1. The Bible is only one of the books that Mormons recognize as scripture. They believe in the Bible as it was originally written and have doubts about its present form and modern translations.
In “The Articles of Faith”, which is about as close as the LDS get to an official creed, number 8 addresses the Bible and scripture:
We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
However, when you look more closely into their beliefs about the Bible, you find that it is not just a matter of making sure the ‘translation’ is good. Mormons really believe that the book was altered by the church and many important things were left out of the record.
Internally they quote from a passage in their Book of Mormon:
“…For behold, they (the abominable church) have taken away from the gospel of the Lamb many parts which are plain and most precious; and also many covenants of the Lord have they taken away.” -1 Nephi 13:26
2. Mormons interpret the Bible through teaching of their ‘Latter day’ prophets and scriptures. They believe that it can only be properly understood through their other scriptures: The Book of Mormon, The Doctrine and Covenants, and The Pearl of Great Price. And finally, they believe that their ‘general authorities’ define the true teaching and understanding of all of their scriptures including the Bible.
Comments:
Evangelical Christians believe that Bible is the infallible Word of God and the foundation their faith. They believe that the major doctrines of the Christian faith originated in and are supported by the Biblical scriptures alone. Also, there is no evidence that the Church deliberately changed any of the Bible text to support their understanding of the Gospel and the Kingdom.
Biblical scholars have identified some inconsequential changes that have not affected even one doctrine or major teaching of the church.
Scribes over the centuries have made numerous mistakes, leaving out a few words or phrases, misspellings, even adding stuff that squares with their own understanding. However, because there are over 10,000 ancient Biblical manuscripts, textual scholars have been able to identify most of these errors and recover nearly all of the text.
Scholars are now able to demonstrate the reliability of over 99% of the text. They are also reasonably sure of an additional .5%. That leaves us with only .5% which has any problems or corruptions that cannot be completely resolved; none of which involves any important teaching or doctrine.
Therefore, the Mormon understanding of the Bible can be demonstrated to be substantially incorrect.
Sources:
-“Mormon Doctrine“, by Bruce R. McConkie (Salt Lake City, Utah: Deseret Book Co., 1979, 856 pgs) An important work, but not an official statement of LDS Church doctrine.
-(D. & C.)”Doctrine and Covenants” (Salt Lake City, Utah: LDS) One of the LDS books of scripture.
-“Book of Mormon” (Salt Lake City, Utah: LDS) One of the LDS books of Scripture.
-“Pearl of Great Price” (Salt Lake City, Utah: LDS) One of the LDS books of Scripture.
-“Inspired Version” ( Independence, Mo.: Herald House) Printed by the Community of Christ (RLDS Church).
-“Sytematic Theology“, by Wayne Grudem (Leicester, Eng.:Zondervan Pub., 1994, 1264 pgs.)