Rating: 
Summary: A life changing experience
Review: My life became a mess over the years and I no longer wanted to exist. I hated life and everything in it. As a teenager life seemed so gloomy and depressing. When I was at my lowest and ready to give up on life. I pulled out the book of Mormon and couldn't put it down. It changed my life. I could feel the saviors love like never before. It gave me the courage and strenght to go on and turn my life around. Now 15 years later I'm ever so grateful I decided to open it up. Everyone needs to read with an open heart and find out for themselves. I can't convey the difference in my life today. I'll I can tell you is that I found the Savior and he has turned me around with his love and greatness. Before you decide to buy you should know that you can find this book free at any DI, or ask any LDS person you may know cause I'm sure they would love to share it with you for free. Call ... or go to ... for more info on getting a free copy. That's what they're there for.
Rating:
Summary: Equal to the Bible, A Pattern for Happiness
Review: I have read this book about six or seven times (I lost count). I know this book to be true by praying about it and also studying it. You can feel it is true if you ask if it is after reading it, and I know that it will improve any one's life if they study it and live by it teachings which are paralleled to the Bible.
Furthermore, I'd like to ask anyone no matter if they believe or do not believe it could be true to read it. What are you going to lose? If anything, you'll gain more knowledge and also have a clearer understanding of God and your life. There is literature out there that discredits this book as false, but let me remind you that these people don't want to help, but tear down. Also, keep in mind that there's an opposite to everything, and there'll be those who discredit it.
My favorite group of verses are in the Book of Jacob. This book gives an allegory to the House of Israel to olive trees. This group of scripture in incredible. It's obviously translated and follows the Hebrew format of writing (ABCDCBA).
Also, there's evidence of the Book of Mormon's truth in Native American culture. The Lamanites, who are present day Native Americans, carried with them some of the stories contain in this book, but they have some changes made over time because they weren't hid and were open to changes in oral tradition and Aztec government. Any way, one story (which was written by Ixtlilxochitl in the late 16th century from ancient hieroglyphic writtings pased down from his ancestors), about Quetzalcoatl, is about a white skinned, bearded man who wore a robe who taught them doctrine to live happily and gave good laws of virture and deed. It is also stated in this Aztec account that he'd come again to visit them, and when Cortez arrived, they mistook him for Christ). Interestingly, Christ, in the Book of Mormon, shows himself to the people in the Americas after he is resurrected and taught them. Coincidence? I don't think so.
I just want to conclude that I know this book is true. Just have an open mind and pay attention to your feelings. They will tell you if it is true or not, but remember to exercise faith to see if it is or not. I promise any reader it is, as well as almost 12 million other people who believe it is (more than half are outside of the US). I urge anyone to read this book.
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Summary: As a book review......
Review: Aside from whatever religeous teachings are posted here, I'll just start w/a review of the actual book. It's very well written, and it is also and interesting read. What I did enjoy about the book is that there is a real enthusiasm in it, the book just seems excited. It is also very well structured and consistent. Now, one review for this book on this site was by a "black" woman(no offense intended as to referring to her as black, as she did to herself) who encouraged every non-mormon to do their research on the net. If that isn't a sign to pick up the book then what is? I doubt she ever finished the book, in all fairness, what harm could come to you for actually RESEARCHING the RELIGEON based on IT'S text, not the texts of someone who feels the need to BASH the religeon for whatever reason they have. Have you ever noticed how you can acquire this book for free...go buy an anti-mormon book, they all cost MONEY. People call Joseph Smith a gold digger(he, at one time, worked for someone who wanted to mine for gold until Joseph Smith convinced him it wasn't worthwhile. You can read this in Joseph Smith, History). The problem with people calling him a gold digger is that they then close their eyes to the location of the real gold diggers, the people who write and sell anti-mormon literature. The mormon website has the Book of Mormon up there for you to read for FREE, most in depth anti mormon literature will only provide you w/a few pages of lies to get you to buy the book..where you are bombared w/mainly more lies. DO YOUR RESEARCH IN THE ONLY PLACE WHERE YOU CAN CONDUCT VALID RESEARCH. Don't go out and read a bunch of stuff on the net which could've very well been written by an 11 year old. If you want to study the Mormon reliegeon, acquire this book and other Mormon texts. Just as if you wanted to study the Muslim religeon, you wouldn't go find anti-muslim sites, you'd go check out some Muslim literature. If you want to enjoy this book you need to know something before you even start, and that is to BE FAIR when reading this book and desregard, if only for a moment, all the anti-mormonism you've read and just read the book, an actual publication of the church itself. It's has earned every one of the 5 stars I give it.
