How is the Book of Mormon different from the Bible? How did Joseph Smith obtain the “golden plates” or Book of Mormon?

Colleen answered…

Moroni the actual person that buried them showed Joseph where HE put them.

Reed answered…

 The Book of Mormon is a work of scripture comparable to the Bible. The Bible has been through many translations and changes, and because of them things may seem confusing or perplexing for doctrine and principles. The book of Mormon deals with the people of America in ancient times. it has been through on translation and is very helpful to clarifying and supporting the bible while also offering truth and light necessary to our salvation. It takes nothing away from the bible. I love the bible and the Book of Mormon dearly.

John! answered…

The Book of Mormon is a collection of writings from many prophets...just like the Bible is a collection of writings from many prophets.

The difference is that the prophets in the Bible lived in the old world and around Jerusalem where the prophets in the Book of Mormon lived in the Americas around the same time frame. Both books of scripture contain eye witness accounts of Jesus performing miracles and setting up His church on both continents.

Shortly after the resurrection of our Savior in Jerusalem, The Book of Mormon testifies that He appeared to those ancient inhabitants living in the Americas and taught them His Gospel. He called 12 apostles amongst these people and we have their writings today! The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. It confirms as another witness, that the Bible is true and that Jesus Christ really is the Son of God and came into this world 2000 years ago.

Just as God appeared to Moses and gave him instructions/commandments in the Old Testament, God appeared to a young man by the name of Joseph Smith in 1823 and had him translate an ancient record that we now know as The Book of Mormon.

Jay answered…

The Bible is a collection of writings from prophets like Moses and apostles like Paul. They wrote their witness and the truths that God taught them as they lived in the ancient Middle East and Mediterranean. Because God is the father of all mankind, he also taught his truth to righteous apostles that lived in other parts of the world. The Book of Mormon is the collection of inspired writings from the prophets that lived in North and South America. One of these prophets was named, "Mormon." The book teaches the same gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ and invites people to come unto Him.

The Bible and Book of Mormon work together to teach God's truth. For example, the story of Christ's baptism is my son's favorite Bible story. In the Bible, the apostles wrote the words of the voice from heaven saying, "This is My Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." The people living in the Americas were not able to witness this miracle, so God revealed the story and to the prophets in the Americas and the revelation is included in the Book of Mormon.

For hundreds of years, more revelations and history of the Christians in the Americas was written and eventually compiled on metal plates and buried. God wants us all to know the story of these ancient American Christians, so he sent an angel in 1823 to show Joseph Smith where they were hidden. God blessed Joseph Smith to translate the plates and the printed translation is called, "The Book of Mormon."

Brent answered…

We believe that both the Bible and Book of Mormon are ancient books of scripture. The main difference between the two is that the Bible primarily takes place in Europe and Asia, whereas the Book of Mormon takes place in North and South America. They each contain the writings of prophets and a record of God's dealings with the people. The Bible has been translated over the years several different times by several different people into several different versions. The Book of Mormon was translated once through a modern day prophet from the 19th century named Joseph Smith. We believe that Joseph was led to the ancient record by the angel Moroni, who was the last author of the Book of Mormon that originally buried the plates. The book's truth affirms whether Joseph Smith was indeed a prophet and whether this church is true. Having both books of scripture help clarify much of the doctrinal confusions in Christianity.

Juleen answered…

 The Bible is a record written by prophets and apostles who lived in the Eastern world. The Book of Mormon was written by prophets who lived in the Western world. The reason why I love this concept is that, to me, it is logical that God, who is the God to the whole world, likely gave guidance to more than just his children who lived in the Eastern part of the world. In American culture, we give credit to Christopher Columbus for discovering America, when in fact it's clear that there were people living in the Americas long before he ever arrived. The Book of Mormon teaches the same true principles of Christ's gospel as the Bible teaches. Of course the stories and names are different because the people are different, but the message of believing that Jesus Christ would come and redeem the world is the same. 

Dustin answered…

The only differences between the Bible and the Book of Mormon are where each takes place and the people in them. The Book of Mormon is a record of God's dealings with people here in the Americas while the Bible is a record of God's dealings with the people in Jerusalem and the Middle East. Both the Bible and the Book of Mormon testify and prophecy of Jesus. The Book of Mormon, like the Bible declares that the only way we can obtain eternal life is through Jesus Christ and his teachings. One of my favorite passages from the Book of Mormon is in the very last chapter of the book. It says, "Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God." Everything depends on Christ and our relationship to Him and the Book of Mormon will help to strengthen that relationship and our faith.

Joseph Smith was a prophet just like Moses, Elijah, and the other prophets from the Bible. He received revelations directly from God as well as through angels. One of the revelations he received was where to find the plates the Book of Mormon had been written on and how to translate the records into English.

Dr. Tim answered…

The Book of Mormon is diffenent from the Bible mostly because of where it was written. The Book of Mormon is a record of God's dealings with people on the American continent verses the Bible dealing with God's people in the Middle East.
It is different in that it was translated only once while the Bible has had multiple authorized and unauthorized translations.
Joseph Smith was chosen to translate the ancient record he was given by the same way other prophets and men called of God were able to do seemingly miraculous things. Joseph Smith obtained the original record, called the Book of Mormon after the ancient prophet who compiled it, and translated it into what we now have as "Another Testiment of Jesus Christ", the Book of Mormon which contains the fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Seth answered…

The main differences between the Book of Mormon and the Bible are where they took place and the people who wrote them. The Bible was written by ancient prophets in Jerusalem such as Moses, Isaiah, Matthew and John. The Book of Mormon was written by prophets in the ancient Americas such as Nephi, Alma, Mormon, and Moroni. Both testify that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world and that only through Him can mankind be saved. The Book of Mormon is an abridgment of numerous records kept by ancient prophets in the Americas from about 600 BC to 420 AD and was compiled by a prophet named Mormon. To preserve the record, he wrote on gold sheets or pages, and later they were buried by his son, Moroni. About 1400 years later, Moroni appeared to a boy named Joseph Smith, told him where the “golden plates” were hidden, and said that the Lord had an important work for him to do. In later years, Joseph was called by God to be a prophet. He obtained the record and, with the help of the Lord, translated it into English. It is now called the Book of Mormon. I know that these things are true because I've prayed about them. Isn't it exciting that miracles haven't ceased? God still works miracles today just like He did in biblical times.

Rick answered…

For me the Book of Mormon is a second witness along with the Bible of the reality of Jesus Christ as my Savior and Redeemer. It like the Bible contains writings of ancient prophets that testify of Jesus Christ and his teachings. The writings or these prophets were handed down from one generation to the next for over a thousand years. These writings were buried to come forth at some future date of Gods choosing. in 1923 Joseph Smith was visited by an angel of god to bring these records to the world. Today we have this sacred scripture to enrich and testify of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Kyle answered…

The Book of Mormon is a volume of holy scripture, just like the Bible. They were both written by ancient prophets but on two different continents. The Bible was recorded in the old world, while the Book of Mormon was written in the Americas around the same time. They both testify that Jesus Christ is the son of God and the savior of the world. The Book Of Mormon was hidden (buried) in the ground by an ancient prophet called Moroni. He hid them because God instructed him to do so, because the enemies of God would seek out the record (engraved on golden, metal plates) to try and destroy it. In 1823, the same prophet Moroni, but now an angel of God, appeared to the man Joseph Smith and informed him that God had chosen him to bring forth the record and translate it into english.

Coreen answered…

The Book of Mormon is similar to the Bible in that both contain the inspired writings of God's ancient prophets, who were the descendants of Abraham.  While the Bible was written in the region of Israel, the Book of Mormon was written in the Americas by people who left Jerusalem. Both contain the gospel of Jesus Christ.

It should be noted that the Bible was written for the specific purpose of teaching and encouraging the people of the various writers' day. The Book of Mormon, as we have now have it, was written specifically for the people of our day.

Joseph Smith obtained the Book of Mormon from an angel named Moroni, who was the last writer in the Book of Mormon, and was acting under the direction of Jesus Christ. Joseph was directed to translate and publish the book, a project which, of course, required the power of God to complete.

Chris answered…

The Book of Mormon is another witness that Jesus Christ really lived, that He was and is God’s Son. It contains the writings of ancient prophets. One of these, Lehi, lived in Jerusalem around 600 B.C. God commanded Lehi to lead a small group of people to the American continent. There they became a great civilization.

God continued to call prophets among these people. The Book of Mormon is a collection of the writings of their prophets and record keepers.

