I started writing a new book several months ago, but I never finished. I thought I might ask my friends for some advice: Is this topic interesting to you? Should I finish this book? I’d love to know what you think. Here’s Chapter One:
Chapter One
A Second Witness of Christ, and Much More
I’ve had the privilege of teaching the Book of Mormon for nearly two decades. I’ve often begun my classes with the question – why do we need the Book of Mormon?
Some respond, “It is a second witness for Christ.” Yes it is! That is an important answer, practically lifted from the Title Page. The front cover also describes the book as “Another Testament of Jesus Christ.” Yet many people believe very strongly in Christ because they believe the Bible, as we do. “I don’t need another witness,” they might say, “I already believe in Christ.”
If the Book of Mormon is only a second witness for Christ, then it’s just the same stuff, different continent. But the Book of Mormon is more. The book expands, explains and clarifies. It also validates many Biblical stories and personalities, and defends the truthfulness of the Bible.
When I ask my students, “Okay, what then, specifically, does the Book of Mormon give us that is not already in the New Testament?” That’s when I get the blank stares. As an educator, I love blank stares – it means we have an opportunity to fill in the blanks!
If we’re going to flood the earth with the Book of Mormon, we ought to have a clear idea of what’s in it, and of why the Lord wanted us to have it. We ought to know that not only is it another Testament of Jesus Christ, but we ought to know how it expounds, expands and clarifies the gospel of Jesus Christ in wonderful ways.
Savior of the Whole World
The Book of Mormon is intensely Christ-centered. The Savior or one of his many names or titles are referenced every 1.7 verses (Ensign, July, 1978). In other words, on average, you can’t read two verses in the Book of Mormon without a mention of Christ. The major purposes of the Book of Mormon are explained on the Title Page:
- Show unto the remnant of the House of Israel what great things the Lord has done for their Fathers
- That they may know the covenants of the Lord, that they are not cast off forever
- To the convincing of Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting himself unto all nations
In recent years, one of the phrases that has stood out to me, is “unto all nations.” If Jesus Christ really is the God of the whole earth, and he is, then we should not be surprised that he would manifest himself unto all nations. The Lord himself expands on the “unto all nations” idea with power:
Know ye not that there are more nations than one? Know ye not that I, the Lord your God, have created all men, and that I remember those who are upon the isles of the sea; and that I rule in the heavens above and in the earth beneath; and I bring forth my word unto the children of men, yea, even upon all the nations of the earth? (2 Nephi 29:7).
While the Christian world maintains that the canon of scriptures is closed, the Latter-day Saints are waiting for more. Who has the authority (or the audacity) to tell God to stop talking? To stop speaking to his children? Not only will more revelation come, but we cannot stop it.
As well might man stretch forth his puny arm to stop the Missouri river in its decreed course, or to turn it up stream, as to hinder the Almighty from pouring down knowledge from heaven upon the heads of the Latter-day Saints (D&C 121:33).
The very existence of the Book of Mormon is a testimony that God continues to communicate with his children.
Defender of the Bible
The Book of Mormon cannot, and does not replace the Bible. In fact, the Book of Mormon vigorously defends the importance and truthfulness of the Bible! The Bible and the Book of Mormon are not rivals. They are companion volumes which combine to testify of Christ.
Some of Mormon’s very last words to future generations testify of the Bible’s truthfulness:
Therefore repent, and be baptized in the name of Jesus, and lay hold upon the gospel of Christ, which shall be set before you, not only in this record but also in the record which shall come unto the Gentiles from the Jews [The Bible], which record shall come from the Gentiles unto you. For behold, this [The Book of Mormon] is written for the intent that ye may believe that [The Bible]; and if ye believe that [The Bible] ye will believe this [The Book of Mormon] also; and if ye believe this ye will know concerning your fathers, and also the marvelous works which were wrought by the power of God among them (Mormon 7:8-9).
