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Should I read the Book of Mormon?
When you meet with LDS missionaries, it won’t take long before they encourage you to read the Book of Mormon. This is one of their key goals, emphasized heavily in their training.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to whether you should read it.
The important thing is to stay grounded in the truth:
- God’s word in the Bible is complete, sufficient, and powerful.
- The more time you spend in the Bible, the more opportunity the Holy Spirit has to work through it.
- You can always trust what God has already revealed in Scripture.
If you’d like to politely decline reading the Book of Mormon, here are a few gracious ways to do so:
- Appeal to common ground: “Since we both believe in the Bible, would you mind if we focus on that first? It’s the Scripture we both recognize as God’s word.”
- Point to their role: “I was hoping you could explain the Book of Mormon to me—that’s why I asked to meet with you. I’d rather learn through conversation.”
However, if you would like to read the portion that the missionaries ask you to read, you can do so thoughtfully, always measuring it against the unchanging truth of the Bible.
Be Curious About the Book of Mormon
Before agreeing to read anything, or even if you don’t read it, you can open meaningful conversations by asking:
- “In your faith, why was the Book of Mormon needed?”
- “Is the restored gospel fully explained in the Book of Mormon? If so, where can I read about it?”
- “What are some new truths the Book of Mormon teaches that the Bible doesn’t already?”
(These questions often gently reveal that very little of what modern Mormonism teaches—the restored gospel, temple ceremonies, eternal families—is actually found in the Book of Mormon.)
You’re not arguing—you’re inviting deeper reflection.
Responding If They Ask You to Read a Section
Missionaries often won’t ask you to read the whole Book of Mormon. Instead, they might suggest a specific section, like Moroni 10 or 3 Nephi 11.
If they do, you can ask:
- “Why did you choose that section?”
- “What do you hope I’ll learn from it?”
- “How does that passage explain the main message of salvation?”
These questions help keep the conversation centered on what matters most:
What does it say about sin, grace, and the work of Jesus?
You are helping them think about whether the Book of Mormon points clearly to the finished work of Christ—or whether it adds confusing, man-centered ideas.
Understand the Real Purpose Behind Their Request
It’s important to know that missionaries aren’t mainly asking you to read for content. They’re hoping you’ll feel something. They believe that reading the Book of Mormon will produce a “burning in the bosom”—a special emotional confirmation that it’s true.
If this comes up, you can respond warmly:
“That’s really interesting. I can relate a little—sometimes my gut or intuition feels very strong about something.
But when it comes to faith, I try not to rely just on my feelings.The Bible warns that my heart can be misleading (Jeremiah 17:9), and it encourages me to test everything against what God has already said (Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1).
So for me, truth isn’t confirmed by emotions—it’s confirmed by what God has already said. I just wanted you to know where I’m coming from if I don’t seem interested in receiving a burning in the bosom as a test for truth.
This lets you explain your conviction lovingly, without making them feel attacked.
Final Encouragement
You don’t have to fear the Book of Mormon—or anything else. You already have the complete, sufficient truth of salvation in the Bible. You already have the sure promises of God in Jesus Christ.You don’t need a burning feeling to know what’s true—you have God’s clear, unchanging word.
Trust it. Love it. And keep patiently pointing your missionaries back to it.
Next Steps
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