The community of christ, formerly known as the reorganized church of jesus christ of latter day saints, views the book of mormon as an additional witness of jesus christ and publishes two versions of the book through its official publishing arm, herald house. Does the book of mormon say jesus was born in jerusalem. Chadwick, dating the birth of jesus christ, byu studies 49, no. The mormons a nickname for members of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints added a subheading to the book to explain that it is a second witness of the lord. The book of mormon and the bible work together to tell the story of jesus the book of mormon is a book of scripture that details god. What planet do mormons think god the father was born on. Frequently, the book leaves the reader to wonder about the sources and the apparent lack of context for the myriad figures who show up on the pages of mormon jesus. A twohundredyear era of peace followed that visit of christ. The article jesus christ in the book of mormon treats the pivotal. He was as much a god when he was born into the world as he was before. The organization of the church in the year 1830 is hardly to be regarded as giving. Because of him, we can be forgiven, we can overcome challenges, and we can live with god again someday. Joseph fielding smith, church history and modern revelation, vol 1, pp 85 86.
Mormon prophets have taught that jesus was conceived by sexual intercourse physical union between god the father and mary. This is one way that the book of mormon is a second witness of jesus christ. Sep 25, 2011 mormon s dont believe he was born in america. As in the old testament, there were numerous prophecies of this event, one in particular by samuel the lamanite five years earlier helaman 5.
When mormon missionaries properly called latter day saints or simply lds come to your door, they will often offer a free copy of the book of mormon and tell you about its author, joseph smith. It serves as a companion to the bible, reinforcing the witness of jesus christ, and adding new insights into his sacred mission. Since the early 20th century, many mormons have thought they knew the exact date of the first christmas. It is a spiritual topic, associated with faith, belief, testimony, emotion, revelation, and personal conviction. Likewise, the mormon church also maintains that jesus was born of the virgin mary. For the twelve million members of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints worldwide six million in the united states, the book of mormon is literally the word of god, a companion volume to the bible that contains the everlasting gospel. It may surprise you to learn that the book of mormon is actually a book about jesus christ, the same jesus found in the bible. What does the book of mormon teach about being born again. The people watched faithfully for a night with no darkness, which was the sign that jesus christ would be born. King benjamin explained that he shall suffer temptations, and pain of body, hunger, thirst, and fatigue, even more than man can suffer, except it.
The unique combination of these two factorsa focus on the. The bible teaches that jesus was born of the virgin mary. You can honor the perfect example of jesus christ by serving others, loving god, and keeping his commandments. The bible and the book of mormon agree that jesus was born of a virgin. Bensons emphasis is on both the literalness of jesus divine birth, and the fact. The book of mormon adds to our knowledge of the saviors life and mission, and helps us to calculate the likely date of jesus christs birth. As for which planet god the father may have been born on, the only clue we have to speculate on is from the book of abraham. Thanks to the diligence of nephite recordkeepers, the book of mormon helps to narrow down the length of christs life even further. Mormon jesus is an excellent treatise on the mormon christology in its development and current form. Contemporary mormonism presents the book of mormon as another testament of jesus christ, but the jesus of the book of mormon is not the only begotten son of god, the second person of the trinity, or the one through whose death on the cross we can be saved from our sins. Dec 19, 2010 but we now know that the first year of zedekiah is 597, and if jesus was born somewhere between 4 and 7 b. Bible and book of mormon references to jesus being born of the virgin mary.
In fact, america plays a special role in mormonism. May 26, 2009 mormon jesus early mormon prophets mormon jesus taught that elohim and one of his wives came to this planet and started to write in an inn to have sex with a virgin in order to provide. Hinckley says that mormons believe in a different jesus. However, joseph smith was merely translating a geographical note from an ancient writer. Sjodahl write, almas prophecy is a grand supplement of benjamins prediction. The book of mormon another testament of jesus christ. For information on sources of mormon quotations, see the section titled mormon documents.
Tvedtnes, cities and lands in the book of mormon, journal of. The book of mormon opens with the phrase i, nephi, having been born of goodly. The book of mormon and the location of the birth of jesus christ jump to subtopic. Jesus in mormonism mormon christology religionfacts. It provides a breathtaking overview of christ in mormon thought from the prebook of mormon era to the present. One cannot read the book of mormon and honestly come away wondering what the latterday saints believe about the divine sonship. This chart illustrates the penchant of book of mormon authors to use multiple names for the lord jesus christ. Roberts in the outlines of ecclesiastical history p. Why does the book of mormon say that jesus would be born in. They told me that the book of mormon does not contradict the holy bibl. Heavenly father ensured that his people all over the globe would know that his son would come to redeem them.
