by Kameo Monson

Created on: June 17, 2008

Another testament of Christ is the claim made on the cover of the Book of Mormon. The book made of precious gold was brought forth by God after a boy of 14 questioned the truthfulness of the gospels being preached around him.

Joseph Smith, after attending many churches and trying to determine which to join, read James 1:5 "If any of ye lack wisdom, let him ask of God." Retreating to a grove of trees in upper New York State and praying to God, Joseph felt Satan working to over-power him, but Satan did not win this battle. There in that grove, God the Eternal Father and His Son, Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith and told him to join no church, for none of them were true.

Later, Joseph Smith was visited by the Angel Moroni. He was told where to find the Golden Plates. After being taught for many years by Moroni, Joseph Smith, at the age of 21, and with no more than a 3rd grade education was given stewardship over the Gold Plates. Using the power of God, Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon in a matter of months.

The Book of Mormon is a history of a family who left Jerusalem approximately 600 BC. Within the pages the story of the Nephities is told. Within those precious pages we learn how Christ's birth was foretold, how the people were called to repent. We learn about pride and how destructive it can be. Most importantly, we learn how Christ visited the Americas and healed those who were sick, how He taught and preached His gospel, and how He loves all of His children throughout the world.

LDS members hold it is another testament of Christ. Their claim: Christ loves all His children, it stands to reason, He would visit more than only Jerusalem. The tribes had been scattered, but was not all of Israel His people?

While many would claim the contradictions between the Book of Mormon and the Bible, there are none. They work together and expound on the fullness of Christ's Gospel. Many would say Joseph Smith was a great story teller, yet he had little education. His name was spread, and is spread for both good and evil. Many members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, however take comfort in the promise found in the latter pages of the Book of Mormon, which states: And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. (Moroni 10:4)

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