Rating:
Summary: I know this book is true.
Review: I have read this book and prayed to know if it was true. I felt a strong, warm feeling in my heart that let me know the things I read were from God.
Rating:
Summary: A very complex piece of work.
Review: Anyone interested in American Religous history must read this book. Joseph Smith founded Americas greatest religous movement, and it is predicted by 2050 the Mormon Church will be the worlds biggest religous movement since the advent of Islam. And of course the Book of Mormon is Joseph Smiths greatest work. Anyone who is a believer in the divinity of Jesus Christ should find this a very inspiring book. The book is very Christ centered which certainly shows Joseph Smiths very deep belief in Christian ideas (although Joseph Smith did believe that modern Christian churches had become corrupted with false doctrines). The book is highly complex and shows forth astounding consistency. I have seen that many people bring up the fact that Mark Twain was not impressed with the book. I believe that Mark Twain was likely jealous that he could not produce something this complex. Tom Sawyer and Hucklberry Finn are great but nothing in comparison with the Book of Mormon. Nor can those who bring this up write anything close to it. For those who are not interested in the intellectual history of religon will probably find this a boring read. And I know some superstitious people think the book is anti-Christ, Occultic, and that Joseph Smith started a satanic cult. This shows there lack of education into even what these words mean, shows there lack of intelligence, and shows there lack of appreciation into American history. I would recommend also the mountain of recent studies done on the Book of Mormon. From a very pro-Mormon point of view I would recommend the works done by the Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies found at [local website] They are many times apolegetic but they have produced a mountain of literary studies into the Book of Mormon. From a more secular view of the Book of Mormon I would recommend works that have been published by Signature Books, found at [local website]
Rating: 
Summary: Apparent Disharmony with the Bible Regarding the Priesthood
Review: With regard to the priesthood, my reading of the Book of Mormon and the Bible has revealed what appears to be a disagreement between the two. I will try to explain it as best as possible here. First, the Bible teaches that the Aaronic priesthood is only for lineal descendents of Aaron. See Numbers 18:1-7 (Especially verses 1 and 7). However, the Book of Mormon appears to have a priesthood based on invalid descent. See First Nephi 5:14; 2 Nephi 2:4; 5:26; Jacob 1:18-19. Second, the Bible teaches that only the Aaronic Priests could offer sacrifices. See Leviticus 17:1-9. The Book of Mormon, however, presents sacrifices being offered by non-Aaronic Priests. See 1 Nephi 2:7; 5:9; 7:22. Third, in the Bible under the Mosaic covenant, sacrifices are only acceptable in the place chosen by God. See Deuteronomy 12:11-14; Leviticus 17:1-9. But in the Book of Mormon, a Temple is built under the Old Covenant in a place other than that one chosen by God for that covenant. See 2 Nephi 5:16; 3 Nephi 11:1. The above observations are the fruit of my own intense study. I presented them to Mormon missionaries, but they were unable to give an explanation that held water. Three of the following items are explanations they gave and my response, and the last is one that occurred to me. First, "Maybe God made another covenant with the Nephites." It doesn't resolve anything to say that maybe God established another covenant with the Nephites, because the Book of Mormon itself says that they followed the Law of Moses (2 Nephi 5:10). According to this law, no man could offer sacrifices if he weren't an Aaronic priest. Also, according to the Law of Moses no place other than the Tabernacle (and later, the Temple) was acceptable to offer sacrifices. Second, "But God permitted Noah and others to offer sacrifices in other places." Before the Mosaic Law, the patriarchs Noah, Abraham and others offered sacrifices in various places. After the coming of the Law, it was prohibited for any person to offer sacrifices in any place other than that one chosen by God among all the tribes. See in Joshua 22:10-34 what happened when the people of Israel mistakenly thought that one of the tribes had constructed an altar to offer sacrifices. See especially verses 19 and 29. Third, "Maybe the mother of Nephi, Jacob and Joseph was a descendant of Aaron, and for this reason they could have the Aaronic Priesthood" Doctrines and Covenants 68:21 clearly explains that inheritance of the Aaronic Priesthood passes only from "father to son." See also D&C 84:18; 107:69 and Exodus 40:12-15. Fourth, "Since no one other than a Levite and descendent of Aaron could be a priest, how could it be possible that Samuel legitimately served God in this fashion?" 