Scriptures

Most of my friends, even non-religious ones, have a sense of what scripture is: the revealed word of God, recorded by someone.

Latter-day Saints use the Bible (in English, the King James Version), and also have additional scripture. The Book of Mormon, an ancient record of God's people on the American continent is the source of our most common nickname, Mormons. We also use the Doctrine and Covenants, a collection of revelations surrounding the time of the organization and development of the church, most revealed to the first prophet of our dispensation, Joseph Smith. And finally, we have the Pearl of Great Price, a small volume which contains accounts of Moses and Abraham, Joseph's own account of his early history, and his inspired expansion of Matthew 24 regarding signs of the times.

One of our articles of faith says, "We believe the Bible to be the word of God, as far as it is translated correctly. We also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God."

Indeed, we make regular study of the scriptures. Families and individuals are encouraged to study the scriptures daily. Sunday School instruction for youth and adults focuses on one work of scripture per year in a four-year cycle (the Bible is divided into two years -- one of the Old Testament, one for the New Testment, and the Pearl of Great Price is divided among relevant years).

High school aged students also study the "standard works" in daily coursework, also in a four-year cycle.

As with all things, members are encouraged to find out for themselves the truth of the scriptures by studying, pondering, praying and applying the teachings in their lives.

I'll write more about my experience with the scriptures as time goes on.

Paul