Question
Gramps,
If the same God who is the author of the Bible is also the author of the Book of Mormon, why do we pray to see if the Book of Mormon is true but not the Bible?
James
Answer
James,
An excellent question.
I think it’s a great idea to pray for knowledge that the Bible is true, as well as the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price.
The reason it isn’t typically pursued in missionary work is mainly because the Bible is already accepted as scripture by Christians in general, and at this time, most of the people missionaries talk with are Christian.
Another reason is because the Book of Mormon has been under attack from critics and nay-sayers from before it was even published. Thus the invitation has been extended sincerely in the spirit of ‘don’t take our word for it—pray to God and ask him.’ Thus people can determine on their own whether it is what we claim it to be.
Both of these reasons are also part of an over-arching point that the Bible has been around for centuries, while the Book of Mormon is just over 180 years old since the translation was completed. It’s the new kid on the block, and it hasn’t yet built up enough credibility in the eyes of those who accept the Bible without a moments hesitation.
Gramps