1 Samuel 1:1 gives us the impression that Samuel was and Ephraimite. In reality, the tribe of Levi never received a region as the other tribes did when they conquered Canaan. The Levites spread out everywhere in the land, and by the time of Samuel, Israelites were named after the region in which they lived, even though they were of other tribes. For this reason, Samuel was an "Ephraimite" by region, but was really (genetically) of the tribe of Levi. Aside from that, he was a descendent of Aaron (1 Chronicles 6:26-28) and thus completely qualified to be a priest according to Mosaic Law. If someone has information that solves the contradiction, please let me know! No, I don't want to hear about praying to God about the Book of Mormon. I'm looking for reasonable, thought out responses that deal directly with the perceived problem. Thanks!
Rating:
Summary: Another Testament
Review: The Book of Mormon was written by ancient prophets and spans time from about 600 BC to around 421 AD. It tells of an ancient civilization on the American continent (mostly Nephites, Lamanites, Jaredites) that waver from good to bad, back to good, and worse etc., until finally most of the righteous followers of Christ are gone. And then Moroni, the prophet, gives us a promise. He says that if we read the words contained on the plates, if we ask God in faith, He will tells us of its truthfullness. And you know what the great part of it is? It works! Unlike the greatest literature of the most respected authors, the BoM is interactive. Shakespeare, Hardy, Poe, or any of the best can't make such a claim! If you have a question, ask the author. He'll answer it for you. I know this because I tried it. I want to share with you, the reader, and the world that I know beyond any doubt that the Book of Mormon is true. It testifies of Christ in a most powerful and undeniable way. Although men may unite against it and form entire groups and armies to "prove" it untrue, one simple fact remains. It IS true. Critics can't change it, and neither can I. All you have to do is read it humble yourself before God. Ask in faith. It will change your life.
Rating:
Summary: The Key to Knowing This is True
Review: If you want to know this comes from God, just ask him. Don't listen to men.
Rating:
Summary: Total Fiction
Review: Please go buy "Mormon America" by Ostling before purchasing this fine piece of fiction. Then you will be well educated on the facts of the Mormon cult. I used to be a Mormon, so take it from me, go buy the book I recommended above!
Rating:
Summary: After all the testimonies...
Review: ...which have been given of it, this is the testimony, last of all, which I give - that the Book of Mormon is a 19th century document created by Joseph Smith from many personal and published sources, and is not a volume of scripture. It's initial goal was to establish his credentials as a gifted finder of buried treasure and later to set him up as a gifted spiritual leader to enrich himself on other people's money as he had already demonstrated a determined dislike for serious physical labor (though I can't say I blame him). I congratulate him on a creditable job, but don't waste your time looking at it as a book of scripture.
As a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (which would be more accurately called the Church of Joseph Smith of the latter-day duped) I must give this book one star. Its religious/spiritual quality is zero (since the whole thing was made up by Joseph Smith - a man with a serious reputation as a treasure hunter during the time he was waiting for the angel to give him access to the plates), and who used magical devices (such as his peepstone) used in his hat to "translate" the Book of Mormon. A device he also used to locate buried treasure for gullible clients. He was also a devotee of magic and the occult (about which I learned in church history at Brigham Young University). The book's historical impact is two stars though, as mormonism has had some impact on the direction US history and played a prominent role in settling the western frontier; though as mormonism appears to be in great trouble due to substantial falloff of new converts over the past decade, the growing number of people leaving the church, and the constant pleas for tithing coming over mormon pulpits indicating the church's financial stress, perhaps in 50 to 100 years its historical impact may be much smaller.