Not only does the Book of Mormon defend the Bible, but the Lord chastises the world for their treatment of those who worked and sacrificed to bring the Bible to the world:
And what thank they the Jews for the Bible which they receive from them? Yea, what do the Gentiles mean? Do they remember the travails, and the labors, and the pains of the Jews, and their diligence unto me, in bringing forth salvation unto the Gentiles? O ye Gentiles, have ye remembered the Jews, mine ancient covenant people? Nay; but ye have cursed them, and have hated them, and have not sought to recover them. But behold, I will return all these things upon your own heads; for I the Lord have not forgotten my people. (2 Nephi 29:4-5)
The Book of Mormon fulfills what has been called the “Law of Witnesses,” (Deut 19:15, Matthew 18:16, John 8:12-19). The Bible and the Book of Mormon are dual witnesses of Christ.
Defender of Bible Stories
Some Christians doubt that there really was a garden of Eden, a tower of Babel, an ark built by Noah, and so forth, believing these accounts to be only allegorical. The Book of Mormon validates the Biblical account of Adam and Eve (2 Nephi 2), mentions Noah and the ark (Alma 10:22, Ether 6:7), the tower of Babel (Omni 1:22, Mosiah 28:17, Helaman 6:28, Ether 1:3), Melchizedek (Alma 13:14-17), and Moses and the brazen serpent. (Interestingly, the Book of Mormon adds one important detail to Moses’ story – it testifies that as Moses raised the brazen serpent, he explicitly bore testimony “that the Son of God should come” – a fascinating prophesy and foreshadowing of Christ that is not in the current Old Testament [see Helaman 8:14, Numbers 21:8-9]).
Defender of the Divinity of Christ
Just as there is a broad spectrum of belief in political matters, from liberal to conservative, there is also a broad spectrum of belief in Christian doctrine. In my graduate studies in Religious Education, I was surprised to learn that many Bible scholars are not necessarily Bible believers — and that some liberal Christians believe Jesus to be merely a great moral teacher, but not the divine Son of God. They also discount miracles and prophecy, and the authorship of many books within the Bible.
The late 1980s saw the introduction of the “Jesus Seminar,” a series of meetings of liberal Christians, scholars and ministers who concluded (among other things), that Jesus did not really deliver the Sermon on the Mount, did not speak about his flesh and blood at the last supper, did not predict his own death and resurrection, and never claimed to be the Son of God. In their deliberations, they threw out most of the book of John. The net effect was that Jesus’ teachings were little more than a collection of philosophical ideas with no power to save.
More recently, many books and articles speak of the search for the “historical Jesus” a phrase which usually implies an attempt to discount anything “supernatural,” such as miracles, or prophecies, ascribing them as later additions to the original text.
By contrast, the Book of Mormon declares Jesus Christ to be the divine Son of God on the Title Page and on practically every page thereafter! President Ezra Taft Benson commented:
“The first and most central theme of the Book of Mormon is that Jesus is the promised Messiah, our Lord and Redeemer. He came to redeem mankind from a lost and fallen condition brought about by Adam’s transgression. Nearly all Christian churches accepted this truth as fundamental to their faith when the Book of Mormon was published to the world in 1830. The fact that another book had come forth as a second witness to Christ’s divinity was regarded by many churches as being both superfluous and spurious. They said, We already have a Bible, why do we need another? (2 Ne. 29:3). But the nineteenth century was not the twentieth. Who but God and inspired prophets could have foreseen the need for an additional witness for the divinity of His Son? . . . Who but God and inspired prophets could have foreseen the day when ministers of prominent denominations would openly challenge the divinity of Jesus Christ?” – Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, Bookcraft 1988, 49-50.
No one was speaking of the “historical Jesus” back in 1830 when the Book of Mormon was published, but the prophets who compiled the book must have known that Jesus’ divinity, and the miracles he performed would one day be discounted or discarded.
Written for our Day
The Bible is like a journal for the House of Israel, a record of God’s dealings with the Old Testament prophets, and the New Testament apostle’s testimonies of Christ’s ministry. The New Testament wasn’t assembled until the 4th century, when the 27 books which comprise the New Testament were accepted as the canon of scripture. The Bible authors chronicled events in their day.
