Overview of the Book of Mormon 9/4

In preparation for our class on Wednesday, Please Read: 

1) Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith
2) Introduction (to the Book of Mormon)
3) 1 Nephi 6:4–6; 2 Nephi 25:23, 26; Words of Mormon 1:4–8; Mormon 8:1, 34–35

Look for answers to these questions:

  1. How did we get the Book of Mormon?
  2. What is the Book of Mormon about? 
  3. Who wrote it? 
  4. Why should we read it?

Want more?

Read these quotes to add to your understanding.  Consider copying them into your electronic or paper scriptures:
Pres. Benson:

“The Lord Himself has stated that the Book of Mormon contains the ‘fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ’ (D&C 20:9). That does not mean it contains every teaching, every doctrine ever revealed. Rather, it means that in the Book of Mormon we will find the fulness of those doctrines required for our salvation. And they are taught plainly and simply so that even children can learn the ways of salvation and exaltation” (Ezra Taft Benson, “The Book of Mormon—Keystone of Our Religion,” Ensign or Liahona, Oct. 2011, 55).

Pres. Benson:
“Each of the major writers of the Book of Mormon testified that he wrote for future generations. …
“If they saw our day, and chose those things which would be of greatest worth to us, is not that how we should study the Book of Mormon? We should constantly ask ourselves, ‘Why did the Lord inspire Mormon (or Moroni or Alma) to include that in his record? What lesson can I learn from that to help me live in this day and age?’” (Ezra Taft Benson, “The Book of Mormon—Keystone of Our Religion,” 55–56).

Pres. Eyring:
“I will make you this promise about reading the Book of Mormon: You will be drawn to it as you understand that the Lord has embedded in it His message to you. Nephi, Mormon, and Moroni knew that, and those who put it together put in messages for you. I hope you have confidence that the book was written for your students. There are simple, direct messages for them that will tell them how to change. That is what the book is about. It is a testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Atonement and how it may work in their lives. You will have an experience this year feeling the change that comes by the power of the Atonement because of studying this book” (Henry B. Eyring, “The Book of Mormon Will Change Your Life,” Ensign, Feb. 2004, 11).

 President Boyd K. Packer: “If your students are acquainted with the revelations, there is no question—personal or social or political or occupational—that need go unanswered. Therein is contained the fulness of the everlasting gospel. Therein we find principles of truth that will resolve every confusion and every problem and every dilemma that will face the human family or any individual in it” (Boyd K. Packer, “Teach the Scriptures” [address to Church Educational System religious educators, Oct. 14, 1977], 3–4).

The Book of Mormon contains answers to life’s most meaningful questions.
1. Is there a God? (See Alma 30:37–44.) Can I know God? (See Alma 22:18.) Does God care about me? (See 3 Nephi 13:26–32.)
2. How can I resist temptation and sin? (See Helaman 5:12.)
3. What is the purpose of life? (See Alma 34:32–34.)
4. Is there life after death? (See Alma 40:11–12, 21–23.)
5. How can I find peace and joy and be happy? (See Mosiah 2:41; 4:2–3; Alma 41:10.)
6. How can my family be happier and more united? (See Mosiah 4:14–15.)
7. How can I judge between right and wrong? (See Moroni 7:16–17.)
8. Why does God allow evil and suffering to occur? (See 2 Nephi 2:1–2, 11–16, 22–27; Alma 14:9–11; 60:13.)
9. Is the Book of Mormon true? Is the Church true? How can I know what is true? (Moroni 10:3-5)