Bible is scripture but incomplete; Book of Mormon and other texts are also canonical
The LDS Church accepts four volumes of scripture as canonical: (1) the Bible (King James Version primarily) 'as far as it is translated correctly'; (2) the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ; (3) the Doctrine and Covenants (revelations received primarily through Joseph Smith); and (4) the Pearl of Great Price (including the Book of Moses, Book of Abraham, and Joseph Smith—History).
The qualification 'as far as it is translated correctly' applied to the Bible reflects the LDS conviction that errors have crept into the biblical text through transmission and mistranslation. The Book of Mormon is regarded as a fuller and more reliable witness of Christ, restored through Joseph Smith's translation of golden plates. This open canon distinguishes LDS Christianity from all other Christian traditions.
Key Distinctions
- Ot canon:
- 39 books of the Bible ('as far as correctly translated')
- Deuterocanonical status:
- rejected — not included in LDS canon
- Additional scripture:
- Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price (includes Joseph Smith—History, Articles of Faith)
- Canon open:
- open — living prophet can receive new scripture and revelation
Scripture References
- LDS Articles of Faith 8
- 2 Nephi 29:6-10
- Doctrine and Covenants 1:37
Sources
- LDS Articles of Faith 8
- Introduction to the Book of Mormon
- Doctrine and Covenants 1