This book reads much like the Bible (including its attempt at King James Bible style English) but is full of incredible and fantastic stories mimicking both the Bible and the world of Christian revivalism as seen by Mr. Smith in early 19th century America. A small sampling of these fantastic, scripturally unprecedented or fantastically embellished, and even morally dangerous stories follows: Nephi's God-directed cold-blooded murder of Laban, the keeper of the brass plates in Jerusalem (Since God supernaturally gave Smith the gold plates, gave Lehi's party the Liahona, gave some Book of Mormon prophets some fantastic powers and information, it makes me wonder why instead of instructing Nephi to murder Laban for his plates, God didn't just give Nephi a copy of the brass plates - or give Nephi the contents of the brass plates by revelation.); the magical Liahona guiding Lehi's party through the wilderness of the Arabian peninsula, Nephi and other Book of Mormon characters being told by God the exact year of the future birth of Jesus Christ, even the Messiah (since Christ and Messiah are the same word in different languages, seems somewhat redundant, but it seems Smith was ignorant of this when he produced the book); the amazing account of the release of Alma and Amulek from prison by an earthquake (like Paul in the New Testament); the existence and arguements of deceptive and unprecedented ancient world doubters/atheists Nehor and Korihor (Thomas Paine); Nephite missionary Ammon cutting off only the arms of a bunch of Lamanite sheep rustlers; the fainting and trances (like a Christian revival) of almost all members of King Lamoni's court during Ammon's visit; the story of the unkillable 2000 2nd generation converted Lamanite warriors under the Nephite general Helaman; a later Nephi's unprecedented God-given power to cause a famine among the wicked Nephites till they repented, the "day and night and a day" with no darkness to commemorate the birth of Jesus in Jerusalem; the Jaredite barge/submarines, the battles to the last man (almost) fought in the Jaredite and Nephite/Lamanite wars - again a story that strains credulity as such battles to the last man are unprecedented in the history of the world - except in the Book of Mormon; etc. In fact, the Book of Mormon borrows liberally from some books of the Bible such as large sections lifted almost verbatim from Isaiah and Matthew (though making the same translation mistakes made by King James scholars in the Book of Isiah). Smith did this since Ethan Smith, author of "Views of the Hebrews" (a book published in two editions in the 1820s) predicted that someday Indian scriptures would be discovered and would contain writings of Isaiah.
All of these bizarre things in the Book of Mormon are defended by mormons as a last resort as tests of faith. You must believe in a capricious, mean-spirited God who is a respecter of persons (especially of the righteous and powerful Nephite super-hero prophets) to believe the wild stories in this book.
Even more fantastic, the Book of Mormon has almost no influence on mormon theology, as it strongly condemns polygamy in several places (a practice near to the heart of mormonism for over 70 years), condemns secret combinations and oaths (which is integral to the temple endowment of mormonism), and clearly teaches the doctrine of the trinity (which mormons have not believed since the early 1840s due to Smiths publication of the 13 articles of faith with proclaims the "godhead) to name the most striking," And of course, there is not one shred of archaeological, historical, cultural, linguistic, genetic, or geographic evidence to support the claim that the people of the Book of Mormon ever existed, and overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Check it all out on the internet.
Finally, as a mormon I read this book cover-to-cover three times. Once in seminary, once before I went on a mission for the mormon church, and once while I was out on my mission. I took up the challenge in the last chapter of Moroni to pray about the book on all occasions, and I felt nothing, absolutely nothing about this book. Mormons will say that I did something wrong to not get an answer, but this is not the case. So save yourself the trouble of going down this dead-end. It was written by Smith and is not worth any serious consideration.
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