Beliefs > Question & Answer > Modern Day Revelation

Question

I have tried to read The Book of Mormon, but it is very difficult to understand and I wanted to know your thoughts or opinion about it being put into an "easier" reading version. For example, I don't understand the KJV so I use the New International Version of the Bible. As you know, there are many translations of the Bible and I am aware of the LDS article of faith regarding this area.

Response

I was sorry to learn that you have attempted to read the Book of Mormon but found it somewhat difficult to understand. I have a suggestion that also answers the second part of your question, which was whether I believe that it might be put into an easier reading version. You will be interested to know that in fact, for the benefit of younger members of the LDS Church, who find it difficult to sit down and read "scriptural English," the Book of Mormon story has been printed and even illustrated with pictures. This helps the young people of the Church have a clear picture of the chronology as well as the doctrine of the book. Those can be purchased either at any Deseret Bookstore or Seagull Book in Utah, or at any LDS bookstore outside of Utah. Even though written for children, you may find your reading of them initially very helpful in the context of the book itself. My teenagers even love them. In addition, Leslie, I have another suggestion for the reading of it. First of all, have you had a chance to read all of the introductory pages before getting to the scriptural text? That background, I think, could be very helpful in your understanding of this book. The great value of the Book of Mormon is that it is literally a second witness for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The book contains the word of the Lord to prophets sent to the people who lived on the American content from 600 BC to 400 AD. I promise you that if you read it very carefully, and even begin each reading session with a prayer in your heart, or even literally asking the Lord in prayer to help you understand it, He will bless you. You will understand the things that you read plus it will become a great benefit and blessing in your life if you do this. There is a promise in the last book within the Book of Mormon called the Book of Moroni. In chapter 10 verses 3-5, it states that if you read the entire book with a sincere heart, and with real intent, the Savior will manifest the truth of it to you by the power of the Holy Ghost. You will feel in your own heart that the truth is real, and it can make such an important difference in your life. Please let me know how you progress in your study of this book that means so much to me. Sincerely, Donny Osmond See related multimedia presentations

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