In September 1823, Joseph Smith was visited by a heavenly messenger named Moroni - the last of these ancient prophets to keep the record - in the same way that angels often appeared to Church leaders in the New Testament (see the book of Acts). The Angel Moroni informed Joseph that God had a work for him to do. Moroni told Joseph that a record of the ancient inhabitants of the American continent was buried in a nearby hill and that the record contained the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

In September 1827, Joseph received the record, which was written on thin plates of gold. Joseph translated the book into English by the inspiration of God. The book is called The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. It is named after Mormon, an ancient prophet who made an abridgment of the sacred records of his people.

The Book of Mormom supports and verifies the Bible. They both contain the teachings of ancient prophets.

Ryan answered…

It has always seemed more than just reasonable, it has seemed right that there is more than one record of the Lord speaking to His people. I believe that all peoples deserve to have His word, and that He has communicated with many people throughout the ages and throughout the earth. When we record our dealings with God we too participate in laying down content that our children and their children will be able to look to as continual witness that God loves and speaks to His children. The Book of Mormon is another witness that God is leading and teaching His children no matter where they may find themselves located. Together with the Bible these ancient records of the new and old worlds of the Americas and the Middle East present a grand narrative of the children of God as they have sought His face and the courage to do His will. Inspired scripture recorded by the Lord's servants in any age will always come together in confirmation of the truths of His gospel and the divinity of God and His son Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Tim answered…

The Book of Mormon is an ancient history of the people who lived on the American continent from about 600 B.C. to 400 A.D. It tells how these people came to the continent and it relates their wars and disputations with each other but it also witnesses of their faith and their belief in God and in the Savior. The culminating event in the Book of Mormon is the appearance of Jesus Christ, after His resurrection in Jerusalem, to these ancient inhabitants of the Americas. The ancient American histories were recorded on metal plates of gold and brass by religious prophets who were inspired by God. Eventually the various metal records were compiled into one record by a prophet named Mormon who abridged the records onto gold plates. This record was later buried in a hillside to be found centuries later under the divine direction of God who guided the young boy-prophet Joseph Smith in 1823. Joseph Smith was given heavenly power from God to translate the record which became known as the Book of Mormon, another Testament of Jesus Christ.

Wade answered…

The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. During the Savior mortal life the prophets and apostles wrote of his teachings in the Bible. We know that there were people living on the other side of the Earth at the same time. Because God loves ALL his children, on all the Earth, he sent the Savior to teach the same principles in the Americas after his resurrection. The Book of Mormon is different in that it tells their story, from the Americas, but the same because God's teachings would be the same to all his children.

Brian answered…

Adam answered…

The Bible is the inspired writings and history of the people who lived in ancient ISRAEL. The Book of Mormon is the inspired writings and history of the people who lived in ancient AMERICA. Both are testaments of the reality and divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ and teach His gospel - instructions for how to find lasting peace in this life and eternal life after death.

The Book of Mormon is the convincing evidence to the world that Joseph Smith was a prophet, called of God, and that, through him, Christ restored the fullness of His gospel to a misguided and sinful world.

The Bible and The Book of Mormon took place on opposite sides of the world in an age where intercontinental communication was impossible. The fact that they teach the same message proves the validity of both books. You too can know of their validity through earnest study, pondering, prayer, and application of the principles taught by these sacred books of scripture.

Antony answered…

The main difference is that the Book of Mormon deals predominantly with those followers of The Saviour who dwelt on the American continents, while the Bible records the events of those living in the Middle East. Other than that, there isn't a great deal of difference, except to say that the Book of Mormon has been translated into English from the original, whereas the Bible has undergone many translations before being produced in English. Joseph Smith obtained the golden plates after being shown where they were hidden, by the man who hid them. Joseph had to spend fours years preparing himself to be worthy to receive them, proving himself capable of being entrusted with such a precious work.

Ethan answered…

The Book of Mormon is another testament of Christ, containing the fullness of Christ's Gospel. Prophets in the Americas, way back in the late B.C. era and early A.D. era, wrote on golden plates to testify of Christ and preserve the Gospel of Christ in its fullness. Joseph Smith found and translated these ancient records by the gift and power of God. Today it is called the Book of Mormon.

Diana answered…

The Book of Mormon is very similar to the Bible. We believe the Book of Mormon to be another testament of Jesus Christ. There are stories of prophets and Jesus Christ in the Book of Mormon, just like in the Bible. The stories are uplifting and faith promoting. An angel, Moroni, who was a prophet in the Book of Mormon, visited Joseph Smith several times and gave him instructions concerning the location and obtaining of the golden plates. Joesph followed these instructions and obtained the plates which were buried in a placed called the Hill Cumorah.

Keith answered…

The Book of Mormon is Another Testament of Jesus Christ. It is different in that it was translated by a prophet of God into English and contains the gospel more clearly stated than the Bible which has a long history of how it came to be. Also, the Book of Mormon shares the gospel principles as practiced by inhabitants of the Ancient Americas. The Bible shares God's dealings with people in the Old World.

Bill answered…

We all have the Old and New Testaments -- welcome to the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. The difference is that the Bible originated from the ancient Middle East and the Book of Mormon is from ancient America. Jesus visited His "other sheep" in America and they inscribed His teachings on plates of gold. After Joseph Smith was called to be a prophet, Moroni, the last American Indian prophet, gave him the "golden plates" to translate into the Book of Mormon.

Nathanael answered…

It's simple. The Bible consists of a collection some of the writings of the prophets in the Holy Land and the Book of Mormon contains some of the writings of the ancient prophets on the American Continent. There are really more similarities than differences.

The message is of both is the same: " that there shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent" Mosiah 3:17. Jesus taught that message personally in the Middle East and he appeared to the inhabitants in ancient America and taught them the same gospel after his resurrection. Jesus told his disciples, as recorded in the book of St. John, "other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd" John 10:16. The book of Mormon records this amazing visit to ancient America as well as other stories that can strengthen our faith and commitment of God.

How Joseph Smith, Jr. received the plates: The last prophet to write in the Book of Mormon, Moroni, buried the plates in a hill in modern day Palmyra NY. The same Moroni appeared to the young Joseph and taught and prepared for the responsibility of obtaining the plates and translating the volume of scripture, which he later did. Today Mormons use the Book of Mormon along with the Bible to deepen our understanding and faith in our Savior. As God promises in James 1:5 and as is promised in the Book of Mormon in Moroni 10:5 we can gain wisdom and a witness from God of the truthfulness of all things. To know if the Book of Mormon is true of not we simply need to read it (not from it) and ask God in the name of Christ if it is true. I have done this and know for myself that it is scripture. I treasure its words and message about my Savior as I do the Bible.

Chris answered…

The Book of Mormon and The Holy Bible are volumes of scripture regarding two different groups of people. The Holy Bible tells of the stories, prophecies and revelations of prophets that lived in the "Holy Land." Similarly, the Book of Mormon tells of the stories, prophecies and revelations of a group of people who left the Holy Land at God's command and made their way to another promised land.

God had a great work to be brought forth. He called upon Joseph Smith to find, translate and propagate new scripture to stand as evidence of a Restoration of Jesus Christ's original Church and Gospel.

After sincere prayer one night, an angel appeared to Joseph Smith in his youth telling him of this great work that he had been called to do. He was sent to a hill near his home were the Golden Plates were hidden. After procuring the plates, he translated them by the power of God and published it as the Book of Mormon.

This book is the evidence that acts as the keystone of the claims of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and I know it to be true.

Leah answered…

The Book of Mormon is literally aother testament of Jesus Christ. It is the writings of people who live in the Americas before and after the coming of Christ. It is the experiences and history of those people as the coming of Christ is prophisied, at His coming, and after his death. There were prophets in the Americas at that time who were descendants of Israelites who had left Jerusalem. The people in the Americas were also visited by the resurrected Christ and he preached to them and healed many of them.

Joseph Smith obtained the records from a hill near his home in upstate New York. He learned of them through various visitations and instructions from an angel. He translated them through the power of God.

Tim answered…

The major difference between the Book of Mormon and the Bible is that they were written by different people. While both were written by prophets and apostles, the writers of the Book of Mormon were ancient prophets who lived on the American continent. The writings were engraved mostly on metal plates. When the ancient people of America were no longer willing to heed God's counsel, no more prophets were called and the record was hidden. Centuries later, the last prophet to contribute to the record appeared to Joseph Smith as an angel and told him where the record could be found. Joseph Smith recovered it and, through the power of God, translated it into English. It is known as the Book of Mormon, named for ancient prophet who compiled all of the ancient writings.

Jon answered…

The only real difference between the Book of Mormon and the Bible are the names of the prophets who wrote the two books. Prophets like Moses, Jeremiah, and Isaiah wrote the Bible in the Holy Land - the Book of Mormon was written in the Americas by prophets like Nephi, Alma, and Mormon.

