Typically, the Mormon missionary discussions present the Book of Mormon in such a way as to suggest that it has answers not found elsewhere. They insist that “the Book of Mormon answers questions of the soul” and the unwary can be led to believe that the book might give them access to otherwise unavailable, or unrevealed wisdom. However, the “questions of the soul” listed in the lessons can be readily and indeed more fully answered from the Bible. Here are the questions along with just some of the answers offered by the Bible. See what you think, see if you can come up with more:
The Book of Mormon Answers Questions of the Soul (As Does the Bible)
1. Is there a God? Romans – 1:19 Psalm 19:1-3
2. What Does Jesus expect of me? – 1 Peter 2:1 John 6:28-29
3. How can belief in Jesus Christ help me? – Acts 16:31 John 3:15-16
4. Is there a Life after Death? – 1 Corinthians 15
5. What is the Purpose of Life? – John 17:21-23
6. Why does God allow evil and suffering? – Genesis 3:17 Romans 2:5
7. Does my infant need to be baptised? – Mark 16:16 Acts 2:38
8. Does God know me? Matthew – 6:25-34
9. Does God answer prayer? – Psalm 65:2; 145:18-19
10. How can I find peace and joy? – John 16:33; 14: 27; 15:11
11. How can my family be happier and more united? – 1Timothy 3&5, Colossians 3:18-25. Ephesians 6:1-4
12. How can I balance my family and career? – 1Timothy 3&5, Colossians 3:18-25. Ephesians 6:1-4
13. How can I strengthen my relationship with my spouse? – 1Timothy 3&5, Colossians 3:18-25. Ephesians 6:1-4
14. How can I avoid the evils that threaten my family? – 1Timothy 3&5, Colossians 3:18-25. Ephesians 6:1-4
15. How can I avoid sin? – Colossians 3:1-17 Ephesians 6: 10-20
As Mormons present their faith it is a useful exercise to ask what the Bible has to say about the issues they wish to discuss. This can prove a useful starting point for fruitful discussion.
This article first appeared in the Summer 2006 Reachout Quarterly
