Mormon Scriptures

Because Mormons believe that God still speaks to humanity, they believe in an open canon of scripture. The body of Mormon scripture, then, is always growing. However, Mormons do have certain core, canonized books in their faith. These are the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. These books are also called the ‘’standard works” of the Mormon Church. The belief in additional scriptural canon makes Mormons unique among Christian religions.

Besides these “standard works,” many of the pronouncements of General Authorities, particularly the president of the Mormon Church, are also often viewed as scripture. In particular, official written pronouncements signed by the First Presidency and/or the Quorum of the Twelve Apostle are seen as very important to Mormon doctrine. As a recent example, “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” (1995) defined the Church’s doctrines related to the family.

While Mormons are encouraged to see and consider the most recent statements from prophets and General Authorities as modern-day scripture, they are not encouraged to accept them blindly. Rather, they are encouraged to pray to know if the doctrines contained in such statements, and in scripture, are true. In Mormon belief, God will give us personal revelation through His Holy Spirit if we pray with earnestness of heart.

The Bible, Old and New Testament, contains both type and testament of Jesus Christ - who He would have us be, how He would have us act. (Read more)

The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. It relates His dealings with a Christian people on the American continent and restores and clarifies lost doctrines. (Read more)

The Doctrine and Covenants is a collection of revelations, mostly of the early Mormon Church, mostly received by Joseph Smith. Much of Mormon doctrine and ordinances comes from this book. (Read more)

The Pearl of Great Price collects a number of important translations and ancient revelations (especially regarding Moses, Abraham, Enoch, and the Creation), as well as Joseph Smith’s History and the Mormon Articles of Faith. (Read more)

You may also want to read the actual text of the Mormon books of scripture.