The Book of Mormon contains the writings of the prophets that lived on the American Continent from about 600 BC to approximately 400 AD. The teachings and writings in the Bible and the Book of Mormon support and strengthen each other because they are the same teachings from the same God.

The last prophet that wrote in the Book of Mormon was named Moroni. Before he died, he was commanded by God to bury the Book of Mormon in the ground. Centuries later, in the 1820’s the same prophet Moroni appeared to Joseph Smith as an angel in the same way that angels appeared to people in the Bible.

Moroni directed Joseph Smith to where the Book of Mormon was buried. Through the inspiration of God, Joseph Smith translated the writings of the book into English. It has since been translated into many other languages and is another testament that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world.

Jeremy answered…

The difference between the Book of Mormon is simply timeline and Geography. The Bible took place in the middle east, from several thousands years B.C. to less than one hundred years A.D. While the Book of Mormon took place in the America's, between 600 B.C. and 400 A.D. Within the pages of both books, you will find harmony in regards to the principles of the gospel. The Book of Mormon was delivered into the hands of Joseph Smith by the power of God, to help teach the world of the kindness and mercy the Lord has had for all of his children, regardless of where they lived in times past. Just as Moses had the Ten Commandments delivered unto him, did the Lord direct Joseph Smith to the records of the ancient Americans.

Patty answered…

Both the Bible and the Book of Mormon proclaim the reality, divinity and central importance of Christ and the Atonement.

The Bible is largely a history of Israelites in the area around Jerusalem. The Book of Mormon is largely a history of Israelites in the Americas.

The Old Testament gives information from the time from Adam and Eve to almost 300BC. The New Testament covers from about 1BC to maybe 50 or 60 AD. The Book of Mormon has information from around 600BC to 400AD, with a section at the end from the tower of Babel to roughly 300BC.

I think the biggest difference for me is that the Book of Mormon is easier to read, a more frequent source of insight. I think there are 2 reasons for that. Both the Bible and the Book of Mormon are compilations of many different texts. But the Book of Mormon went through an editing process where Mormon, an ancient prophet, and his son Moroni, selected and edited the texts into a single story line. I think that editing process helped a lot to concentrate the most valuable sections. Also, the Bible has been translated many times over the years, with some translations better than others, and some of the translations far enough in the past to make the language difficult for us now. The Book of Mormon was translated by Joseph Smith in 1830, recently enough that it's still easy for us to read. Also, since Joseph Smith was also a prophet, and translated it with divine help, the translation is as correct as possible.

Jake answered…

The Book of Mormon is no different than the Bible. It is just another testament of Jesus Christ to go along with the Bible. It is another witness that Jesus Christ did live and through him we can all be clensed from are sins because of the sacrifice he made in our behalf.

Wilbert answered…

God has always looked after his children in all ages and generations. His dealings and teachings were certainly recorded among people living in many lands during the ages - not just the events surrounding Israel. Joseph Smith was led through revelation to a sacred buried record of a people that lived on the American continents. The record is mostly a religious history and testifies that Jesus Christ is indeed the Son of God and actually came to the americas to visit this people anciently, shortly after his resurrection. I know it is an actual book of divine scripture and could only have been translated from ancient languages through the power of God. It follows hand in hand with biblical truths - showing that our Father in Heaven loves all his children wherever they may be born on earth and that Jesus Christ has redeemed all of his children. My life has been touched and changed forever by the wonderful messages in the Book of Mormon

Laura answered…

The book of Mormon is like the Bible because it contains writings of ancient prophets. However, while the Bible was written by and is about people who lived in Israel, the Book of Mormon takes place in ancient America.

Joseph Smith was visited by and angel who told him about the "gold plates" (from which the Book of Mormon was translated) and who told him about his calling to translate it to English.

Mario answered…

It is different because it was written by the ancient people of the american continent. Joseph Smith obtained the plates through revelation given to him and he also translated those records through the spirit of revelation.

Dave answered…

The Book of Mormon is another scriptural witness that Jesus is the Christ. Joseph received the Book of Mormon from an angel of God. Joseph then translated it by the gift and power of God.

Bridger answered…

Christ's Gospel is the same no matter where you are in the world. The Book of Mormon as well as the Bible both contain Christ's Gospel. The reason that we use both is because they are two seperate testaments of Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon is the record of the people in the American continent during biblical times and their dealings with Jesus Christ. The Bible is the record of the Jews and their dealing with Jesus Christ.

While they are two seperate books, they go hand in hand with one another and each contain the "fullness
of the everlasting gospel."

Joseph Smith obtained the gold plates from a Heavenly messanger who showed him where to find them. The reason it was important for Joseph Smith to translate the record is because that is the tangilbe evidence that we can read and pray about to know if he truly was a prophet called by God.

The Book of Mormon is also evidence that Jesus is the Christ and that he manifests himself to more that one nation. Our Heavenly Father loves all of his children and he wants to bless them. The greatest blessing we can have in our lives is the true gospel of Jesus Christ.

Aubrey answered…

The Book of Mormon is Another Testament of Jesus Christ. It does not replace, but adds to the teachings of the Bible. We study the King James version of the Bible. The Book of Mormon is additional scripture that describes the teaching of Jesus Christ to the people in the Americas. It is the word of God, written by prophets just as the Bible was written. It was translated by Joseph Smith and he received the plates from the angel Moroni, whom was one of the prophets that wrote the Book of Mormon. He appeared to Joseph and showed him where the plates were hidden when the Lord was ready to end the apostasy.

Jake answered…

 The Book of Mormon is different from the Bible by the fact that it was written by ancient prophets on the American continent. It is the same as the Bible in that it was written under the inspiration of God, and the spirit of God can be felt by reading it. The Book of Mormon and the Bible go hand in hand to teach the doctrines of God. Christ said, "Other sheep I have, which are not of this fold them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice and there shall be one fold, and one shepard." St John 1016. The people of the Book of Mormon are some of the other sheep talked about in the Bible.

The last prophet who wrote on the gold plates was instructed to bury them. Many years later, Joseph Smith obtained the gold plates through revelation. He was led to them by an angel of God and translated them through the power of God. Anyone can find out that this is true by asking God through prayer. 

Brett answered…

Before discussing their differences, let's look at some of their similarities. The Bible is an amazing book written piece by piece by holy men over a long period of history. The Book of Mormon is as well. The Bible contains the works of prophets and apostles who preached of God and Christ, and who helped their peers live better and happier lives. The Book of Mormon contains similar works by similar prophets and apostles. Most importantly, the Bible contains a record of Christ's ministry, including His own teachings, miracles, parables, and example. In the Book of Mormon, we find an account of another visitation of Christ, and we are able to read even more of His teachings, miracles, and parables, and experience His perfect example once again.

The Bible was written by people living in or around Israel. The Book of Mormon was written by people who left Israel and traveled to the Americas. Once there, they grew into two nations--one righteous, one wicked. The Lord called a series of prophets who taught His gospel to the inhabitants of the land. Eventually, following his resurrection as mentioned in the New Testament, Jesus Christ Himself visited the people in the Americas, teaching them His new covenant and blessing them. In the end, however, hundreds of years after Christ's appearance, the people of the Book of Mormon rejected His teachings and became wicked and warlike; the righteous were hunted down, until the very last prophet--a man named Moroni--sealed up the record containing the writings of the prophets.

Over a thousand years later, Joseph Smith experienced the First Vision and saw God and Jesus Christ. He was soon visited by an angel who identified himself as the same Moroni who had sealed up the record centuries earlier. Moroni told Joseph about the record--a collection of writings inscribed on gold plates--and showed him where it was located. Joseph Smith was able to find the gold plates containing the words of the ancient prophets and, by the power of God, translate them into the Book of Mormon.

Melinda Orton answered…

The Book of Mormon is different from the Bible in that it was written by prophets in ancient America from 600 BC to 420 AD. Though written in a different continent, these prophets also knew of Christ's divinity and prophesied of his coming, and taught his commandments. The Book of Mormon does not take away from the Bible, it only adds validity to it and adds another witness that Jesus is the Christ our literal Savior and Redeemer. It was written for our day.

Joseph Smith received the "golden plates" from Angel Moroni in 1827. Moroni was the last prophet to write in the Book of Mormon (which was an engraved record on golden plates) and hid them in a hillside until the Lord saw fit to bring them out. When the time was right, Angel Moroni showed the plates to Joseph Smith who was called by God and Jesus Christ to restore the Church of Jesus Christ, and through the power of God translated them into English. The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, was published in New York in 1830. Since then it has blessed millions of people because of the truth taught therein about Jesus Christ, and Gods plan for us.

Anyone can read it and know of its truthfulness. Anyone can pray to God, our Heavenly Father, and ask if it is true and comes from him. It has blessed my life in thousands of ways, I know it is true.

