Bible is inspired but contains transmission errors; other scriptures supplement
LDS theology affirms the divine inspiration of the Bible but qualifies its reliability: Article of Faith 8 states the LDS Church believes the Bible to be the Word of God 'as far as it is translated correctly.' This implies that some biblical passages have been lost or altered through scribal errors, translation failures, or deliberate removal. Joseph Smith produced an 'Inspired Version' or Joseph Smith Translation (JST) that includes significant modifications to the biblical text.
Because the Bible alone is considered incomplete, the Book of Mormon is presented as a companion volume that restores 'many plain and precious things' lost from the Bible. This position is quite different from both evangelical inerrancy (which holds the original manuscripts reliable) and from liberal theology (which questions inspiration itself); LDS theology affirms inspiration while asserting textual corruption.
Key Distinctions
- Inerrancy scope:
- Bible is scripture 'as far as it is correctly translated'; translation errors acknowledged; Book of Mormon as 'most correct book'
- Hermeneutic approach:
- interpreted through LDS prophets and additional scriptures; plain reading
Scripture References
- LDS Articles of Faith 8
- 1 Nephi 13:28-29
- Doctrine and Covenants 76:1
Sources
- LDS Articles of Faith 8
- 1 Nephi 13 (Book of Mormon)
- LDS Gospel Topics: Bible