FAIR is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing well-documented answers to criticisms of the doctrine, practice, and history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Latter-day Saint scripture
Latter-day Saint scripture canon
Overview of Latter-day Saint scripture
Index
Summary: An index of subjects with Latter-day Saint scripture.Completeness of Latter-day Saint scripture canon
Open canon vs. closed canon
Summary: Critics claim that the Church is in error because Christianity requires a "closed canon" (no more authoritative revelation) instead of the Church's "open canon" (potential for more binding revelation). The Bible is an important record of God's message to humanity. However, the Bible—or any other written text—cannot be the focus of the Christian's life or faith. Only One deserves that place: God.Completeness of the Bible
Summary: Critics claim the Bible contains all necessary or essential knowledge to assure salvation. Therefore, things like modern prophets or additional scripture (such as the Book of Mormon) are unnecessary or even blasphemous.Lost scripture mentioned in the Bible
Summary: There are several references to lost scripture mentioned in the Bible. What does the Book of Mormon mean when it says that "plain and precious" things have been taken out of the bible? What is this about, and what implications does it have for the doctrine of Biblical inerrancy and sufficiency?Consistency of Latter-day Saint scripture canon
Supposed contradictions
Summary: Critics present two or more scriptures from LDS scripture, and insist that the scriptures contradict each other. This article examines the supposed contradictions, presents the scriptures cited in context, and demonstrates that claims of contradiction rest on: 1) a misinterpretation of LDS scripture, 2) comparing two verses which are speaking about different things or 3) reading Protestant meanings into scriptural terminology.- Contradictions in LDS scripture table—
Brief Summary: Many conservative Protestant critics have reproduced a table which purports to show how LDS scripture contradicts itself. (Click here for full article)∗ ∗ ∗ - Multiple versus single creators—
Brief Summary: Critics claim that LDS scripture is contradictory, since the Book of Mormon and Moses describe "God" as creating, while the Book of Abraham describes "Gods." The scriptures affirm that there is "One God" consisting of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. A great debate in Christian history has been the nature of this oneness. (Click here for full article)∗ ∗ ∗ - Remission of sins before or after baptism—
Brief Summary: Critics claim that LDS scriptures such as DC 20:37 (first case) and 2 Nephi 31:17, 3 Nephi 12:2, and Moroni 8:11 (second case) are contradictory about the order in which one receives baptism and a remission of sins. Some critics claim further that "Mormon theologians" have ignored this issue. However, these scriptures are not contradictory, for at least three reasons—any one of which is sufficient to disprove the critics' claim. In this article, we will first list the scriptural texts, and then discuss each of the three reasons for which they are not properly seen as contradictory. (Click here for full article)∗ ∗ ∗
- Contradictions in LDS scripture table—
Interpretation of Latter-day Saint scripture
Interpretation
Summary: A collection of quotes from Latter-day Saint leaders related to the interpretation of scripture.Critical proof text
Summary: These articles address specific scriptures used by critics as proof-texts.- John 4:24—
Brief Summary: This verse is used as a proof-text by critics of the LDS doctrine of the corporeal nature of God. Critics argue that this passage proves that God does not have a physical body. (Click here for full article)∗ ∗ ∗ - Revelation 22:18-19 (Click here for full article)
∗ ∗ ∗ - Isaiah 43:10—
Brief Summary: This verse is used as a proof-text by critics of the LDS doctrines of the plurality of gods and the deification of man. Critics claim that this verse proves that there never has been or ever will be another being who could properly be called a god. (Click here for full article)∗ ∗ ∗ - Genesis 3:4—
Brief Summary: This verse is used by critics to attempt to show that the LDS doctrine of deification is a teaching of Satan. (Click here for full article)∗ ∗ ∗
- John 4:24—
Latter-day Saint scripture
Latter-day Saints revere the Bible as the word of God and an "inestimable treasure, which excelleth all the riches of the earth; because the fruit thereof extendeth itself, not only to the time spent in this transitory world, but directeth and disposeth men unto that eternal happiness which is above in heaven."[1]
To view articles about the Bible, click "Expand" in the blue bar:
Latter-day Saints and the Bible |
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Reliability of the Bible |
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Creation |
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Genesis |
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Understanding the Bible |
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Cultural issues |
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The Bible and the Book of Mormon |
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Video from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Notes
Latter-day Saint scripture
Latter-day Saints accept The Book of Mormon as holy scripture that testifies of Jesus Christ and His role as our Savior and Redeemer.
To view articles about the Book of Mormon, click "Expand" in the blue bar:
Video published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Latter-day Saint scripture
"The Doctrine and Covenants is a collection of divine revelations and inspired declarations given for the establishment and regulation of the kingdom of God on the earth in the last days."[2]
To view articles about the Doctrine and Covenants, click "Expand" in the blue bar:
Video by BYU Religious Education.
Notes
Latter-day Saint scripture
The Book of Abraham is a translation of Egyptian papyri that Joseph Smith began in 1835. The Book claims to contain the writings of Abraham. Latter-day Saints regard the Book of Abraham as scripture and have incorporated it into their scriptural canon.
To view articles about the Book of Abraham, click "Expand" in the blue bar:
Video published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- ↑ Epistle Dedicatory to the King James Version of the Holy Bible.
- ↑ Introduction to the Doctrine and Covenants.