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: An excellent help to better understand the Bible teachings Review: I consider myself a lifelong student of the teachings of Jesus Christ the Holy Prophets and like most good Christians I try my best to put into effect the principals that Jesus taught. As I've studied the Bible trying my best to learn what was taught by the prophets and Jesus Christ himself, I've come across many areas that seem to be vague or missing and are left unanswered. Having read the Book of Mormon, I'm amazed at how well it compliments the teachings of the Bible, and clarifies its principals and doctrine.
I strongly recommend it for anyone who's honestly trying to learn and put into action, the teachings and principals of the Bible.
Rating:  Summary: Monotonous tone and weak characterization Review: I found this book very tedious and had to space it over a long period of time in order to even finish it (which I did only at the request of a family member.) The fact that it presents itself as fact doesn't add to its appeal. As entertainment it is worthless, as history it is an embarrassing joke.
Rating:  Summary: I love this book Review: I have read some of the negative reviews posted here. Mostly, they make me sad for those people who have entirely missed the purpose of this book. Some have focused on what they perceive to be historical inaccuracies, bringing a self-imposed preclusion to the great spiritual teachings that would otherwise be available to them. Others seem simply close-minded and unwilling to be taught- "stiffnecked," to use a Book of Mormon word- seeking solely to find fault and looking for any bit of content that they deem questionable, in an effort to tear down the Church. Still others have viewed the book in terms of entertainment, discarding its value because it didn't provide the instant gratification that the average reader has come to expect in this day. Firstly, scriptural books, of any religion, were not written to entertain. If you are looking for a quick, flashy, read, then you should pick up a John Grisham novel. If, instead, you seek a book rich in spiritual doctrine, to be studied and pored over for many years for its timeless lessons, then read the Book of Mormon. Better yet, if you want God's word, and an additional witness that Jesus is the Christ, than read the Book of Mormon. I have. I continue to do so. I have taught many Sunday School classes by its precepts. My wife and I read it together every night. It has given depth and meaning to my life, and continually reminds me of that which is good, beautiful, and uplifting. The Book of Mormon is not entertainment. Although it contains many historical records of the peoples of the ancient Americas, it is not a history book. It was never intended to be read as a comparative work, as the basis for scholarly theology. And lastly, it was not "written" by one man. It is a collection of writings of many different ancient prophets, translated by Joseph Smith. You will not find in it the refinement and polish of great authors, reknowned for their profound prose. These were ordinary men, called of God, quite aware of their imperfections, and readily admitting of them. However, the spirit of what they say is unmistakable. It edifies and instructs in a most sublime way. Simply put, this is a religious book of scripture. Its purpose is to invite all to come unto Christ. In terms of importance, it is like the Koran for Muslims, or the Torah for Jews. It is the keystone of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is held sacred by its members. As Moroni, the last prophet in the Book of Mormon states, read, ponder, and ask God "with real intent" if it is His word, and He will make it known unto you. I have put that challenge to the test, and I have come to know, by my own experience, that it is a true book. I love this book. If you read it with an open mind and heart, I know that you, too, will come to love it.
Rating:  Summary: I love this book! Review: I have read the Book of Mormon many times and each time I grow to love it more. It is written by prophets of God and for OUR time. It clearly states this, and oh how we need this wonderful book that describes so graphically the experiences of a people who came to the Americas directed by a loving God. All they experienced we are experiencing as well. I know it to be a perfect guide for my life and it reinforces those wonderful biblical scriptures that identify our Savior and His life and His sacrifice for mankind. I DEFINITELY LOVE THE BOOK OF MORMON. Anyone who would read it with a sincere desire for truth and asks God for a confirmation of it's validity would know it's true.
Rating:  Summary: I'm young, but I know it's true Review: I love the Book of Mormon with all of my heart. I'm only 15 years old and I know it's true. You may think, oh this girl was just raised to love it, but I never got anything out of it as a child. I really started to love it when I studied it by myself. I see now that a lot of people think that we members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are mislead, but if everyone one of those skeptics would feel what I have felt, they couldn't say that. THis book is only a bore when one doesn't study it. You can read it and get nothing out of it, but if you go into reading it with a purpose, you'll find so many new things. Anyone can call me a fool for believing this book, but that doesn't matter to me. If anyone reads this book and asks God if this book is true, they can know in assurity, just as I do. If there's one thing that is true in this world, it's this book...and the Bible. I really would be in a rut if it weren't for this book. I'm extremely grateful for Joseph Smith, and I know for a fact (and not because of my parents) that he DID translate this book.