The Book of Mormon, on the other hand, was written specifically for our day by prophets who saw our day and tailored their messages just for us. President Ezra Taft Benson observed:
[The Book of Mormon] was written for our day. The Nephites never had the book, neither did the Lamanites of ancient times. It was meant for us. Mormon wrote near the end of the Nephite civilization. Under the inspiration of God, who sees all things from the beginning, he abridged centuries of records, choosing the stories, speeches, and events that would be most helpful to us. (Ezra Taft Benson, The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, 1988, 58.)
Modern readers of the Book of Mormon can’t help but notice the repeated messages against pride and immorality, and can readily see that the message is pointed to our modern world. Hugh Nibley once commented, “Whoa to the generation that understands this book!” (An Approach to the Book of Mormon, 119).
In Short…
The Book of Mormon is not a rival, a replacement, or a revision of the Bible. It is a companion, a defender and a second witness of Jesus Christ, a testimony that God remembers his children in all nations, and that he has not stopped working in our behalf.
Jp says
How many chapters will this book be?? Chapter 1 is informative and interesting. I would like to read more of it. Pls do finish it 🙂
Barbara Johnston says
This chapter helped to remind me how important it is to read the Book of Mormon over and over, if only to provide a light in the storm. As we do, it will provide a greater understanding, and hopefully help us be faithful. I hope you decide to continue to write the book. I would really like to read it.
Glenda Olman says
Dear Brother Bytheway,
Thank you for the opportunity to read this first chapter of your book.
As you have asked if you should write the rest of the book. I say please do.
With this first chapter I have found myself looking at the Book of Mormon in a slightly different way. Nothing radical but the continued sweet knowledge that it is a second testimony of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Thank you once again for this opportunity. I hope you do continue to finish writing the book about the book.
The gospel is true, your sister in the gospel, Glenda Olman, Armadale Ward, Perth Australia
Lara says
I can’t wait to read more!! I loved it! You are a brilliant writer!
Stephanie Whitted says
This is wonderful, and something I need. My vote is to finish it! 🙂 Then come and sign copies at Deseret Book in Boise. Happy Sunday!
Alex says
Thanks for this. I read this before church and was great since we are so focused on the Book of Mormon this year. I love the Book of Mormon and much of that love came from attending your class while I was at BYU. Thanks again!
Jan Shelby says
I loved reading your first chapter. I would love to see you finish this book. It has been years since I had the opportunity to attend seminary and it would be such a privilege to read your insights to such a miraculous book. Outside of Utah we don’t have the same opportunities to hear from you in fire sides etc. keep up the good work.
Kathy Renner says
We most definitely need this book! For some reason I don’t think you started off on the right foot and that is why you are questioning this book. Please step back for a moment. These latter days we will need all the help making the connections possible to help us return safely as possible to our Father in Heaven. There is a power and a strength that comes from feasting on these sacred words. There is also a depth that cannot be obtained in any other way. If we only had the Bible, that would mean that Heavenly does in fact no longer speaks to us…..but that is simply not true, and I am so grateful that He loves me/each of us so much more than I can ever comprehend here on this earth. This book is needed. Thank you for giving us a voice in your master piece! 🙂
Ana Baird says
Yes! Please write more! You have a direct and approachable voice in writing, and the topic is too important to not write about. Definitely keep writing this book! Already in this first chapter, you’ve voiced things that I can connect with and desire a more in-depth view of – I can see that many people would appreciate that too.
Brent says
Love the topic and relevancy of the doctrine. The book will be great!
Jason Payne says
Thank you for sharing this with all of us! I’ve always loved your perspective on Gospel topics, and have equally enjoyed reading this chapter. Of course, I would love to see this book published! I was a teenager in the mid nineties, and have been listening to your talks since then. I never knew the satisfaction I would receive as I watched my children listen to your talks and see the “light switch” turn on in their heads. For that I sincerely thank you and encourage you to continue this book.
Sam says
I think ANY book you write we need. I know that sounds cheesy. But it is true. I have learned from everything you have ever done! BTW (pun intended, sorry), my family attended your tri-stake fireside in New York this past Friday. FABULOUS! My kids can’t quit talking about it. Thank you, thank you, thank you for EVERYTHING you do. You have a true gift.