Robert Baddley answered…

I like to think: how are the Bible, and Book of Mormon the same. Both of these books are true. They were inspired by our Lord, Jesus Christ. A question which is asked quite often is: "Do the Mormons believe in Jesus Christ?". The answer is yes! In the Book of Mormon we learn more of our savior Jesus Christ, and his coming to the Americas. We still believe in the Bible, that it is the word of God. Along with the Bible, we have the Book of Mormon(Another testament of Jesus Christ). Now to how Joseph Smith obtained the Golden Plates. When Joseph was 14, he pondered quite frequently on which church was true. He read from the epistle of James, chapter 1:5-6. Deeply thinking upon this scripture , he decided pray to our Heavenly Father to receive answers to the questions he had. There he had the first vision. Three years later an angel named Moroni visited Joseph Smith in his sleep. There he explained to Joseph about the "golden bible"' and where he would find it. He was told at the time that he was not to obtain the golden bible at this, but that he should go to that spot in three years. So in three years he was visited by the same angel, and was commanded to go get the plates. There-after he translated the golden plates to the Book of Mormon.

Zeke answered…

The Book of Mormon has the same purpose as the Bible: to help us learn about Jesus and live his gospel. It is different only in the sense that it was written by different authors. The Bible was written by prophets and apostles who lived anciently in the area we now call the Middle East. The Book of Mormon was written by prophets and apostles who lived anciently (between 600 BC and 400 AD) in what we now call the Americas.

The people who lived in ancient America and wrote the Book of Mormon wrote on sheets of gold, or "gold plates". The last prophet to write in the Book of Mormon was named Moroni. He appeared to Joseph Smith in the 1820's and showed him where to find the gold plates in which the Book of Mormon was written.

Joseph Smith then translated the Book of Mormon into English so that we could read it and learn more about Jesus Christ. It is a blessing to have both the Bible and the Book of Mormon.

Rochele answered…

The Bible is a testament of Jesus Christ -both the Old and New testaments. The Book of Mormon also is a testament of Christ, and one the differences the Book of Mormon has with the Bible is that the history within the texts takes place on the American continent instead of Jerusalem and the lands around it.

Joseph Smith obtained the "plates" around September 1827 buried on a hill after being visited by a heavenly messenger who directed Joseph to obtain (he was previously shown where it was). So after he received them, he proceeded to translate them by the power of God. They were published in 1830.

We use the Book of Mormon as a second witness to the Bible, which testifies of Christ, and as the only holy writ, whose translation is the most correct on the earth (because it has not been passed from man to man, but God to man). I testify that it is true and you can find out its divinity and validity if you read some of the words then pray with real intent, exercising faith in Christ to tell you if its true.

Faroe answered…

The Book of Mormon is a record of the teachings and revelations from Christ and God to the ancient people of the Americas. We use the Bible and Book of Mormon together to study and learn. The Book of Mormon contains details and explains topics in the Bible in further detail. Sometimes the Bible explains one aspect of Salvation and the Book of Mormon explains it a little bit more in detail.
Also, since the Bible has been passed down for hundreds of years and has been reprinted and re-transcribed we believe that some truths or meaning may have been lost through the generations.
In 1820 Joseph Smith, then 14 prayed about what church to join and which church was true. In answer, God and Christ appeared to him. Through messengers later sent to Joseph Smith the location of The Book of Mormon was revealed and he translated it from reformed Egyptian to English by the power of God.
I know the Book of Mormon is a true book. It testifies of Christ and explains doctrine. The Book of Mormon contains references to specific geographical locations that were not known in Joseph Smith's time. It also contains Chiasmus, a form of ancient poetry that was discovered long after Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon. I can't explain how this book, which contains so many truths and teachings I relate to could have come about except for by God. I would encourage you to read it and take a discussion from the missionaries so they can explain it further.

Mindy answered…

Long ago around the time period of Jeremiah the prophet, in Jerusalem, a man named Lehi prayed to the Lord about some things. The Lord answered him with a vision of the destruction and Babylonian capture of Jerusalem and told Lehi he needed to take his family and leave Jerusalem before it happened. So he did. The Lord lead them across the sea to what we now call the Americas, and they settled there. The Book of Mormon is a record of his and his descendants. Kind of like how the bible is a record of the people in Jerusalem and their fathers and descendants. At one point in the Book of Mormon, There is recorded, a period time when Jesus Christ came to them after his ascension into heaven in Judea. His teachings to Lehi's descendants are found in the Book of Mormon.

Joseph Smith found this record in the form of engraved gold plates bound together, after an angel appeared to him, and told him where they were hidden by the last prophet in the Book of Mormon.

Joe answered…

It is different in that it was written (for the most part) on a different continent, and it was translated into english by a prophet of God. It is also a little shorter and does not cover all the same time periods The Bible does. Joseph Smith received the "Golden Plates" from God through his angel (angel Moroni). He was prepared for a few years and instructed much before receiving so great a gift and responsibility. It was given to him for a time, and then taken back when he was finished.

Ashley answered…

The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ, just like the Bible testifies of Christ. The Bible was written by prophets that God called anciently in the Old World near Jerusalem. They received revelation from God and recorded His words so that all men could read and study them. But we know that other people were living in other parts of the world, far away from these prophets and the Bible. Because God loves all His children, He called other prophets in the New World during the same time the Bible was being written. These ancient American prophets also received God's revelation and recorded it on gold plates for the purpose of helping man know God's will. This record is called the Book of Mormon. After it was completed, the Book of Mormon was buried and hid from the earth for hundreds of years. Joseph Smith, a newly called prophet, in 1823 was guided by the Lord to the place the record was buried and instructed to translate it into English. The Book of Mormon contains the doctrine of Christ and instruction for our day on how to increase our faith in Him. The Bible and Book of Mormon work together to teach us of God's plan for us and how we and our families can return to Him. I know the Book of Mormon is the word of God and was preserved and prepared for us so that we can know His will in a world with so many different opinions. As I've read it and pondered the words, I have been helped time and time again with answers to questions and solutions to problems.

Daniel answered…

The Lord states his reason for giving us the Book of Mormon: "And I do this that I may prove unto many that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and that I speak forth my words according to mine own pleasure. And because that I have spoken one work ye need not suppose that I cannot speak another;...Wherefore, because that ye have a Bible, ye need not suppose that it contains all my words; neither need ye suppose that I have not caused more to be written." 2 Nephi 29:9-10.

God speaks to all His children. The Book of Mormon is simply Gods word to people that lived in America instead of those that lived in Jerusalem and Israel. Some of the pharisees and scribes in Jesus' time had a hard time accepting the idea that there was revelation beyond the Old Testament. Likewise, today, some struggle with the idea that there is more than the Old and New Testament. But, if you will read The Book of Mormon and ask God to guide you, you can know for yourself that it is true.

Drake answered…

The Bible is made up of the Old Testament and the New Testament. The book of Mormon is "Another Testament" - front cover and subtitle of the Book of Mormon.

God did and does reveal his Gospel in every dispensation to his Prophets. "Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secrets into his servants the prophets" Amos -3:7. He revealed his Gospel to his prophet Adam, and again to Moses. Jesus Christ restored his Gospel when He lived on the Earth. After a falling a way, which is sometimes called the "Great Apostasy", God revealed his Gospel again to the Earth through a prophet, just as he did before; his name is Joseph Smith.

God revealed the book of Mormon, a record of Christ's dealings in the Americas, through an Angel to Joseph in 1823. We read, study, and accept the Bible as doctrine just as we do the Book of Mormon.

Cary answered…

The Book of Mormon BoM and the Bible teach the same doctrines, but the BoM IS different in method of compilation, transmission, and translation. The Bible and BoM are both composed of the word of God transmitted to prophets, but the Bible books were compiled by unidentifiable men, transmitted by unidentifiable means, and translations from manuscripts whose authenticity is certified by scholars from a variety of dead languages into English vary widely and disagree on substantive points. The BoM, on the other hand, was compiled by a prophet, transmitted from prophet to prophet, and translated by a prophet with the exception of just a few verses from the only manuscript in existence. Joseph Smith was the prophet of translation. He received the manuscript on engraved plates of gold which the last prophet had buried centuries earlier. By miraculous means, and by instruction from angelic messengers, Smith was able to locate, translate, and keep the plates secure. Mormons view the BoM as being a book of higher purity of translation, of transmission, and of collection than the Bible. But this does not mean that they consider the Bible to be any less the word of God. Rather, the whole purpose they see for the BoM is to provide a second witness, further establishing the truth which can be found in the Bible. In the passages where the Bible leaves great leeway of interpretation, the BoM is often the best resource Mormons use to disambiguate what God's intended doctrine is.