The fact that the book of mormon gave signs of both christs birth and death are important because they prove that the book of mormon really does witness of the savior. What are the key differences between mormonism and christianity. Cry unto this people, sayingrepent ye, and prepare the way of the lord, and walk in his paths, which are. His name was alma, called alma the younger to avoid confusion with his father. However, there is quite an interesting array of mormon authorities who have said some very interesting things about the relationship between. How does the book of mormon help date the first christmas. Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name immanuel isaiah 7. I suspect the reason the book of mormon has this view of faith and knowledge is that the mormons claims cannot be investigated. Mormons believe that when jesus returns to earth, he will first. Hundreds of years before the saviors coming, the children of lehi the first book of mormon prophet, about 600 b. The crucifixion of jesus christ in the book of mormon.
The city of jerusalem jebusi belonged to the tribe of benjamin joshua 18. The birth of christ most christian societies celebrate the birth of christ in the winter in late december or early january, but most scholars believe he was born in the spring. The book of mormons most important truth is the fact that jesus christ was born, lived and died as the savior of the world and the light and life of the world 1 nephi 11. Was jesus born at jerusalem as the book of mormon claims.
Jesus christ mormonism, the mormon church, beliefs. Lds believe in worlds without number, and that the earth has been patterned after other worlds. The book of mormon contains an inspiring report of a man who was born again after many people had probably given up all hope that he would ever reform. While some use the book of mormon to say that mormons are not christian, the fact is that the book of mormons purpose to to testify of jesus christ. Nowhere in the deliberations of the state assembly, field military or. Problems with the book of mormon catholic answers catholic. With the faith now of one of the fastestgrowing religions in the country, doubleday is proud to publish this first official. In mormonism, jesus is a creation, the product of relations between god and his goddess wife who used to be people from another world mcconkie, bruce, mormon doctrine, p. Mcconkie, agrees with the tradition, started 100 years ago by james e. What the book of mormon tells us about jesus christ. Bible quotations are from the new american standard version. Why were afraid of mormons bu today boston university. They told me that the book of mormon does not contradict the holy bible as it was given by god to their prophet on golden plates. The resurrected j esus also appears to the people in the new world in 3 nephi.
For example, the book of mormon makes it clear that being the son of god not only gave jesus christ power over physical death, but also the power to suffer spiritual death for the sins of mankind. Mormon descriptions of jesus for christmas life after. Jesus is the pn of the savior of the world and son of mary whose name is frequently mentioned in the book of mormon. Book of mormon the second event in the signs of his birth consists of signs and wonders in the new world, recorded in the book of mormon. Smith of the council of the twelve wrote in the doctrine and covenants commentary. The book of mormon is the most correct of any book on earth because it centers upon the truth see john 14. Hinckley and the other apostles of the mormon church published the living christ as their testimony to the world about jesus christ. Talmage, an apostle of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints, published a book in 1915 titled jesus the christ, in which he wrote, we believe that jesus christ was born in bethlehem of judea, april 6, b. The book of mormon records the visit of jesus christ to people in the americas following his resurrection. Book of mormon charts charting the book of mormon is a collection of more than 175 visual aids that promote deeper understanding and appreciation of the book of mormon. This is not the first time a world has been created for people to dwell on and face trials, and it will not be the last. This witness strengthens mormon belief in the savior. In the early years of my christian life, i have often been approached by mormons who tried to persuade me to believe that the book of mormon is another testament of jesus christ.
The church hows the book of mormon another testiment of jesus christ. President hinckley fields common queries, deseret news, mar. Regardless of whether one agrees with turners conclusion. Some latterday saints might be surprised to learn that not everyone, including respected authorities and apostles like orson pratt, hyrum m. Jesus was born of a vergin who conceived him by the holy spirit not by a god. President nelson grandfathers visit from the other side of the veil and family history work duration. The book of mormon s most important truth is the fact that jesus christ was born, lived and died as the savior of the world and the light and life of the world 1 nephi 11. May 29, 20 you can read 2 nephi 31 free online in the book of mormon without even having to register. The book of mormon is a pillar of revealed truth supporting and upholding the chief cornerstone, who is jesus christ. Jesus christ and his teachings are the central focus of all mormon scripture, the book of mormon, the bible, the doctrine and covenants, and the pearl of great price. Dear jeffrey, im guessing your question originates with alma 7. Nowhere in their writings can one find references to christians embracing any of. But as far as this life is concerned it appears that he had to start just as all other children do and gain his knowledge line upon line president joseph fielding smith 18761972.
Does the book of mormon teach that christ was born in. On page 2 of lesson five of this manual, it reads, nephi lived in america at the time jesus was born across the ocean in jerusalem. Moroni, the last of the nephite prophethistorians, sealed up the abridged records of these people and hid them in about a. It also deviates in its teaching on the incarnation of jesus. Keep in mind that the book of mormon was written to those who lived at the time, as well as for our generations. The pn jesus is from jesus of the latin versions of the new testament, itself from the greek iesous, from the aramaichebrew yesua matthew 1.
