Rating: 
Summary: Another Testament, or another Jesus?
Review: Not too long ago the Mormon Church changed its logo in order to emphasis the name 'Jesus Christ' whilst the remainder of its title - "The Church of ....... ...... of Latter-day Saints" is less prominent. Since 1981 the Book of Mormon has been sub-titled with the words: "Another Testament of Jesus Christ." Since they say the Book of Mormon is ANOTHER Testament of Jesus Christ it seems reasonable for us to assume they mean another testament, besides the Bible. So the Jesus of whom they are speaking must be the Biblical Jesus. The first paragraph of the "Introduction" to the Book of Mormon reads: "The Book of Mormon is a volume of holy scripture comparable to the Bible. It is a record of God's dealings with the ancient inhabitants of the Americas and contains, as does the Bible, the fulness of the everlasting gospel." Here we see the Book of Mormon being 'linked' to the Bible, therefore, our assumption that they mean another testament - besides the Bible, is obviously correct. [As an aside: notice the above introduction says the Bible also contains 'the fulness of the everlasting gospel'. The Mormon Church teaches that parts of the Bible are missing, and that which remains is largely corrupted. Since that is what they believe, why does the Book of Mormon introduction say otherwise?] Imagine you wrote a biography of Elvis Presley and it became world famous; a standard reference work for anyone wanting to study the life of "The King." Then, years later, I wrote another biography of Elvis Presley - However! The Elvis Presley of whom I wrote was not the famous singer but somebody quite different who just happened to have the same name. Now, if I put on the front cover of my book: "Another biography of Elvis Presley." I would be giving a false impression. Because those words would suggest I was speaking about the same Elvis Presley as you, since I claim it is 'another' (a second) biography. A different Jesus? For many years Christians have claimed that the Jesus of the Mormon Church is a different Jesus than He of whom the Bible speaks. This claim has been denied by LDS Church leaders who have insisted they worship the same Jesus. The Jesus of the Bible. Hinckley's admission: On June 4, 1998 whilst on a visit to Paris, France. President Hinckley bore his testimony of Jesus Christ. While doing so Hinckley spoke of those outside the church who claim Mormons do not believe in the traditional Christ, he continued: "No, I don't. The traditional Christ of whom they speak is not the Christ of whom I speak. For the Christ of whom I speak has been revealed in the Dispensation of the Fulness of Times. He, together with his Father, appeared to the boy Joseph Smith in the year 1820, and when Joseph left the grove that day, he knew more about the nature of God than all the learned ministers of the gospel of the ages." Church News. Week ending June 20, 1998 Throughout the centuries Christians have believed in the Jesus Christ who is presented to us in the Bible. He who was, and is: "...God ... manifest in the flesh, ... preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." (1 Timothy 3:16) The "traditional Christ" who is rejected by Mormonism. Hinckley is not the first to reveal Mormonism's rejection of the real Lord Jesus Christ. At the 147th General Conference Barnard P. Brockbank stated: "...the Christ followed by the Mormons is not the Christ followed by traditional Christianity." "It is true that many of the Christian churches worship a different Jesus Christ than is worshipped by the Mormons or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." If the Christ of the Book of Mormon is the Christ in whom Mormons believe then, clearly, he is a different Christ from the Jesus Christ of the Bible, in whom Mormons don't believe. Therefore, the Book of Mormon cannot be: "Another testament of Jesus Christ." but rather, it is: "A Testament of another Jesus Christ." And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. (Matthew 24:4-5) But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. (Galatians 1:8-9)
Rating: 
Summary: A compelling
Review: This book is a testimony which bears witness to the divinity of Jesus Christ as the Savior and redeemer of the world. If you really study the book, you will be able to distinguish the difference in writing styles from author to author. Truly facinating! Also, for the reviewer who complained about the Book of Mormon "lifting" several verses from the Bible? Do you really think it is that much of a coinsidence? I mean, they both came from the same source. If a verse is repeated it just might be important. Please consider all the angles before you go about making blatant accusations. This sacred work has changed the lives of millions of people from every corner of the world and continues to testify of the truth to those who are willing to open their hearts and accept it. It is true.
Rating:
Summary: It Only Works If You Read It
Review: At first, I was surprised this book was getting such negative reviews, but it's obvious that many of the reviewers have not even read it, but come here to spread an agenda. I suppose I'm not doing Amazon any favors by saying this, but you can get a copy free from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints if you really want one. Rather than rely on the word of some very poorly informed reviewers, get a copy and read for yourself. It contains many truths and can lead you closer to God. Many of the angry things these people have said are true of the Bible as well, so it's all in perspective. Read, and keep an open mind, unlike those angry people who would have you blindly follow them. Even those who don't believe can profit from reading the Book of Mormon.
Rating:
Summary: BELIEVE ME WHEN I SAY THIS...
Review: I was disappointed, to say the least, to come here and find this book has a cumulative 3 star rating; HOWEVER, the fact that it is comprised solely of 1 STAR RATINGS and 5 STAR RATINGS tells you in itself that they're something here. The opinions concerning this book are so stratified that it would be ridiculous to take ANYONE'S word for it. The only solution as I see it, is to read the book for yourself. To anyone truly desirous to learn and discover the truth behind the skepticism, this has to tell you something. Take the time to read the book, and you will have every opportunity to discover itself falsehood, or truthfullness, for yourself. I have read the Book of Mormon many times and found it to be much more than just another book. I have carefully considered its pages and prayed over their content. And most importantly, I have received a witness from God, just as the book says you can, that it is true. It has strengthened my faith in ways I could not have imagined. Along with the Holy Bible, it has helped me gain an understanding of the nature of God, and the doctrine of Christ. Again, don't take my word for it, but if you are interested in a sincere understanding of the Latter-day Saint faith, I can think of nothing more beneficial than a thorough study of the book upon which it is founded.