Stephanie answered…

The Bible is a testament of Jesus Christ in ancient times in the middle east. It also tells of Christ's ministry and His gospel. The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ in ancient America and His interactions with the people there. The last person to write and abridge the Book of Mormon, or the Golden Plates, was the prophet Mormon. He then buried the plates. In the spring of 1820, a young boy, Joseph Smith, prayed to see which of the churches were right. He then received a vision, where God the father and his son Jesus Christ appeared and told them that the true church of God was not on the earth. He was later told where the Golden Plates were buried, and also later translated them into English from Egyptian.

Wade answered…

The Book of Mormon is written by prophets that aren't found in the Bible, who had different experiences, in different places in the world, but that were living the exact same gospel of Jesus Christ that Moses, Isaiah, Daniel, and Paul all testified of. Joseph Smith was shown by an angel where the record was that was translated into the Book of Mormon - if you read the Intro in the Book of Mormon, it gives a great account of this.

Cameron answered…

The Book of Mormon is simply another part of the world testifying of Jesus Christ. We know that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world. Why would He only show Himself to the people on that side of the world? After His resurrection He came somewhere in the America's and showed Himself to them. Prophets who lived anciently here in the Americas recorded their dealings with God. It is now another witness of our Savior, to support the Bible and most of all to testify that Jesus Christ lived/lives. It clarifies the confusion that may arise from mans interpretation of certain scripture in the Bible which over centuries of time has been translated thousands of times. The Bible also supports and clarifies teachings from Christ and ancient prophets in the Book of Mormon. Those records were buried at about 420AD to be revealed in these last days. Joseph Smith was the person appointed to be lead by God to these ancient records. When He was given permission to begin translation on the records, God gave him the ability to translate them into English for us to read. The translation was completed under 3 months. It is now in hundreds of different languages. The Book of Mormon still contains the plain and precious truths that were written anciently, because it went through only one single translation, and it was translated that one time by a prophet of God, and not just another man..  

Debbie answered…

The Book of Mormon is different from the Bible in that it is the record of families that left Jerusalem and crossed the seas to settle in the Americas. It is the record of families that believed in the coming of Christ. They believed in prophecy and followed the Spirit of Revelation, Visions and Dreams to save a remnant of those who believed in Christ and His coming. It is also a record of Christ's appearance to those people in the Americas, after his crucifixion. It is a second witness of Christ's mission on the earth. It witnesses of the Atonement and that we all are His children and can return to Him at the end of our lives on earth. Joseph Smith received the "golden Plates", by the hands of an angel named Moroni, who had buried them many years before when he lived upon the earth. He was commissioned by the Lord and Savior to teach and prepare Joseph, for several years, concerning the mission of Christ and the history of prophets that had come before him. The scriptures record many instances of young men being chosen, taught and called of the Lord to bring forth the will of the Lord. Joseph was chosen to recover this sacred record and translate the words of "other sheep that are not of this fold", John 1016, that we might have another witness of Christ's life. 

Trenton Russell answered…

Joseph Smith through his faithfulness was blessed with the knowledge and nature of God's plans. He was chosen to lead the restoration of the gospel, part of which was transcribing the ancient record of the Book of Mormon. The book of Mormon differs from the Bible in that there is only on translation of it, the Bible though has lost it's first intentions and translations given by God and replaced by man's intuition.

Mike. answered…

The Bible and the Book of Mormon are both scripture. Various Christian churches all over the world believe in and use the Bible, including us. We are the only church in the world that believes in and uses the Book of Mormon as well. The Bible was written by prophets and apostles in and around Jerusalem. We know that people were led to the Americas by God, and that He loved them just as much as those in the Bible. Therefore, he called prophets in the Americas, as well, to teach them righteousness. These prophets on the American continents also wrote down the general history of events, and more importantly, teachings of Jesus Christ. The teachings in the Bible and the Book of Mormon go hand in hand. The Bible testifies of the Book of Mormon and vice versa. Neither book of scripture was written to be a history book, but rather to help us come unto Christ, our Savior and Redeemer.

Around 421 A.D., the last prophet to write in the Book of Mormon, Moroni, buried the record of his people, now known as the Book of Mormon. At that time, this record was carved onto golden plates so they wouldn't decay over time. In 1823 A.D., The Lord Jesus Christ sent Moroni, now a ressurrected being, to reveal to Joseph Smith where the golden plates were. Joseph was commanded to translate them into English, and he did so by the power of God. No man could have done this except he were called of God. I know through the power of the Holy Ghost that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, and so can you. Your Heavenly Father loves you, too, and He'll send His Spirit to show you where to find the truth.

Daniel C. Barnes answered…

First of all the Bible was translated buy who knows how many people, authors, and scholars and other religious gruops. The book of Mormon was traslated by the power of God, thus Book of Mormon is the most correct of them all. Joseph Smith obtained the golden plates through a angel of the Lord.

Krystal answered…

Like the Bible, the Book of Mormon contains the writings of prophets and testifies of Jesus Christ. As those familiar with the Bible know, the Bible contains the ancient writings of prophets living in Israel and throughout parts of ancient Europe near the Mediterranean Sea. The Book of Mormon contains writings of prophets who dwelt in ancient America. Both books testify of Christ and work together to help us understand His teachings and gospel. After Jesus died on the cross he was resurrected. Following His resurrection and ascension into heaven, He went to the Americas and visited the people there. He taught the people there and established his gospel. The Book of Mormon contains these writings.
After Christ's ascension into heaven on the Eastern continent, he left his church to the charge of the twelve apostles who continued to be guided by revelation. Over time, many of the apostles were killed and ultimately the church Christ established in it's purity was taken from the earth due to the wickedness of the people.
In our day, the Lord has once again restored his gospel in its fullness to the earth. As part of this restoration, the writings found in the Book of Mormon were brought forth and translated by the power of God through the prophet Joseph Smith. I am very grateful for the teachings found in the Book of Mormon and I know it is true. Along with the Bible, it teaches us of our Savior and his plan for us to return to Him as eternal families.

John David answered…

It is the compilation of sacred writings from the western hemisphere, while the Bible contains writings from the eastern hemisphere.

Joseph Smith obtained the golden plates through the instructions of an angel of God, and translated the Book into English by the power of God.

Travis answered…

The Bible and Book or Mormon are similar in that they both contain God's word to us as recorded by prophets. The main difference is that the Bible was written by prophets living in and around the Middle East, near present day Jerusalem. Whereas the Book of Mormon was written by prophets living in the Americas during roughly the same time period. They are complementary books that both testify of Christ and support one another.

Joseph Smith obtained the writings of the Book of Mormon from an angelic messenger of God. The prophets of the Americas wrote the word of God on metal plates because they knew that if they used another media their words would not be preserved for future generations. God gave Joseph Smith power to translate the ancient writings that we now have as the Book of Mormon.

David answered…

The Book of Mormon isn't really all that different from the Bible. Both of them contain the fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The only real difference is the setting and people. The Book of Mormon has also gone through only one translation through the power of God while the Bible has been translated many different times according to the knowlegde of man. The Book of Mormon is a lot more simple in the way that it presents doctrine.
A lot of people say that the Book of Mormon is our 'Bible', but it is in no way meant to replace the Bible. All the Book of Mormon does is provide an added testimony to the Bible that Jesus Christ is our Savior. That's it.

a Book of Mormon prophet named Mormon, where the book gets it's name from, abridged the records of the people according to the guidance from God onto plates of gold. He gave the records to his son Moroni. At the time, their people were beginning to die out due to war and they knew that they had to protect the record of their people. Moroni traveled many miles and eventually buried the gold plates in the hill Cumorah.

Later, after Joseph Smith had had the First Vision, he was led by the resurrected prophet Moroni to where the gold plates, the record of this ancient people, were buried. Through the power of God, Joseph Smith was able to obtain these plates and translate them into english. If you have any questions about it, simply pray to ask God if what I have said is true. I know He will tell you by His Holy Spirit.

Loren B. answered…

It differs in time, place, and people. The Book of Mormon is a sacred record from the ancient Americas and it's people with a special record of Jesus' ministry among them. Where as bible is a sacred record of the people of israel and our Lord personal ministry among them. Other then that, it is very similar in message and purpose, a testament or witness of our Lord Jesus Christ being the universal savior of Mankind.

Joseph Smith received the book of Mormon at the right time by the power and will of God. It's a remarkable story. Before the Gospel of Jesus Christ was restored, God prepared the book of Mormon to come forth. It wasn't an easy process. Joseph had to be instructed and charged by a heavenly messenger to the sacredness of the Book for four years before by the power of God, he was given the plates. the Book of Mormon was written on plates by the Ancient people. Then provided a way to translate the book. It was written in a language that is lost to us now.