Rating:  Summary: WHAT A TOTAL JOKE! Review: ONE STAR? Too bad you can't give it 0 stars. THERE SHOULD BE A NEGATIVE SCALE FOR THIS BOOK.
Come on, do you have to remove your brain to buy this crapola? Read 2 Nephi 3 4-19, the words "the fruit of my loins" is repeated 18 times. GREAT LITERATURE? Repetitive dribble. THIS IS ONE OF THE WORST BOOK ever to cut down trees for. There is SO much evidence to disprove the Mormon faith and to link it to Jesus Christ is even funnier if not so sad. Read Under the Banner of Heaven to better understand what this money grubbing, "religion" is really about!
Rating:  Summary: The Word of God, prophesied to come forth Review: Prophecies of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon are thus: (Gen 49:22-26) Wall(ocean), everlasting hills (rocky mtns.), prophecy that Joseph's seed would inherit the oceans. (Psalms 85:11) Truth shall spring out of the earth. (Isa 29:1-5) A marvelous work and a wonder to be brought forth out of the ground. (Isa 29:11-12) A book that is sealed, delivered to the learned man. (Isa 29:13-18) I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, even a marvelous work and a wonder. (Isa 42:9) New things do I declare: before they spring forth, I tell you of them. (Isa 45:8) Let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation. (Ezek 37:14) I shall place you in your own land. (Ezek 37:15-20) Stick of Judah (Bible), Stick of Joseph (Book of Mormon) (John 10:14-16) And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice (Rev 14:6-7) Everlasting Gospel to be brought forth Paul wrote to the Corinthians that, "In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established" (2 Cor 13:1). Many of the biblical prophets were shown in vision the last days and the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. Many of the Book of Mormon prophets testified of prophets dealings with Christ among the Jews, of which dealings are contained in the Bible. God is the author of both. Joseph Smith was a special and chosen vessel of the Lord, called and commissioned to do a very important work in restoring Christ's church back to the earth and bringing forth an additional witness of His gospel and divinity. Nearly all other churches have and teach out of only the Bible, and yet the teachings differ dramatically from one church to the other. God has given us the Book of Mormon today as a second witness, (thus Paul's law of witnesses)and therefore, the doctrines and teachings of the gospel cannot as easily be misinterpreted and misunderstood because there are two witnesses. They both testify of the same gospel and are authored by the same God, even Jesus Christ, our Savior. Don't rely on the wisdom of men to determine how you live your life. Get on your knees and ask God what's true(James 1:5), and be willing to submit to the answers you recieve from Him. Read, Ponder, and pray with 1: a sincere heart 2:with real intent and 3: with faith in Christ and God's promise will be kept. Your prayers will be answered by the power of His spirit and you'll know whether or not it's truly the word of God.
Rating:  Summary: A person must convict this book or be convicted by it Review: The best approach to the "Joseph Smith question" is to read what he wrote and decide for yourself.
Rating:  Summary: A True Masterpiece Review: This book is amazing. Although very similar to the Bible, from a reading standpoint, the Book of Mormon is an entirely separate work. A lot of the people reviewing this book are so incredibly close minded. Why is it so hard to believe that there are two "witness of Christ" like the book explains??? I don't understand what is so mind wrenching about that concept. It is a known fact that the Bible has been translated multiple times and the errors that occur within the text are numberous. It would only make sense that an ALL KNOWING GOD would be able to forsee such an occurance and have other means by which to get the truth out in the open! It is impossible to read this book and not feel something, even if it is a slight desire to improve ones self, right!? So for all of you supposed Biblical fanatics out there who profess to the death that the Bible is the one and only word of God...wake up! If you really understand the Bible then you have to realize that being close minded is NOT an element talked about. I love this book and would recommend that everyone who ever gets a copy of it should read it! Go out of your way to get one if that's what it takes. You won't be sorry.
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