Do Mormons believe in The Bible?
Personal Response by Richard Neitzel Holzapfel
Like Jews, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons or Latter-day Saints) accept the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) as the word of God. Like other Christians, Mormons also accept the New Testament as the word of God (see Article of Faith 8.)
However, just as Christians do not believe that the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) is God’s final scripture, Latter-day Saints also do not believe the Bible (Old and New Testaments) is God’s final scripture. Nevertheless, Latter-day Saints carefully and prayerfully study, read, and draw inspiration from the Bible. The Bible is an important part of their regular course of Sunday School curriculum and is a required course of study at the Mormon Church’s universities and in their weekday religious education programs. Most Latter-day Saints will own several Bibles in their lifetime, having worn copies out through their regular use.
An increasing number of Latter-day Saints are obtaining advanced degrees in Biblical studies from leading universities and have joined international associations such as the Society of Biblical Literature. They often read the Bible as a scholar but also as a disciple. They, along with a number of lay members, produce commentaries and studies on the Bible that help Mormons and others appreciate this “book of books” in news ways, including through linguistic, cultural, historical, and literary approaches.
However, the major focus of study in the Mormon Church has centered on the core themes of covenant and redemption through Jesus Christ. In their personal and congregational study, members of the Church focus on how the Bible applies to their lives, including marriage relationships, parenting responsibilities, and obtaining and maintaining a relationship with God Almighty. In times of struggle, turmoil and in the face of death, Latter-day Saints find comfort in the words of the Bible. Finally, Mormons not only believe in the Bible, they attempt to live out its teachings and read it to learn more about God and His purposes.
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