One common misconception about members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is that they have a separate “Mormon Bible.” In reality, Latter-day Saints use the Bible as scripture and typically read from the King James Version (KJV) in English. The Book of Mormon is a separate volume of scripture, not a replacement or alternative version of the Bible.
Do Mormons Have Their Own Bible?
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints generally regard the Bible as the word of God. In English-speaking settings, the King James Version is the standard Bible used by the Church, although Latter-day Saints are not prohibited from reading other Bible translations.
The term “Mormon Bible” can therefore create confusion. It is often mistakenly used to describe the Book of Mormon, but the two are different books with different historical narratives.
What Is the Book of Mormon?
The Book of Mormon is another volume of scripture used by Latter-day Saints. Its full title is The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.
According to the Book of Mormon’s account, its records describe ancient peoples in the Americas and their relationship with God and Jesus Christ. The Bible, by contrast, primarily records the history and teachings of peoples in the ancient Near East, including events surrounding Jerusalem and the ministry of Jesus Christ.
The two books are therefore presented as separate records that both testify of Jesus Christ.
How Many Books Are in the Bible?
The Protestant Bible typically contains 66 books: 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament. Latter-day Saints affirm the Bible as scripture and traditionally use the King James Version in English.
Latter-day Saint scripture also includes additional texts, including the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price. The Church also recognizes the value of the Apocrypha for study, although its treatment differs from the Bible and other standard works.
How Many Books Are in the Book of Mormon?
The Book of Mormon contains 15 books. They range from 1 Nephi through Moroni and contain records attributed to numerous prophets and record keepers.
The books can be understood through several broad sections of the story.
1. 1 Nephi Through Omni
The opening books introduce Lehi and his family, who leave Jerusalem and eventually establish a new community in the Americas. These books introduce the family’s spiritual struggles, relationships, conflicts, and efforts to follow God.
2. Words of Mormon Through Alma
This portion expands the history of the Nephite people, including their religious development, political challenges, conflicts, and missionary efforts. The Book of Alma is the largest book in the Book of Mormon.
A major theme throughout this section is the effort to teach people about Jesus Christ and encourage them to turn toward God.
3. Helaman Through 4 Nephi
These books describe events leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ and the events that follow His Resurrection. According to the Book of Mormon narrative, the resurrected Christ appears to the people in the Americas and teaches them.
The names can sometimes be confusing. For example, 1 Nephi and 4 Nephi are different books associated with different individuals and different periods of the narrative.
4. Mormon Through Moroni
The final books focus heavily on the decline and eventual destruction of the Nephite civilization. Mormon compiles and abridges many earlier records, while Moroni continues the record and completes the final book.
The conclusion contains an invitation to come unto Christ and remain faithful to His teachings.
What Is the Main Message of the Book of Mormon?
Although the Book of Mormon contains history, sermons, prophecies, wars, family conflicts, and accounts of different civilizations, its central message is religious: Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Savior of humanity.
A recurring theme is the contrast between turning toward Christ and turning toward pride, selfishness, or sin. The rise and fall of societies in the narrative is repeatedly connected with their relationship to God.
The book therefore presents its history as more than a record of ancient events. It is intended to teach modern readers principles of faith, repentance, discipleship, service, and following Jesus Christ.
Is the Book of Mormon a Replacement for the Bible?
No. Latter-day Saints do not consider the Book of Mormon a replacement for the Bible. Instead, they view it as additional scripture and another witness of Jesus Christ.
The relationship can be summarized simply:
- The Bible: A collection of ancient records centered primarily on God’s dealings with people in the Old World and the ministry of Jesus Christ.
- The Book of Mormon: A separate collection of records about ancient peoples in the Americas that also teaches about and testifies of Jesus Christ.
Why Do Latter-day Saints Use Additional Scripture?
For Latter-day Saints, additional scripture is intended to provide another witness of Christ and additional teachings that can help people strengthen their relationship with Him.
The Book of Mormon repeatedly invites readers to turn toward Christ, learn His teachings, and apply them in their lives. Its purpose is therefore not simply to provide another ancient history but to serve as a spiritual witness.
The “Mormon Bible” Explained
There is no separate “Mormon Bible.” Latter-day Saints affirm the Bible as scripture and typically use the King James Version in English. The Book of Mormon is a separate volume of scripture containing 15 books.
Rather than replacing the Bible, the Book of Mormon is presented as another testament of Jesus Christ. For Latter-day Saints, both books point readers toward the same central figure: Jesus Christ and His role as Savior and Redeemer.
