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What is The Pearl of Great Price in Mormonism?

Brief Answer

In Mormonism, The Pearl of Great Price is one of the standard works of scripture within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). It contains writings attributed to Joseph Smith, including selections from the Book of Moses, the Book of Abraham, Joseph Smith’s translations and revelations, and the Articles of Faith. This book is distinct from the Bible and reflects key theological elements unique to the LDS tradition.

Understanding The Pearl of Great Price from a Biblical Perspective

From a biblical Christian viewpoint, The Pearl of Great Price raises important questions about the nature of Scripture and revelation. The Bible teaches that God’s Word is complete and sufficient:

  • “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).
  • “Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it” (Deuteronomy 4:2).

While The Pearl of Great Price is considered sacred scripture within Mormonism, evangelical Christians believe the Bible alone is God’s authoritative Word. This contrast highlights differing understandings of revelation and the sufficiency of Scripture.

Historical Context of The Pearl of Great Price

The Pearl of Great Price was first published in 1851 by Franklin D. Richards, an LDS apostle, to provide easier access to Joseph Smith’s writings for British converts. It became canonized as scripture for the LDS Church in 1880. The text contains:

  1. Selections from the Book of Moses: A reimagined account of Genesis, including details about Adam and Eve.
  2. The Book of Abraham: A translation Joseph Smith claimed to make from Egyptian papyri, which introduces unique doctrines, such as a pre-mortal existence.
  3. Joseph Smith—Matthew: A retranslation of parts of the Gospel of Matthew.
  4. Joseph Smith—History: An autobiographical account of Joseph Smith’s early experiences, including the First Vision.
  5. The Articles of Faith: A summary of LDS beliefs written by Joseph Smith.

For evangelical Christians, understanding the historical development of this text is important for engaging in meaningful dialogue with Mormons.

Practical Implications of The Pearl of Great Price

For Christians engaging with Mormonism, understanding The Pearl of Great Price can help:

  • Facilitate respectful dialogue: Knowing what Mormons believe fosters meaningful conversations.
  • Clarify theological differences: It helps highlight differences between the Bible’s teachings and LDS scripture.
  • Share biblical truth: Grounding discussions in the Bible as God’s inspired Word provides a firm foundation.

Theological Depth and Insight

From a biblical perspective, The Pearl of Great Price diverges from core Christian teachings in several ways:

  1. Authority of Scripture: Evangelicals affirm that the Bible is the complete and sufficient revelation of God (Revelation 22:18-19), whereas Mormons include additional scriptures like The Pearl of Great Price.
  2. God’s nature: The Book of Abraham introduces a concept of God that differs from the biblical understanding, suggesting God was once a man—a view inconsistent with verses like Malachi 3:6, which emphasize God’s unchanging nature.
  3. Salvation and grace: The Articles of Faith reflect LDS beliefs in works-based salvation, contrasting with the biblical message of salvation by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Broader Biblical Themes in Comparison

When comparing The Pearl of Great Price to biblical themes, several key distinctions arise:

  • Creation: The Bible presents a clear and unified account of creation in Genesis 1-2. In contrast, the Book of Moses and Book of Abraham introduce additional, extra-biblical details.
  • God’s sovereignty: The Bible consistently emphasizes God’s eternal, unchanging nature and His sovereignty over creation (Psalm 90:2). The LDS view of God, influenced by The Pearl of Great Price, departs from this biblical teaching.
  • Jesus as the final revelation: Hebrews 1:1-2 teaches that Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God, leaving no need for additional scriptures or revelations.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a critical role in discerning truth and guiding believers:

  • Affirming Scripture: The Spirit confirms that the Bible is God’s inspired Word (John 16:13).
  • Guiding in truth: He helps Christians recognize and reject teachings that deviate from biblical doctrine (1 John 4:1).
  • Empowering witness: The Spirit equips believers to share the gospel lovingly and confidently with those of other faiths (Acts 1:8).

Relevance for Today’s Christian

For Christians encountering Mormon beliefs, understanding The Pearl of Great Price offers an opportunity to:

  • Engage in meaningful conversations: Respectfully discussing theological differences can open doors for sharing the gospel.
  • Affirm the sufficiency of the Bible: Reaffirming the completeness of God’s Word strengthens faith and provides clarity.
  • Pray for discernment: Seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance in conversations with Mormons, relying on His wisdom to speak truth in love.

Connection to Jesus Christ and God’s Love

Ultimately, all Christian discussions about other faiths should point back to Jesus Christ, who is the foundation of our faith. Jesus Himself declared:

  • “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).

The gospel centers on Christ’s love and His finished work on the cross. By focusing on Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, Christians can share the message of salvation with clarity and grace.

Bible Characters and Stories

  • Paul in Athens: Paul’s respectful engagement with the philosophers at the Areopagus (Acts 17:22-34) serves as a model for Christians discussing faith with Mormons, emphasizing common ground while pointing to biblical truth.
  • The Bereans: The Bereans examined the Scriptures daily to confirm Paul’s teachings (Acts 17:11), reminding Christians to rely on God’s Word as the ultimate authority.
  • Jesus’ interaction with the Samaritan woman: Jesus lovingly engaged the woman at the well, addressing her misunderstandings while leading her to the truth (John 4:1-26).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

  1. How does the biblical teaching on the sufficiency of Scripture shape your understanding of The Pearl of Great Price?
  2. What can you learn from Jesus’ and Paul’s examples of engaging respectfully with those of different beliefs?
  3. How can you lovingly share the gospel with someone who holds different views about God and Scripture?
  4. How does reaffirming the authority of the Bible strengthen your faith?

While The Pearl of Great Price holds a significant place in Mormonism, Christians can approach the topic with love and truth, pointing to the Bible as the complete and authoritative revelation of God. By focusing on Jesus and relying on the Holy Spirit, we can share the gospel in a way that reflects God’s grace and truth.

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