Ruth Strain says
I loved this first chapter! I would buy your book, if you published it! I enjoy you writing! Thanks for the sneak preview!!
Hanni says
Yes please write this book! My family loves your books and this sounds like an amazing, clear explanation for our children about why we need the Book of Mormon.
Robin bogdanski says
I think you should finish the book. It is through The Book of Mormon that we can gained a better understanding of the Atonement and the things that it covers; ex: the atonement not only helps with forgiveness of sins but also with helps in preventing us from sinning. I better understand what “Grace” is & how it works. The translation of the Book of Mormon is in a language that is better understood. I love the Old Testament, but, I have to do research to understand the messages being portrayed by the images.
Jill says
I usually don’t read Book of Mormon commentaries. My time is so much better spent reading the Book of Mormon. Turn it into a talk about why we need the Book of Mormon, put it on a CD and we will listen to it while we drive on vacations! We love your messages! God bless you and yours- you have encouraged us to live the gospel more fully and with more faith.
Bill Gasser says
Chapter 1 is fantastic, please, continue with the book. I believe there are companion study guides for the Book of Mormon; another one of this quality is needed. It is an easy read with understandable answers to real questions and circumstances. The format is easy to live with and your references are very supportive of the dialog.
Joanna Strain says
After having read just the first five paragraphs I can say please continue writing this book. I need it and I have many non-member family and friends that need too. Please finish it so I can read the entire book.
Angie Munson says
I enjoyed this introductory chapter and would look forward to reading more. I don’t know that there was any new information in this chapter (for me) but it helped me clarify and put it into context better. I would like to have seen some outline for future chapters, just their headings to know if I would buy the book or not.
Ruby Dee Christensen says
I like the clarity of your words. But I’d like to know: Did Hugh Nibley really write, “Whoa” instead of “Woe?” If so, was it deliberate on his part for he was a super intelligent man.
I think that you should keep on in this style and finish your book. It makes the Book of Mormon easy for younger readers (and some older) to understand.
Daniel Plemons says
This book will be helpful for many people to understand how important the Book of Mormon is for all people, and to bring them to Christ.
Glenna Silvan says
While much of the material you cover has been stated in previous author’s work, your wording and the way you express yourself are much easier for the student to understand. FARMS has it’s place, but it is the young who we are losing. Please finish your book.
Elane Durham says
Hello John,
I believe the proposal for your new book, will be most helpful, for new converts, who have come from a fundamental background, or current church members, who struggle to understand why there needs to be a Book of Mormon. I remember how l struggled to understand, why the Mormons didn’t talk about Jesus more in their Sunday services. I came from a Fire and Brimstone, Fundamental
Church, to the Mormons and l had so much to learn. We had Wards, and Branches .. and we not only had three hours of services, we had Stakes and the leadership wasn’t talking about food.
You can do a lot in your writings, to not only educate Mormons, but Converts as well. Whether it’s the one you’re thinking of finishing, or another book, l wish you well. BTW .. l’ve been a member, for twenty four years, and l have a strong testimony of the Gospel. I’m retired, and Bless the Lord for each day l live. Always remember, that you are a ‘Royal Son’, of your Heavenly Father, as you continue to do His work.
It’s been a long time, since l’ve read any of your work. I now look forward to it.
Wishing you Blessings … Elane
Paula Amor says
I think that you should continue with this book. You have a great talent for saying things in a way that can be understood by people of all ages and abilities. As members of the Church we need encouragement to help others to understand what The Book of Mormon is about. It isn’t the easiest book to read at first and you need to read it more than once or twice – I had to to understand it. I think you should carry on and hope that you do. Thank you for your inspiration to me (I’m in my 50’s and from the UK ).
Steven Jolley says
I think it’s wonderful that you write this book. Ezra Taft Benson said, “I challenge our Church writers, teachers, and leaders to tell us more Book of Mormon conversion stories that will strengthen our faith and prepare great missionaries. Show us how to effectively use it as a missionary tool, and let us know how it leads us to Christ and answers our personal problems and those of the world.”