There are some serios problems with the book of mormon that the lds church. Nephi, a book of mormon prophet, finished his long sermon on jesus christ by discussing jesus baptism. Jesus is the literal spirit brother of the devil and you and i mcconkie, p. For example, many believing mormon readers will demand a more robust discussion of denver snuffer and his efforts to draw away some from the church 8384. These and other book of mormon passages demonstrate that being born again is a process of spiritual transformation that results from faith, repentance, the ordinance of baptism, the cleansing power of the holy ghost, a covenant to serve god, and then enduring obedience to gods commandments throughout ones life. The mormons do believe that jesus came to the americas after the ascension, and joseph smith, the founder of the church of jesus christ of latter day saints did claim to have found golden tablets on which was inscribed the text of the book of mormon.
Kelly ogden, associate director, the jerusalem center for near eastern studies. The 19 th century and the passion for archaeology, the questions that were being asked locate joseph smith and the book of mormon in that world the world that joseph smith lived in, in. Mormonism is centered on jesus christ and his role as creator and redeemer. The book of mormon is set in north america in the first century. Book of mormon predicts jesus christs birth youtube. The autobiographical details expressed here are found nowhere else in. Hinckleys puzzlement was real of faked, but his statement is disingenuous at best.
May 10, 2009 duck sause barbra streisand mormon jesus remix duration. Nephi1 was especially creative in this regard, though all of these authors demonstrate an intimate, impressive understanding of the lords redemptive mission and many divine attributes. The book of mormon states he was born at jerusalem. How does the book of mormon help date christs death. Jesus christ in the scriptures the encyclopedia of mormonism. Sep 26, 2010 why does the book of mormon state that jesus was born in jerusalem alma 7.
Why does the book of mormon state that jesus was born in jerusalem alma 7. As for which planet god the father may have been born on, the only clue we have to speculate on is from the book of abraham 2 and i saw the stars, that they were. Gramps, does the book of mormon teach that christ was born in jerusalem. The mormon doctrine of jesus deviates from biblical teaching regarding the preincarnate life of christ. Why does the book of mormon say that jesus would be born.
The fundamental principles of our religion is the testimony of the apostles and prophets concerning jesus christ, that he died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended up into heaven. Apr 01, 20 it may surprise you to learn that the book of mormon is actually a book about jesus christ, the same jesus found in the bible. The pn j esus is from jesus of the latin versions of the new testament, itself from the greek 1 iesous, from the aramaic h ebrew yesua. Just this month, turner followed up his excellent biography of brigham young with something almost entirely different.
Mormonism teaches that jesus incarnation was the result of sexual relations between the flesh and bone heavenly father and mary. Mormons teach that, after jesus ascended into heaven, the apostles taught the. May 27, 2005 the mormon doctrine of jesus deviates from biblical teaching regarding the preincarnate life of christ. Sorenson suggested that the years here were the tun from the longcount calendar, a 360day cycle without intercalation.
How can the book of mormon help me draw closer to jesus. Tvedtnes, cities and lands in the book of mormon, journal of book of mormon studies 42 fall 1995. As such, jerusalem was a known factor and minor towns were not known. Mar 21, 2004 the mormons do believe that jesus came to the americas after the ascension, and joseph smith, the founder of the church of jesus christ of latter day saints did claim to have found golden tablets on which was inscribed the text of the book of mormon. After jesus resurrection, according to the book of mormon, he visited america.
Before i get flamed i would like to point out three of the more glaring anachronistic errors. The book of mormon establishes clearly that jesus is the christ, the eternal god, manifesting himself to all. Why do mormons believe that jesus was born in america. This means that mary had no sexual relations with any man prior to the birth of jesus.
The book of mormon correctly claimed jesus would be born at the land of jerusalem for many years, critics of the book of mormon have called attention to a colossal blunder in alma 7. The people who believed in jesus christ and in the prophets were sad to think that something might keep the prophecies from being fulfilled. Especially in light of what mormonism says about god and jesus. Something that makes the church of jesus christ of latterday saints often inadvertently referred to as the mormon church distinct from other christian denominations is having the book of mormon as scripture. We have in addition to that the book of mormon, which becomes another witness for jesus christ. However, the book of mormons testimony of the birth of christ does not begin on that night. We read that jesus shall be born of mary at jerusalem, which is in the land of.
When the church of jesus christ of latterday saints was organized on april 6, 1830, the lord said it had been 1830 years since the birth of christ. Smith, they will say, translated the book of mormon from golden plates he dug up in a hill in. The book of mormon is another witness of jesus christ and confirms truths from the holy bible. However, modern lds scholarship has established that the introductory verse was probably not part of the original revelation because the earliest revelation manuscript does not include it. Why does the book of mormon say that jesus would be born at jerusalem which is the land of our forefathers when the bible states that he was born in bethlehem. Least of all he who was born on that day, and on that day thirtythree years later was crucified. This left me to wonder and now i am a born again christian. Designed for multiple use as study guides, handouts, and masters for creating projectable images, the charts convey a wealth of information that will enrich personal study and. He lived to teach us, and he suffered and died to save us from sin and death. Taken from mormonism is not christianity used by permission.