What Bible Does Mormon Use?
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly referred to as the Mormon Church, has a unique approach to the Bible that distinguishes it from other Christian denominations. Mormons believe in the importance of the Bible, but they also have their own version of the Bible that they use alongside other sacred texts. This article aims to explore the specific Bible that Mormons use and the reasons behind their choice.
Mormons primarily use the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible. The KJV is a translation of the Bible into English that was first published in 1611. It is one of the most widely used English translations of the Bible and has been influential in shaping English-speaking Christianity. Mormons appreciate the KJV for its literary beauty and its adherence to the original languages of the Bible.
However, Mormons do not consider the KJV to be the complete word of God. They believe that the Bible, while inspired, contains errors and omissions that were introduced during the process of translation and transmission. To address these concerns, Mormons turn to the Pearl of Great Price, a collection of texts that they believe were written by ancient prophets and apostles.
The Pearl of Great Price includes the Book of Moses, the Book of Abraham, the Book of Joseph Smith, and the Articles of Faith. These texts provide additional insights and teachings that Mormons believe are essential for understanding the fullness of the gospel. While these texts are not part of the Bible, they are considered sacred and have been included in the LDS edition of the Bible.
In addition to the KJV and the Pearl of Great Price, Mormons also use the Book of Mormon, which is another sacred text. The Book of Mormon is a record of God’s dealings with the ancient inhabitants of the Americas and is considered by Mormons to be another testament of Jesus Christ. Mormons believe that the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and the Pearl of Great Price work together to provide a comprehensive understanding of God’s plan for His children.
It is important to note that while Mormons use the KJV as their primary Bible, they do not worship it or consider it infallible. They recognize that the KJV, like any other translation, is subject to human error. Instead, Mormons rely on the Holy Spirit to guide them in their interpretation of the scriptures.
In conclusion, Mormons primarily use the King James Version of the Bible, supplemented by the Pearl of Great Price and the Book of Mormon. While they hold the KJV in high regard, they also recognize its limitations and seek divine guidance through the other sacred texts. This approach allows Mormons to embrace the fullness of God’s word and deepen their understanding of His plan for humanity.