Among other things, he also said, “I have a vision of artists putting into film, drama, literature, music, and paintings great themes and great characters from the Book of Mormon.” So, Brother Bytheway, any effort you make even remotely like this, fulfills President Benson’s charge and vision. I commend you for doing so.
I’ve also written my own book on coming unto Christ through the power and strength of the Book of Mormon, plus a novel with many themes from the Book of Mormon. I also hope to publish them one day, but if the Holy Spirit has inspired you with such a sacred venture, then it would be a shame to not use your notoriety to help inspire and motivate others. I pray that others read my words and testimony one day, but many certainly will read yours.
Go for it, Brother Bytheway. I’m sure it will be wonderful, and I’d love to include it in my own personal library.
Josie Barnshaw says
Yes!!! Absolutely, finish it.
Sandra says
I wouldn’t buy it. But then I have been studying the scriptures forever. I know more than most … no brag, just fact. But I doubt most active Mormons are buying gospel doctrinal books. They are more interested in prophecy books and books written to today’s situation… politically and emotional stuff.
I say this with some inside information. My daughter was the manager of Seagal Book in Orem and she said the General Authority books were not selling.. near to none at all.. but the books like Visions of Glory were selling over 100-200 books from her store a week… also those by Skousen and others writing about futuristic things… were also hot sellers..
Linda Runyan says
I really liked this first chapter. I would definitely like to read the rest of the book.
Megan Broughton says
Fascinating and inspiring. The case for The Book of Mormon needs to be made and understood in our hearts if we are to withstand the onslaught. I vote write this book!!!
James King says
John,
ANY book about the Book of Mormon is wonderful. So, to answer your question: yes, finish the book.
It sounds like Chapter One is almost an introduction or outline. You have touched on a lot of possible ideas; now, just “flesh them out” more. For example, give Book of Mormon references to Christ’s divinity and Atonement and how they CLARIFY and EXPOUND specific Biblical references. Talk about how the definitions of grace are applied and defined in the Book of Mormon.
Go into more detail about how the Book of Mormon defends the Bible and the Biblical stories that are “added upon” in the Book of Mormon. You could practically have a chapter on each one mentioned.
Discuss how the use of both the Bible AND the Book of Mormon can be used for our day. How do they BOTH apply to me as a reader and child of God in today’s world.
Just some thoughts…
Lanette says
I would love to read the book “Why We Need the Book of Mormon”. I love how I already knew everything you mentioned, but hadn’t looked at it from that perspective before. Love your books!
Maynette S. More says
I believe you should continue with the book. You have a unique way of communicating often difficult subjects which “clears the air” as it were making those subjects easier to understand.
One piece of advice. Please be sure you have a good proof-reader for this book. I found two typographical errors within the first few paragraphs. One was the use of the wrong word, continents instead of contents, and failure to place a space between two words: all nations instead of the current allnations as it now reads. I can not get “all” italisized as it is in this sample chapter using this device. Hopefully these occurred when being entered onto this site and the actual book is correct but having read too many books and articles with multiple typographic and other types of copy (?) errors I have little faith in the ability of current proof-readers. Hopefully you will receive a good one from your editor. Again, if there should not be a space between copy and (?) it’s the fault of this device and its spellchecker.
I look forward to learning when this book has been published so I can purchase a copy of it.
Anna says
I’d definitely read that book! 🙂 I think it’s really important for us to understand the Book of Mormon at deeper levels than we ever have before and to really rely on its teachings and the way it leads us to Christ, especially in the last days!
Jared Tolman says
Yes finish the book! I loved your first chapter and anxiously await the rest!
Catrina Richards says
Being a large fan of Jon I welcome any book written by him. He makes complex ideas seem simple.
Sharon Burress says
I love this. I don’t know how you could say any more or say it any better.
Helene Mathee says
Do not leave us in suspense. If the first chapter is this captivating then I definitely want the rest of it. Thank you, thank you!