I'm a Christian and I have a Mormon friend. I started asking him about his religion because I was curious as to what they believe. He told me that they have this other book that they added to the Bible. (The book of Mormon) Now, I think that's wrong to do, but I was still curious as to what was in it. So I asked him if I could see it.

He brought it to me and I took it home. I read the intro to it and thought it was weird. I told my mom about it and she freaked out saying I shouldn't be reading it.

So my question to other Christians is this: Is it okay to read other religious books other than the Bible, just because you want to know what's different about it? I have no intention on believing anything in that book, because I know what I believe.

You believe in God, the Father, Son and Holy Ghost... Everyone has different opinions on religion. I may not agree but that's their choice.
As long as your faith is strong enough to know THE HOLY BIBLE is the true word of God.. it's only natural to read about other religions. Don't get sidetracked... God Bless... :)

Thank you. That's what I thought too, but my mom flipped out too much and it got me thinking about it.

I would like some other opinions on this too. Thanks. =)

Whenever I go to read something like the BoM, or something from the JW's, or such material, I always try to pray over it first and ask the Lord to drive out any influences that might be hanging in or around it. Like the late Walter Martin, I tend to believe that Satan himself energizes such cults. At the same time, with appropriate care, I don't have a problem checking out what they're saying in order to deal with it when the subject comes up. The question isn't whether you're reading it, but why. I can appreciate your mom wanting to be cautious and protect you from that kind of error, but if your goal is to read it with a view to sorting out where, how and why it diverges from the Truth, and you do it prayerfully with that thought in mind, I don't see much of a problem. Maybe a compromise would be to read it with your mom, and ask her to help you understand what's wrong with it.

I've tried to read it before, and frankly, it's so badly written I've never gotten past the first few pages.

Why is it wrong, if you went to seminary you would study all the worlds religions in many.

First of course while some may disagree, for our purpose, Mormons are christians, merely with different beliefs than others.

** let us make a note, their faith is protected here as all others.

I have read the Book of Mormon, ( very interesting) and the Quran ( great book to read) I have read many of the texts proven false, like the writings of Thomas and others. Even the book the "moonies" had out some years ago.

I have studied the faith of Baptist, Methodist and Lutherans, the Eastern Orthodox and of course Catholic.

For our purpose the study was of course to learn their faith to discuss it.

You should read and educate yourself on many things,

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Originally Posted by dwashbur

Whenever I go to read something like the BoM, or something from the JW's, or such material, I always try to pray over it first and ask the Lord to drive out any influences that might be hanging in or around it. Like the late Walter Martin, I tend to believe that Satan himself energizes such cults. At the same time, with appropriate care, I don't have a problem checking out what they're saying in order to deal with it when the subject comes up. The question isn't whether you're reading it, but why. I can appreciate your mom wanting to be cautious and protect you from that kind of error, but if your goal is to read it with a view to sorting out where, how and why it diverges from the Truth, and you do it prayerfully with that thought in mind, I don't see much of a problem. Maybe a compromise would be to read it with your mom, and ask her to help you understand what's wrong with it.

I've tried to read it before, and frankly, it's so badly written I've never gotten past the first few pages.

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What a wonderful answer!:)

I will add, no it is not poorly written, it is a very interesting book, that while not my belief is the belief of many on additional material about Jesus. And of course in no way takes away from the bible that they also believe in.

Again, this will not be a Mormon bashing post, those posts will be deleted

Just to be clear, I have no intention on bashing Mormons.

I think you all are correct. I've actually been reading other religion's books for a while now. I've read the Watchtower and some Christian Science magazine. And I think it's interesting to see what they believe and see what's different. But I never take it to heart. I believe Jesus is our Savior and that he died for our sins. And I'll always believe that. I won't let another book tell me otherwise.

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Originally Posted by fallen2grace

Just to be clear, I have no intention on bashing Mormons.

I think you all are correct. I've actually been reading other religion's books for a while now. I've read the Watchtower and some Christian Science magazine. And I think it's interesting to see what they believe and see what's different. But I never take it to heart. I believe Jesus is our Savior and that he died for our sins. And I'll always believe that. I won't let another book tell me otherwise.

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As I said before.. there is nothing wrong in reading about other religions. This is a free country and we have freedom of religion. I may not agree with them but I don't argue about or I don't put them down. I know what I believe in and nothing could ever change my mind... Blessings to all.

FR_Chuck,

I know a Mormon and think this person is such a moral, kind, loving person. BUT the book of Mormon DOES in fact take away from the Bible. I wouldn't dream of putting this person down... BUT according to the BIBLE the religion is false. The Apostle Paul has warned not to add to the Gospel even if an ANGEL should appear and tell you something different.. We have been warned not to ADD or take things out of the Bible. Jesus himself said many would come claiming to be him... BUT he said we are to believe them NOT.

According to Joseph Smith, he SAW and talked the JESUS. BUT According to the Bible... I believe HIM NOT.

Never will I bash a person who is a Mormon, for I believe them to be so sincere and sometimes even more MORAL than some so called Christians. HOWEVER, I call a spade a spade. The book of Mormon... (according to the Bible) is untrue. And that is all I have to say about THAT. (just like Forrest Gump.)