Rating:
Summary: Poorly Written and Unconvincing
Review: I'm not sure what could keep a person interested in this book long enough to finish it besides religious fervor or morbid curiosity. It is one of the most poorly written books I've ever read. As history, it is utterly unconvincing. As literature, it is hopelessly flat, repetitious, and contrived. As a book of religious scripture, it is unoriginal -- it actually lifts a significant number of its verses and chapters directly from the King James version of the Bible! It is incredible to me that anyone could find this book in any way inspiring. As for me, I tend to agree with Mark Twain's own review of the Book of Mormon. It is "chloroform in print."
Rating:
Summary: Not Worth the Paper It's Printed On
Review: The book is appropriate for those who wish to read a poorly written piece of fiction created by a madman.
Rating:
Summary: Jesus' message was one of love, not hate.
Review: I have read the Book of Mormon and am reading it again. I am humbly thankful to not be hard-hearted to the point that I cannot be taught the truth of it by the Spirit that accompanies it. I have spoken with many people about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and am surprised that most folks who "hate" the LDS people have never read this book nor have they attended an LDS Sunday church service. They haven't ever taken the time to meet a Latter-day Saint (which is the perferred term) without trying to evangelize to them, nor have they spoken with a missionary from the Church. Most of them just read literature that feeds thier hate! I think it is sadness that so many would spend so much time and money tearing down others' faith. How offensive to God to have church meetings often titled "Get To Know the Mormons Night" where the spirit of Satan is ever present and influencing those who participate in any capacity to persecute a mostly decent and certainly God-fearing people. The adversary of truth will deceive as long as people let him. Shame on those who do. I have done some research on "anti-Mormon" claims, one of them being that Mormons say the Native Americans were Jewish. DNA has shown the Native Americans not to be decendants of Judah. Does this refute the claims made by Mormons? I have found this NOT to be the case. The Book of Mormon peoples were decendants of Manasseh. They followed the Hebrew faith, but were not of Judah, as are Jews of today. Another misconception that pours out of the mouths of "Mormon-haters" is that pre-Jesus baptisms and other Christian ways found in the Book of Mormon do not fit even a simple timeline of Christianity. This is easy to debate! John the Baptist baptised before Jesus started His ministry. 'Nuff said. =) The only true way to learn about someone or something is to GO TO THE SOURCE. The Book of Mormon is the cornerstone of Mormonism. Beware of authors who would want money in exchange for educating you on the truth of any subject. If it is so true and vital to your relationship with God to know how terrible the Mormons are; if the intent of the authors of "anti-Mormon" literature were concerned for your very soul as a child of our Heavenly Father, then they would be GIVING AWAY THEIR WARES out of love and humility before Him who created them. The "Mormon-haters" message would be one of love and peace, not of disdain and willfull pride. "By their fruits, ye shall know them." In comparison, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gives away stuff all the time. Just so you know.
Rating:
Summary: One Of The Best Books Ever Writen
Review: I have found in my own life that the book of Mormon is the best thing to happen to me. If you read it, your life will be changed for the better I promise. If you don't believe me read it and pray and then you to can have some of the most wonderful blessings come into your life.
Rating:
Summary: Going to the source
Review: Rather than trying to prove or disprove the Book of Mormon like so many others I want to simply say that purchasing this book is money well spent. For in reading it the reader can make their own judgements based on their own beliefs concerning the value of the Book of Mormon. The purchase price of the book is a mere pitance compared to the absorbant price of purchasing and reading the many other books of criticism both for and against the Book of Mormon. I say just get a copy of the Book of Mormon, read it and make you're own judgements about it; then, as Shakespeare once said, "to thine own self be true".
Rating: 
Summary: Unique Epic; Poor Literature
Review: There are two issues with the Book of Mormon. The first is whether or not it is "true". For the reader who is credulous enough to believe that the myths in the Bible are accurate history, then they might be able to convince themselves that the Book of Mormon is true. For the reader who has a neuron of prudent skepticism in his brain, the answer to whether or not the Book of Mormon is true is painfully obvious. Judge for yourself. The second issue with the Book of Mormon is its quality as a piece of literature. If the reader has a predisposition towards Christianity, some of the issues it raises are mildly interesting. It's interesting to consider who, specifically Jesus was referring to when he said he had other sheep. It's interesting to learn that children who haven't been baptized aren't going to hell. It's interesting to hear from Christianity that the purpose of life is to have joy. It's interesting to think that people had a crystal clear understanding of Christianity before Jesus was even born. It's interesting to consider that the true religion is more widely available than usually thought. But, the few "interesting" ideas are drowning in prose that tries to sound like King James and painfully fails. When the author suffered from writer's block as he frequently did, he copied from the Bible whole chapters at a time (and he usually chose boring chapters of the Bible rather than relatively interesting ones!). The characters are one-dimensional and homogenous. When the "Lamanites" (the supposed ancestors of the American Indian) speak, the Indian clichés tend to make your skin crawl. The plot is repetitious and unbelievable. The dialogue is uncompelling. The logical arguments are unsound. It's a long, tedious read. Perhaps I am being too harsh. If you compare it to the Old Testament, I suppose it holds its own. But if you compare it to great Western literature, be it Homer, St. Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Emerson, or Charles Dickens, it is totally and utterly out-classed. A unique epic? Yes. Great literature? Not even average literature. Among the relatively good chapters are 2 Nephi 2, Mosiah 2, Alma 29, Alma 36, and the second half of 1 Nephi 4. It's a great book to read when you can't sleep.
| 