Kevin Nielsen answered…

The Book of Mormon and the Bible are more similar than they are different. Each is a compilation of the writings of the holy prophets and apostles of God. Each book of the Bible and each book in the Book of Mormon relate stories of faith, consequences of sin, blessings of obedience and teachings given to the people living close to the prophets who received inspiration of God. While the Bible relates the stories of the followers of God in the middle east and the Mediterranean, the Book of Mormon relates the stories of a family that left Jerusalem around 600 B.C. and traveled and settled in the Americas. The history of the Book of Mormon covers teachings and faith building stories for over 1000 years as recorded on golden plates.
In answer to a prayer, Joseph Smith received these ancient records on gold plates and through the inspiration of God translated their stories for us. Thus Joseph Smith did not write the book. He translated the book so we could have it today. I personally have read both the Bible and Book of Mormon many times and know they are both from God. I testify that the Book of Mormon is true because I prayed and asked for a witness from God to know for myself. He answered my prayer and I know He will answer the sincere prayer of all who ask Him in faith. 

David from Auburn Washington answered…

The Book of Mormon is another testimony, a witness, a record, that supports the King James version of the Bible, yet does not replace the Bible. Teachings in the Church use both the Bible and The Book of Mormon for principles and doctrine.

Charley answered…

The Book of Mormon and the Bible are similar in some respects. God inspired men to write His teachings and doctrines and the stories of their lives as they heeded or neglected His divine principles. Those writings were copied by others. The books of the Bible were preserved miraculously through thousands of years of history. Men sacrificed greatly to keep the writings safe, to translate them, to publish and distribute them. They were both written at about the same time, pretty much. But here's where there is a difference. One was written by God's people in the Middle East, around Israel, Jordan, Turkey and Egypt. The other was written by God's people in the American continents. Some books of the Bible have been lost. Other books included in our modern printings are perhaps less inspired than others. The translations have been done by talented, well meaning individuals to the best of their mortal abilities. It is a miracle. But the Book of Mormon is a greater miracle. It was hidden by one of the prophets in it's complete form. Roughly 1300 years later, that same prophet, as an angel sent from God, showed the new prophet where to find the records. Then, as no one could have been able to translate them, God revealed the translation to the prophet.

I'm grateful for the Bible. It is wonderful. I'm also grateful for the Book of Mormon. It is marvelous.

Zack answered…

To be honest, there isn't much difference at all. The Old Testament is a witness of prophets that Christ will come. The New Testament a witness that he did come and that he redeemed us all. The Book of Mormon is a witness of both of these because it covers a span of history before and after the coming of Christ. All of them show us how to live a Christian life. Joseph received the record through instruction from a messenger of God and then translated it by God's power.

Shaylyn! answered…

In John 3:16 it says"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." If God loves the whole world, doesn't that mean that He loves the people all over the world?

The Bible is a record of the people in Jerusalem. The Book of Mormon "is a volume of holy scripture comparable to the Bible. It is a record of God’s dealings with the ancient inhabitants of the Americas and contains the fulness of the everlasting gospel."(intorduction to the Book of Morom)

The Book of Mormon and the Bible go hand in hand. It's like a marriage. Men and women are equal but different. They work together to help each other.

The Book of Mormon truly testifies of Christ. It is just what it says it is... Another Testiment of Jesus Christ. The only way that you will know for yourself if the book is true, is to read and pray about it.

Laurie answered…

The Bible is a record of the Jews from Adam down to the New Testament apostles. The Book of Mormon is a record of a family from Jerusalem that came to America. The leader of this famly was Lehi, and he was a prophet in Jerusalem. He was told through revelation to leave before it was captured. The Book of Mormon is the story, both historical and spiritual of the descendants of Lehi. There are also other groups of people who came to this land whose story is told briefly in the Book of Mormon.
The Book of Mormon writings were abridged by the second to last prophet in the book who was Mormon. He gave the plates the writings were engraved upon metal plates to his son Moroni, the last prophet to write in the Book of Mormon. Moroni burried the plates in a hill in New York. He was the last of his race left alive.
Moroni, then appeared unto Joseph Smith and told him God had chosen him to bring the ancient record forth. That it would be another witness to Jesus Christ.
We believe other books will come forth also. No doubt Christ visited the lost tribes of Isreal and other chosen people who were called out of Isreal. Their record will be had too.

Sandra answered…

The Book of Mormon is a record of a people that populated the Americas. It contains information about these people and their relationship with God. It also talks about a visit by the Savior to these people.

Stephen answered…

The Book of Mormon is different than the Bible in the aspect that it took place in the America's. The Bible is a compilation of books from people in the Middle Eastern area. The Book of Mormon is also a compilation (like the Bible) except it takes place in America. One main focus in the book is on the "Atonement" of Jesus Christ or his sacrifice for us. I have read the whole book and found that there are very few pages that do not have references to God. By reading the book I have found more fully the nature and love God has for everyone. I think few completely understand his great love for mankind.
The Book of Mormon was written by American Prophets over a thousand years ago. After the majority of the people were beginning to reject the teachings of Christ, the last prophet hid them in the ground to preserve the sacred teachings. Later in the 1820's Joseph Smith came to God in sincere prayer looking for more truths about how he should live. God answered his prayer and prepared a way for him to translate the ancient record into English. That is the book we have today.

Devin answered…

The Book of Mormon is similar to the Bible in most regards. It is the Word of the Lord as revealed to his Prophets just as is the Bible. It contains stories, teachings and doctrines as does the Bible. It contains powerful teachings of Jesus Christ as does the Bible. The main difference between the Bible and the Book of Mormon is who wrote them and whom they were written to. The Bible was written by Prophets in the area in and surrounding Israel and was written to mainly the Jews and the people of that time. The Book of Mormon was written by Prophets on the American Continent to people of our day.

Joseph Smith was led to the "golden plates" by the Angel Moroni. Then Joseph was inspired of God to translate the record into English and is known now as The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.

Mark answered…

The Book of Mormon is very similar to the Bible. It is a record of Gods dealings with his prophets and people. The only real difference is that the people in the Bible lived around Jerusalem. The people in the Book of Mormon lived in America thousands of years ago.

Joseph Smith was shown by an Angel of God named Moroni where to find the golden plates that the ancient Americans wrote on. He took those plates and by the gift and power of God was given the ability to translate from ancient languages to english which gave us the record of the Ancient inhabitants of America and gave us a second witness that Jesus is the Christ and our Lord and Savior.

Wes answered…

The Book of Mormon is a collection of the teachings of Jesus Christ as they were taught by God's prophets in the ancient Americas. Thus, the Book of Mormon is not all that different from the Bible. Both are collections of Jesus' teachings through ancient prophets. The difference comes from the location of those prophets preaching. The Bible was written by prophets in europe, while the Book of Mormon was written by prophets in the Americas.


The last prophet to write in the Book of Mormon hid the Book of Mormon away in the Americas after he completed it. Hundreds of years later, God showed Joseph Smith where the book was hidden. After obtaining the book, he translated the ancient writings into english through revelation.

Andy answered…

"The Book of Mormon is a volume of holy scripture comparable to the Bible. It is a record of God’s dealings with the ancient inhabitants of the Americas and contains the fulness of the everlasting gospel.

"The book was written by many ancient prophets by the spirit of prophecy and revelation. Their words, written on gold plates, were quoted and abridged by a prophet-historian named Mormon.

"The crowning event recorded in the Book of Mormon is the personal ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ among the Nephites soon after his resurrection.

"After Mormon completed his writings, he delivered the account to his son Moroni, who added a few words of his own and hid up the plates in the hill Cumorah. On September 21, 1823, the same Moroni, then a glorified, resurrected being, appeared to the Prophet Joseph Smith and instructed him relative to the ancient record and its destined translation into the English language.

"In due course the plates were delivered to Joseph Smith, who translated them by the gift and power of God.

"We invite all men everywhere to read the Book of Mormon, to ponder in their hearts the message it contains, and then to ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ if the book is true. Those who pursue this course and ask in faith will gain a testimony of its truth and divinity by the power of the Holy Ghost." Introduction to the Book of Mormon.

Ashley answered…

Mormon, the ancient prophet-historian wrote, “It is an abridgement of the record of the people of Nephi, and also of the Lamanites – Written to the Lamanites, who are a remnant of the house of Israel; and also to Jew and Gentile – Written by way of commandment, and also by the spirit of prophesy and of revelation – Written and sealed up, and hid up unto the Lord, that they might not be destoryed – To come forth by the gift and power of God unto the interpretation thereof – sealed by the hand of Moroni, and hid up unto the Lord, to come forth in due time by way of the Gentile – The interpretation thereof by the gift of God.