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Originally Posted by Fr_Chuck

I will add, no it is not poorly written, it is a very interesting book, that while not my beleif is the belief of many on additional material about Jesus. And of course in no way takes away from the bible that they also believe in.

Again, this will not be a Mormon bashing post, those posts will be deleted

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I'm not trying to bash anyone. The stories are imaginative, to be sure. When I said "poorly written" I was referring to things like the grammar, which is frankly horrible. As a linguist, I found it painful and couldn't read much of it because the attempt to mimic King James English and style raised my blood pressure too much.

If you consider that bashing, feel free to let me know and delete. I won't be offended.

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Originally Posted by dwashbur

I'm not trying to bash anyone. The stories are imaginative, to be sure. When I said "poorly written" I was referring to things like the grammar, which is frankly horrible. As a linguist, I found it painful and couldn't read much of it because the attempt to mimic King James English and style raised my blood pressure too much.

If you consider that bashing, feel free to let me know and go ahead and delete. I won't be offended.

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I've read some of the Mormon bible and I know a few mormans.. Nice folks. I just stick to my KJV because it brings me joy to know this world is not all there is.. There is one way to salvation.

If we're saved by the blood of Jesus Christ and we have truly accepted him as our personal Saviour by asking his forgiveness and
Believing in him, that he sent his only son to die for us and he will come again then.. if your Catholic, Baptist,Mormon,Jewish ,LDS you'll be there and there won't be any fussing and arguing. God Bless You All:)

I just want to clear up a couple misconceptions about mormons.

the book of mormon isn't seen as adding to the bible by the mormons. The way they see it, the book of mormon takes place in another part of the world from where the bible is set. They view the book of mormon as a companion to the bible, not an addition to it.

they also have two other books, the pearl of great price and the doctrine and covenants. Both are basically rules, guidelines, history, and teachings particular to the mormon religion. Neither one is seen as having any direct relation to the bible, or the book of mormon.

classyT, by your reasoning, it's the bible that takes away from the book of mormon. It's the bible that discredits the book of mormon, not the other way around. In fact, the mormon church believes just as strongly in the bible as they do in the book of mormon. They see neither of them as taking away from the other, only adding to both.

kit, mormons and lds are the same thing. Mormon is just a more generally used and accepted term for members of the church of jesus christ of latter day saints. Also, the bible they use is the king james version. They see it as the most accurate of the versions present today.

monkey, you can't seriously think that south park presents 100% of the truth in their spoofs. They pick out enough of the truth to make it easily recognizable, then pepper it with their own interpretations and information to make is amusing to their target audience. In order to get a realistic portrait of lds beliefs, you would need to talk to a knowledgeable member of their church.

also, dwashbur, the mormon church is not a cult. Neither is the jahovah's witnesses church. Both are recognized, organized religions in the united states. While they do have some of the hallmarks of a cult, so does EVERY other religion in the world. That doesn't make those two christian churches cults, when the rest are not.



now, I guess I should answer the original question. I see nothing wrong with reading the holy books of any religion. In fact, I see nothing but good from knowing about several different religions. Not only does it give you a better understanding of where people are basing their values and opinions, but it can actually give you a better understanding of your own religion.

have you ever read something, and kind of understood what it was saying? Then, read something else later that made me go, 'oh, so THAT'S what that other book was trying to say?' you don't even have to believe anything the second book said. It could just be that it explains a basic concept in slightly different language, or said something on a subject that was so far off from what you already read that your brain makes connects it wouldn't have before. It's also possible that knowing more about other religions can cement your believe in yours.

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Originally Posted by hheath541

i just want to clear up a couple misconceptions about mormons.

the book of mormon isn't seen as adding to the bible by the mormons. the way they see it, the book of mormon takes place in another part of the world from where the bible is set. they view the book of mormon as a companion to the bible, not an addition to it.

they also have two other books, the pearl of great price and the doctrine and covenants. both are basically rules, guidelines, history, and teachings particular to the Mormon religion. neither one is seen as having any direct relation to the bible, or the book of Mormon.
classyT, by your reasoning, it's the bible that takes away from the book of mormon. it's the bible that discredits the book of mormon, not the other way around. in fact, the mormon church believes just as strongly in the bible as they do in the book of mormon. they see neither of them as taking away from the other, only adding to both.

kit, mormons and lds are the same thing. mormon is just a more generally used and accepted term for members of the church of jesus christ of latter day saints. also, the bible they use is the king james version. they see it as the most accurate of the versions present today.

monkey, you can't seriously think that south park presents 100% of the truth in their spoofs. they pick out enough of the truth to make it easily recognizable, then pepper it with their own interpretations and information to make is amusing to their target audience. in order to get a realistic portrait of lds beliefs, you would need to talk to a knowledgeable member of their church.

also, dwashbur, the mormon church is not a cult. neither is the jahovah's witnesses church. both are recognized, organized religions in the united states. while they do have some of the hallmarks of a cult, so does EVERY other religion in the world. that doesn't make those two christian churches cults, when the rest are not.



now, i guess i should answer the original question. i see nothing wrong with reading the holy books of any religion. in fact, i see nothing but good from knowing about several different religions. not only does it give you a better understanding of where people are basing their values and opinions, but it can actually give you a better understanding of your own religion.

have you ever read something, and kinda understood what it was saying? then, read something else later that made me go, 'oh, so THAT'S what that other book was trying to say?' you don't even have to believe anything the second book said. it could just be that it explains a basic concept in slightly different language, or said something on a subject that was so far off from what you already read that your brain makes connects it wouldn't have before. it's also possible that knowing more about other religions can cement your believe in yours.

