The Book of Mormon

I would feel very ungrateful if I didn't write a review about the book I just finished.

I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The Book of Mormon is a "keystone of our religion" (Ezra Taft Benson). Many people will see the LDS/Mormon missionaries giving out free books and trying to discuss our beliefs with all those whom they see. We want to share the Gospel, the "good news," and this book is one of the best ways to share the Truth.

In the last few General Conferences that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints holds twice a year, we have been urged to reread the The Book of Mormon. I took up that challenge after the October General Conference this year and challenged myself to finish it before the end of the year. Well, today is the 31st of December and I finished it. It has lead to great discoveries about myself and the world in which we all live.

There will be many who will say that The Book of Mormon is false but I know it to be true. I know it.

The Book of Mormon, for those who are unaware, is the story of a few families (one in particular) that traveled from Jerusalem to the Americas six hundred years before Christ. It tells of their family feuds which leads to wars and later the destruction of one of the sides of the family. But more importantly it tells of Jesus Christ's visit to the people after he died in Jerusalem, how he healed and blessed the people who had gathered at the temple after the great destruction that had occurred with his passing. It is, as it says, "another testament of Jesus Christ." And it is truth.

Through this challenge to myself, I have grown in appreciation for Mormon, the man who compiled 1000 years of Nephite history to make this book. I am a lover of history and to know that I have that in common with a Prophet of the Lord brings me joy. He put so much time and effort into compiling this for us, today, so then we can be prepared for what is to come in the future. He had a great heart which was full of great joy and sorrow as he watched his people decay  and let anger and hatred fill their hearts. While he isn't the only great prophet in The Book of Mormon, he is one of my favorites.

If you like reading about wars and secret societies, read this book.

If you like reading about families, read this book.

If you seeking Truth (with a capital T), read this book.

If you want peace, read this book.

If you want to be prepared for the travesties that are to come, read this book.

Don't get stuck in 2 Nephi. Persevere and actually try to understand what Nephi is quoting (from Isaiah). Read of Captain Moroni and the battles he fought. Read of Abinadi and the brother of Jared and their faith in Christ. Read of Alma and Amulek and their devastating trials with the people of Ammonihah. There are so many stories that are relevant to today and the world we live in.  Read this book.

I know that this is Truth; I testify that it is. Pay particular attention to Moroni 10: 3-4 when you get to the end and follow his counsel there. You will not regret it.