My father was not a member of the church. I converted as a teenager without my family. One day I found a copy of the Book of Mormon under the driver’s seat of the car while retrieving something he sent me for. It had a bookmark in it, and was clearly well-read. I asked him about it. He explained that he read it once to see what I’d gotten myself into and then found he enjoyed the stories, so he kept it in the car to read while he waited for people.
There are many ways to read the Book of Mormon. The first time, you might read out of curiosity. You might read it again for pleasure. Whatever your reason, you should also consider reading it to find out if it’s true. You already know that millions believe it is; why not find out for yourself?
Most of the writing is not challenging. I find it far easier to read than the Old Testament. It’s more like the New Testament, so if you have experience reading the Bible, you’ll find no trouble reading most of the Book of Mormon.
Try to read it all the way through, even if there are spots that seem complicated or confusing to you. In future readings, those difficult spots will seem easier. Only when you’ve read it all will you completely understand why it has converted so many people. Pray before reading. God knows if it’s true—ask Him to tell you as you read. You may want to start with a section near the end, so you’ll know how to tell if it’s true:
“And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
“And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.” (Moro. 10:4–5.)
Then go back and read from the start, keeping in mind that God has promised to tell you personally whether or not it is true. You won’t have to take anyone else’s word for it.
Consider keeping a journal as you read. This can help you keep track of the people and events, the doctrine, and the teachings. If you record your feelings about what you are reading, it will help you as you seek to find out if it’s true.
Many people mark scriptures as they go along. They mark those that inspire them or that they consider important. Many use one color of marking pencil just for references to the Savior, so they can then go back and review all the teachings about Jesus when they are finished. You will find you must mark a great deal of the book when you do this. Boyd K. Packer explained:
After the people of Lehi had arrived in the Western Hemisphere, Lehi had a vision of the tree of life. His son Nephi prayed to know its meaning. In answer, he was given a remarkable vision of Christ.
In that vision he saw:
• A virgin bearing a child in her arms,
• One who should prepare the way—John the Baptist,
• The ministry of the Son of God,
• Twelve others following the Messiah,
• The heavens open and angels ministering to them,
• The multitudes blessed and healed,
• The crucifixion of the Christ,
• The wisdom and pride of the world opposing his work. (See 1 Ne. 11:14–36.)That vision is the central message of the Book of Mormon.
The Book of Mormon is in truth another testament of Jesus Christ.”Boyd K. Packer, “‘The Things of My Soul’,” Ensign, May 1986, 59
The late Terrie Lynn Bittner—beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend—was the author of two homeschooling books and numerous articles, including several that appeared in Latter-day Saint magazines. She became a member of the Church at the age of 17 and began sharing her faith online in 1992.