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God bless all of you... I know how I feel and what I believe and nothing can change my mind on my beliefs. As for the South Park remark.. I hate programs like that who put down religion. It might be to you funny to you... but it's a stupid show and that remark was uncalled for! I won't argue about my beleifs and I won't argue about any one elses'.

I can't change your mind you can't change mine. I answered the OP question and I have no more to say thank you all.. God Bless

And I will follow up, The book of Mormon is not their bible, they use the same bible as most all other Christians, it is just additional beleifs, And it is written in the basic translation skills of early America. If one reads it, they would know it was not their bible and even the slightest study of their faith.

There are two basic groups, one larger than the other, they split at the time of Joseph Smiths death. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and one of similar name but they add Reorganized to their name.

And the stupid remarked was deleted.

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Originally Posted by Fr_Chuck

And I will follow up, The book of Mormon is not their bible, they use the same bible as most all other Christians, it is just additional beliefs, And it is written in the basic translation skills of early America. If one reads it, they would know it was not their bible and even the slightest study of their faith.

There are two basic groups, one larger than the other, they split at the time of Joseph Smiths death. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and one of simular name but they add Reorganized to their name.

And the stupid remarked was deleted.

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Are you referring to the remark I made about South Park? I'm sorry if you deleted it but it is a stupid show, so I guess now I get thrown off this forum? My problem with that idiotic show is they make fun of everything any denominations stand for... And there are parents who allow their children to watch them as they make fun of the birth of Jesus.. Easter... hanakku.. So if you don't agree with me that's your choice. Maybe I don't need to be here... Send this Curly Ben or Rick J
J . You are an expert maybe you can have me thrown off yourself. Do what you have to do... Frankly, I don't care anymore.

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Originally Posted by Fr_Chuck

And I will follow up, The book of Mormon is not their bible, they use the same bible as most all other Christians, it is just additional beleifs, And it is written in the basic translation skills of early America. If one reads it, they would know it was not their bible and even the slightest study of their faith.

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Umm, that's not what their missionaries say, and that's not what the tour guides at the tabernacle in Salt Lake City say. The cover of the book calls itself "Another Testament of Jesus Christ," and the numerous missionaries I have talked with and virtually every other Mormon I have ever talked to call it "the completion of the Bible."

I'm not sure what you mean by "basic translation skills of early America." It is clearly written with a conscious attempt to imitate the King James Version of the Bible, right down to division into chapters and verses as well as Jacobean pronouns etc.

I am sitting here with one of the Stake Leaders for Atlanta, it is "another" or an "additional" no where do they say it replaces or changes their Bible. They believe the same OT and NT that we all other Christians use.

What about some other books or materials on the American Indian religiouis beliefs, I have not read any on them

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Originally Posted by dwashbur

Umm, that's not what their missionaries say, and that's not what the tour guides at the tabernacle in Salt Lake City say. The cover of the book calls itself "Another Testament of Jesus Christ," and the numerous missionaries I have talked with and virtually every other Mormon I have ever talked to call it "the completion of the Bible."

I'm not sure what you mean by "basic translation skills of early America." It is clearly written with a conscious attempt to imitate the King James Version of the Bible, right down to division into chapters and verses as well as Jacobean pronouns etc.

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Actually, the phrase used is, 'companion of the bible.'

Also, saying that it is another testament of jesus christ only means that the book of mormon testifies that jesus christ was the mortal son of god born to a virgin mother to redeem the world from it's sins.

Rather or not it was intentionally written to mimic the KJV of the bible, can be argued until we all grow old and die. The simple fact is that the mormon church will never say it was intentionally written and no else believes it was translated through divine assistance from a set of golden plates buried in New York several thousand years ago. Since neither side will give any ground, it's pointless to argue over it.

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Originally Posted by Fr_Chuck

I am sitting here with one of the Stake Leaders for Atlanta, it is "another" or an "additional" no where do they say it replaces or changes their Bible. They believe the same OT and NT that we all other Christians use.

What about some other books or materials on the American Indian religiouis beliefs, I have not read any on them

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I'm not sure many books exist on that subject. Most of the indian tribes don't have a written language of their own, and a lot of the beliefs were altered or lost during the relocations. Some of the tribes saw writing as evil, and would have refused to write anything down until fairly recently.

It's hard to say what is fact and what is mistruths. Many writers and historians, even as recent as a 50-100 years ago, didn't bother to differentiate between tribes when they were gathering information. Later writings take their books as fact, and the mistruths get passed down the line until it's hard to find where the real truth lies.