselves.” I love how this scripture connects our agency, or freedom to choose, with our happiness. I was also really struck by how we are instructed to cheer up our hearts. Then I reflected on the Christ-like people I know, and I noticed they were all cheerful people. I’m not saying they were perfect, or always bubbly and excited about life; in general though, they are happy and choose to see their glass as half full.  One example of the Savior being cheerful is when He blessed the little children.  Jesus and His apostles had been very busy and were extremely tired, but instead of pushing the little children away He said, “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not.” He was more than willing to continually help those around him.  Not only was He willing, but I believe He had a smile on His face and love in His heart.

The second half of the scripture in 2 Nephi 10:23 reads, “ye are free to act for yourselves – to choose the way of everlasting death or the way of eternal life.” I believe this principle to be true. We are in charge of our destiny. Yes, without our Savior and the atonement we would be unable to be resurrected. But because we have the infinite gift of the atonement, we have the freedom to choose. Each day, as we go around making choices, we are choosing our eternal salvation. If we choose to follow Christ’s example we are choosing to be on the Lord’s side. If we choose to push the Savior out of our lives, we are choosing everlasting death. It sounds harsh, but with the atonement we can always repent and come back to the Savior.

None of us is perfect: we all make many mistakes. However, I believe in the power of Christ’s atonement and we can choose our destiny. We are faced with the choices each and everyday. I know that with the guidance of the Holy Ghost and scriptures we can make the rights choices, and return to the presence of God someday.

This article was written by JeriAnn W., a student at Brigham Young University and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Additional Resources:

About Mormons

Meet Mormon Missionaries

The Purpose of Life

The groundwork for this saving sacrifice, the Atonement, was laid before mankind walked the earth in the flesh. In this existence before mortal life, a plan was set in order for humans to reach their ultimate potential. To do this, we needed to gain bodies and be tested in this mortal realm.  Only after we had proven ourselves worthy could we return perfected to our Heavenly Father and gain all He has to offer. There was one problem, however: we are imperfect beings, and even from the beginning, we knew that we could not lead the necessary perfect lives.

The Atonement of Jesus Christ makes it possible for us to return to live with God.

Though you and I could not accomplish this faultlessness, there was one being who could.  He was Jehovah, Jesus Christ, the literal son of our Heavenly Father. Only He was intrinsically good enough to lead a perfect life. In order to complete the plan, He elected to stand as a Mediator between us and heaven. In Him, “the merciful plan of the great Creator” (2 Nephi 9:6) was complete.

I was present for this great council in heaven, though I do not remember it. Before I was born, I – the same as each son and daughter of God – crossed a veil of forgetfulness, after which point all of my previous knowledge was hidden from me. Nevertheless, I know that these events transpired. I have been taught by scripture and modern revelation, and through prayer and thoughtful study, I have received unshakeable knowledge of the truth of these matters, by the power of the Holy Ghost, who testifies the truth of the gospel unto all who are willing to hear it. Through the Holy Ghost, I know the truth of the history I have given, and of the history I will continue to give.

At the meridian of time, the beginning of the Common Era, Jesus Christ was born on earth.  He lived the sinless life that no other man could live. He dedicated his life to preaching the Gospel to those who would receive it. At the end of His mortal ministry, He atoned for our sins, in Gethsemane and in Golgotha.  He suffered our pains, our fears, and the consequences for all of our sins. He died for us.  After three days in the grave, He rose again, resurrected and perfected. He overcame everything for us.

We must only “come unto Him” to receive the blessings of the Atonement.

Jesus Christ did all these things that he might “save all men if they will hearken unto his voice”.  Because of His sacrifice, we can be saved from death. To satisfy all the requirements to live with Him and Heavenly Father again, the only thing we need to do is to come unto Him. He can bear all our burdens; He already has. I know that I could never withstand all the afflictions that have beset me without His help.  I know that I can come unto Him in my times of need, and He is always there to lift me up, to save me.

I know that my words are entirely inadequate to describe the eternal significance of this event, but I will give them nonetheless. I know that my Savior lives; I know that He sacrificed himself for me, as for everyone else; I know that I can come unto Him for loving guidance and assistance; and I know that I can be saved because I have thrown in my lot with Him. It is forever my earnest intent to come unto Him in mind and in spirit, so that I can reserve for myself all the blessings of heaven, and I readily invite all others to do the same. I guarantee that you will know no greater happiness than what can be found through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

This article was written by Austin A., a student at Brigham Young University and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Additional Resources:

About the Savior

Mormon Beliefs

The Messiah