“An abridgment taken from the Book of Ether also, which is a record of the people of Jared, who were scattered at the time the Lord confounded the language of the people, when they were building a tower to get to heaven. Which is to show unto the remnant of the House of Israel what great things the Lord hath done for their fathers. And that they may know the covenants of the Lord, that they are not cast off forever. And also to the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that JESUS is the CHRIST, the ETERNAL GOD, manifesting himself unto all nations – And now, if there are faults, they are the mistakes of men; Wherefore, condemn not the things of God, that ye may be found spotless at the judgment-seat of Christ.”

Also see my answer to, “Who wrote the Book of Mormon?” for information on how the Prophet Joseph Smith obtained the golden plates.

Ofa Fetuli answered…

The only differrent of Book of Mormon-its contain history of the New world but Bible is the old world.Meaning Book of Mornon for the Jesus Christ visit the Americas and Bible is the Jerusalem.But they are one -for they both testify of Christ Earth Ministry Work and His visit to His people.For Book of Mormon is another testament of Christ and its the companion to the Bible.For they work together just for the benefit of everyone,to prepare everyone to meet God.

Benjamin answered…

 The book of mormon is evidence that Jesus christ lives. It is another testament of Jesus Christ. If it is ANOTHER testament, then what is the other testament. The bible. We invite all people to read and to pray about it. As members of the church we can't convince you, but if you read the intro, it asks us to read and pray, and if we do that we will gain a testimony of the Book of mormon. The bible and book of mormon support eachother. The last prophet in the Book of mornon sealed the book his name was Moroni...He appeared to Joseph smith and told him about it and to translate or in other words to write from one language to another. He could not read the writing from back then, but he did by the POWER OF GOD. If Joseph smith did not know about the writing back then, then how would he be able to translate it. God wanted it for us, because he tells of his Son Jesus Christ and to tell us how we can follow him and be better people each day. The book of mormon helps me by reading and praying to understand. He gave this book to us for a purpose. I invite you to read it and pray.  

Emilee answered…

The Book of Mormon is a record kept by ancient American prophets that contains the fullness of God's gospel. The Book of Mormon is, in addition to the Bible, a testament of Jesus Christ. It tells of Christ's Ministry in Ancient America, and the trials and blessings of the people at that time. The Book of Mormon adds to the principles learned in the Bible.

Joseph Smith was visited by an angel named Moroni. (one of the prophets who kept record in the book.) He was told of these records- that they were buried in a nearby hill.
Four years later, Joseph was ready to receive the record which was written on golden plates. Joseph was blessed able to translate the plates through inspiration from God. It is named the Book of Mormon- after the prophet Mormon.

Katherine! answered…

The Book of Mormon teaches the same Gospel as the Bible, but tells another testimony of Jesus Christ through through the history of the Nephites. The Book of Mormon is a companion to the Bible. Joseph Smith obtained the Book of Mormon through a revelation from God.

Titus Kilma and I am MORMON answered…

well book of mormon and bible they help people do come closer to god and if we read and pray we will know the book of mormon is help other know more about jesus christ .

Pam answered…

The Book of Mormon is different from the Bible in that it is a record of what happened on the American Continent. It describes in no uncertain terms what happens when you keep the commandments of God and what happens when you don't. It makes you think about your life, and how you want to live it. It causes you to reflect on your life and gives you hope.

Joseph got the golden plates from the side of the hill, just as prophesied so long ago. They were in the ground in a box. That was a common way of hiding records back in those days.

Aaron Green answered…

The Book of Mormon is an essential second witness of the divinity of Jesus Christ. It is unique because it has not been available for centuries to be modified, changed and passages omitted. According to the design of God the record was hidden from the wickedness of the world. It has come forth, again by the design of God, to revive the gospel in it's pristine condition as it was when Christ walked the earth. It is the fullness of the gospel.

We sustain the Holy King James Version of the Bible as the word of God. It is a part of our standard works just as the Book of Mormon. Because of the pinnacle importance of the Book of Mormon it stands to support, uphold and verify the Bible. As they must they compliment one another in perfect harmony.

Joseph Smith was visited several times by the Angel Moroni. The same Moroni who sealed up and hid the golden plates in mortality centuries before. Joseph Smith was not given the plates at first. In fact, Joseph had to be spiritually and physically prepared to receive the plates for translation. It took about four years of repeated visitations from Moroni to prepare and instruct Joseph Smith for that moment. This span of time was so vital that Joseph was warned even to his life not to search for the plates until the appointed time.

Joseph was not a gold digger and did not find amusement in using "vision stones" to find the plates. Joseph had only obedience, a pure intent, broken and contrite heart and an eagerness to learn.

Cody answered…

The Book of Mormon does not differ from the Bible in the gospel. God gave the same gospel to the Nephites in America as he did to the Isrealites in the Middle East. But the difference is in who the people were, and also in how we obtained the reccords in this day and age. The Nephites were a group of people from Jeruselum who left to go to the America's. and just like the bible it talks about the prophets who lead these people who were over here. and also talks about christ comming to the Nephites and establishing his chruch with them as well.

The Bible was translated into english through Bible Schollars. and had to rely on their own understanding of the language and the gospel. The Book of mormon, however, was preserved from the time of christ until it was given to Joseph Smith in the early 1800's. when the angel Moroni who preserved the Golden Plates(the Book of Mormon), lead Joseph Smith to them. And after that Joseph Smith didn't translate them on his own but had the help from god to translate them corectly.

Skyler answered…

The Book of Mormon is different than the Bible Because it is a record of two different people. Its like for example if you and I are both Followers of Christ live our lives and write down everything that happened to us at the end of our lives if we compared what we wrote down it would not be the same story because we are different people and different things happened to us. True there might be some similarites. Especially if we both sought to follow Christ Because he is the same yesterday, today, and forever we would both want to be able to return to him and do our best to do so. So just as our stories would differ so does that of the Book of Mormon and Bible because the Book of Mormon talks about the People In the Ancient Americas and how they came to know God and The bible talks about the People in Ancient Jerusalem and how they came to know god.

Jen answered…

The Book Of Mormon is exactly what it says on the front cover it is "Another Testament Of Jesus Christ" . It is not an add on or a revised version. It is another testament of Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon contains a record of a people living in the Ancient Americas, it contains the words of their Prophets, and the commandments that God gave them. God commanded the people to keep a record and that is what they did. These records were put on plates of gold and brass and then were handed down from prophet to prophet, until the time came when Moroni the last prophet in the Book of Mormon was commanded by God to hide the plates until a later time. Eventually after about a thousand years or more. Joseph Smith was told where the records were being kept and then through the power of God was able to translate the record.

Steve Summers answered…

The Book of Mormon is not so different from the Bible. I love studying the history of the Bible, especially the New Testament. The Lord spoke to those in charge of his Church, and these inspired men wrote what they had been told and shared those writings with others. Eventually, those writings were compiled into a book we now know as the New Testament. Similarly, the Old Testament is a collection of writing from the ancient prophets.
The Book of Mormon contains writings of men who were called by God to lead his church at a different place and time. Their writings were preserved and compiled into the book we now know as the Book of Mormon.
The Book of Mormon does have a special mission- as a witness of Jesus Christ. By reading this book, one can open a line of communication with God. As we read, God assures us that the records are true. This confirms the method the book came to us, through the Prophet Joseph Smith. A belief in the Book of Mormon leads to a belief that Joseph Smith was called by God, which leads us to believe and accept the modern Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This faith then brings us closer to our Heavenly Father.

Steve answered…

The Book of Mormon is an account of God's dealings with His children on the American continent. During the time the teachings of the Bible were being written by God's prophets and apostles, our Heavenly Father also called prophets and apostles in the Americas. He instructed them to record His teachings as well. This is because God loves all of His children, no matter where they are on this planet, and He wants ALL of us to return to Him someday.

Perhaps the most significant part of the Book of Mormon is an account of Jesus Christ appearing in the flesh to the inhabitants of the American continent, shortly after His resurrection. He taught His gospel to them and established the leadership of the Church just as He had done in mortality in Jerusalem. Through this He proved that God does not value one soul above another, but loves us all equally.

But rather than asking how the Book of Mormon differs from the Bible, it's also important to ask how the Book of Mormon and the Bible are the same. Both books are holy scripture given to us by God through His chosen prophets and apostles. Both books contain instruction and guidance to help us prepare to live with our Heavenly Father again. Both books testify of the importance of each other, and both books increase our testimony of the glory of God and His perfect plan of salvation for us.

Daniel answered…

The Book of Mormon and the Holy Bible are much more alike than they are different, but a few of the differences are as follows:
1. The Book of Mormon was not written by the prophets of the Bible. It was written rather, by men that God called to be prophets and leaders of his people in the ancient Americas. These men were inspired, under the power and influence of the Holy Ghost, to keep a record of their people and to write concerning the things that God did for them, and the promises that He made to them.

