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 the Bible.

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

The Book of Mormon is precious to Latter-day Saints. Acknowledging that value and showing curiosity can build trust. You might say, “I can see this book is important to you. I would like to understand why.”

• “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, and eternal families, is actually found in the Book of Mormon.)

You can also ask about its translation. Since it is only available in older English, you might say, “Sometimes the older language makes it hard for me to follow. Do you know why it has not been translated into modern English, like the Bible has been into many languages?”

This question may feel awkward for them, since there is no modern English edition. Yet it provides a gentle opening for you to explain why you trust translations like the NIV or ESV. You can share how the Bible has thousands of ancient manuscripts, giving us great confidence that what we read today is accurate. Consider even gifting them a modern Bible translation at a later visit. This contrast highlights the unique reliability of the Bible.

Remember, you are not arguing and shaming them. 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 is really interesting. I can relate a little, because sometimes I also feel strong emotions about things that matter deeply to me. But when it comes to my faith, I try not to rely only on feelings. The Bible tells me that my heart can be misleading (Jeremiah 17:9). That is why God instructs me to test everything against what he has already said (Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1).

My test of truth is to check the Bible and make sure nothing contradicts what God has already revealed. That is where my confidence comes from.”

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.