That is the main difference. The Book of Mormon is an inspired text which our Father in Heaven has saved to come forth to us, His children, in our days as another witness that Jesus is the Christ, and another witness to His Eternal Plan for us.

James answered…

The Book of Mormon gives us the complete Gospel. The introduction to the Book of Mormon states that “The Book of Mormon is a volume of holy scripture comparable to the Bible. It is a record of God’s dealings with the ancient inhabitants of the Americas and contains, as does the Bible, the fullness of the everlasting gospel." The Book of Mormon focuses on people who lived in the Americas from about 600 BC to 400 AD. The Bible, on the other hand, focuses on people living in and around Jerusalem in the present country of Israel. Another difference between the two books is the Bible has been translated several times, whereas The Book of Mormon contains the most clear teachings of Christ's doctrine and message. This is one reason the Book of Mormon can answer questions and offer clarifications about The Bible.

The Book of Mormon was recorded on plates, and it contains records compiled by a man named Mormon. His son, Moroni, hid the plates. The plates remained hidden from the world until the 1820's, when Moroni appeared as a resurrected being to Joseph Smith. Moroni told Smith of the location of the plates in New York state.

David answered…

Mormons believe in scripture. What sets the Mormons apart from most other Christian religions is that we believe in more scripture than just the Bible, we believe in the Book of Mormon and in continuing modern revelation through prophets. The Book of Mormon is a scriptural text very similar to the Bible, but where the Bible deals with the Jewish people living in Israel, in the Old World, the Book of Mormon deals with the history and the revelations and prophecies of people who lived on the American continent. Just before the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem, around 600 BC, a prophet named Lehi was warned and fled the city with his family and some others. They were led by the Lord to the American continent. The Book of Mormon relates the history of this people, their wars, their society, but more importantly, the prophecies and religious teaching of this people. The Book of Mormon is proof that God loves all of his children and wants them all to know him and how they can be saved. He sent prophets among this people in America to teach them about Jesus Christ, just as he sent prophets among the Jews in Israel to teach them of Christ.
Joseph Smith was called by God in the early 1800s to be a prophet, to again teach of Jesus Christ and restore His gospel again to the earth, as it was taught by ancient prophets. As part of this restoration Joseph Smith was given to know where the record that became the Book of Mormon was kept, and he translated it by the power of God so that we could have Another Testament of Jesus Christ the Book of Mormon's subtitle. This Book of Mormon, with the Bible and other modern revelations and scriptures make up what The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints call its Standard Works, or the standard set of scriptural writings that we accept as doctrine. Both books are the Word of God to different groups of his children in different parts of the world, but the message is the same, "that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting himself unto all nations" from the Title Page of the Book of Mormon.
The Book of Mormon has taught me more about Jesus Christ and my relationship with him and is invaluable in my life.

Katie answered…

The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. It is proof that God loves all of his children. The Bible is centered around His children in Jerusalem and the surrounding areas. The Book of Mormon is made up of accounts of Prophets in the American continents. The Book of Mormon helps support the Bible, but it also helps to clarify certain points in the Bible that can be interpreted different ways. But the most important thing about The Book of Mormon is how much it does testify of our Savior.

G. Jefferson answered…

The Book of Mormon is the Word of God to the world today. It helps us better understand the Bible and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Bible is from the Old World and the Book of Mormon comes from Ancient Prophets in the Americas. One of the last ancient Prophets in America appeared to Joseph Smith and showed him where the gold plates were deposited. he had to prepare first and was able to obtain the plates when the time was right. he translated them by the Power of God, and we can know by the power of the Holy Ghost that the Book of Mormon is true and that Joseph Smith is a Prophet of Jesus Christ.

Nate answered…

The Book of Mormon is another testament to the divinity and love of Jesus Christ. The biggest differences between the Book of Mormon and the Bible is the location and the translating procress.

The Book of Mormon was written by prophets on gold plates. These prophets lived on the American Continent from about 600 BC to around 400 AD. They believed in Christ and prophesied of His comming. The prophets also taught His Gospel and the people were prosperous when they were righteous.

In 33 AD, Christ appeared and ministered unto them, in His Glorified Resurrected body, and taught His Gospel anew. Many years after Christ had returned to Heaven, the people rejected His teachings and began to kill one another.

Moroni, the last prophet in the Book of Mormon, recieved a commandment to bury the gold plates in the earth so that the Lord could bring them about to prepare His people for His comming. Moroni did as he was commanded.
Joseph Smith was visited by Moroni, who was a resurected being (angel), and was told of the gold plates. In due time, Joseph Smith was called to translate the sacred record which became the Book of Mormon.

Russell answered…

Well, there are some difference, and some similarities between The Book of Mormon and the Bible. Some difference, The Book of Mormon is written on the other side of the world in the Americas. It is also written by different prophets of God. Some similarities, They teach the exact same gospel of Christ. They testify that Jesus is the Christ. Joseph obtain the record from an angel called Moroni. He then proceeded to translate it through the power of God.

Taylor answered…

The Book Of Mormon is another Testament of Jesus Christ. It was written by inspired prophets of God, just as the Bible. The main difference is that it was written here in the Ancient Americas, and the Bible was written on the other side of the world (Jerusalem, etc.).
Joseph Smith was visited by an angel (Angel Moroni) who lead Joseph Smith to the Golden Plates (Book Of Mormon originally written on Golden Plates).

Dominic answered…

The Book of Mormon compliments the Bible, as another witness of Jesus Christ. It is different in that it was translated into English (at first) by the power of God, through His prophet, Joseph Smith. It is based upon a people who lived on the American continent from 600 BC and 400 AC.
The Gold Plates, from which the Book of Mormon is translated, were delivered from God via His angel Moroni, who hid the plates at 400 AC.

John answered…

The Bible is the abbreviated record of prophets and witnesses of Christ from the Old World (the Middle East, mostly). While events in the Bible were taking place there, the Lord spoke to His children in the New World (on the American continents). Those prophets kept records of the Lord's words and teachings as well.

The Book of Mormon doesn't take anything away from the Bible, but serves as a second witness of Christ and clarifies the truths that are found there. With both testaments, the reader receives a stronger understanding of Jesus Christ and His love for us.

The records of the prophets in the New World were engraved upon gold plates that were buried in the ground by the last surviving member of a great nation of people. Later that man returned as an angel and led young Joseph Smith to their location. Then, through divine gift, Joseph Smith was able to translate the writings into what is now known as The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.

Greg answered…

The Book of Mormon has gone through a literal translation through the gift and power of God. It has been able to capture and convey the pure spirit and meaning of what was written more powerfully and spiritually than the Bible. The Bible is absolutely true. However as it has gone through the changes and translations through the centuries it does not have the pure language and spirit as when it was originally written.

In 1823 Moroni, a resurrected being, appeared to Joseph Smith who was called of God to be a latter-day prophet. Moroni instructed Joseph Smith where to find the gold plates, which Joseph translated and then published in 1830. The Book of Mormon also contains the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ and is a companion to the Bible.

Payton answered…

The Book of Mormon is different from the Bible in 2 main ways 1. The compilation and 2. The people.
1. The Bible, as we know, is a compilation of many written records, many of which were translated into English. The Bible has gone through a lot of hands and people in its process of becoming the Bible as we know it. In this simple fact we find a difference between the compilations of the two books of scripture. The Book of Mormon was, like the Bible, written by prophets of old however, it did not go through the hands of kings and scholars. It went through the hands of a prophet of God. The translation, from the Egyptian language it was written, into English went directly through a prophet who was given the power of God to translate this record. Thus we see that the fulness of the original version was saved through an inspired translation process.
2. The people recorded in each are completely seperate nations. The Bible is a record of the people living in the Middle-East, or Jerusalem area. This record begins with the beginning of the world and ends around 100 A.D. The Book of Mormon, on the other hand, is a record of the people that God led to the Americas. This record takes place from 600 B.C. - 430 A.D. Two completely different places in the world, yet God is teaching them the same truths.
Joseph Smith received these plates with the help of the Book of Mormon's last writer, Moroni. Through a heavenly vision, Moroni appeared to Joseph and told him where to find the record.

Cody answered…

The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. The Bible takes place on the eastern half of the earth over near Jerusalem and other areas. The Book of Mormon is a record of God's dealings with people & prophets over on the American continent between 600 B.C. and about 400 A.D. They both testify of Christ as our Savior. The only difference is where the people are testifying from. Joseph Smith was called as a prophet and part of his duty was that he was led to some golden plates which is what we now call the Book of Mormon. It was translated through him by the power of God into the English language so we can read about what happened to those ancient American inhabitants.