Scriptures of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

In part two of the scriptures of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, we discuss two more books as well as other sacred writings. Part one discussed the Bible and The Book of Mormon. In part two we will look at The Doctrine and Covenants, The Pearl of Great Price, and other writings.

The Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price are considered part of the canonized scripture set. Members consider sacred writings as important as scripture though not included in one of the books. This includes talks and proclamations given recently.

Doctrine And Covenants

The third book in the canon of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is called the Doctrine and Covenants. Unlike the previous two books, this book includes revelations given to the first few prophets in the more modern-day. The revelations included come from Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, and Wilford Woodruff.

While many of the revelations included addressed early members, leaders decided to include them in this book. The revelations include instructions on how to organize the new church and teachings of the gospel. It also answers questions early church members posed.

The Pearl of Great Price

The fourth book in the canon is called The Pearl of Great Price. This name comes from a parable told in the New Testament. The parable tells of a man that finds a pearl of great price and sells all he has to buy that pearl.

The Pearl of Great Price includes translation or books revealed to Joseph Smith that belong to the Bible. At least one of the books is said to come from an Egyptian scroll Joseph Smith bought. It also includes a chapter from Matthew with inclusions that Joseph Smith said people had removed. Finally, it also includes a history of Joseph Smith and the 13 Articles of Faith. These statements briefly put forth the beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Other Sacred Writings

While not included in the canonized scripture, many members consider several other documents important to study. These documents came through other Prophets / Presidents of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. As members believe that the Prophet speaks for God on earth, they consider his teachings important. Leaders encourage members to study several modern proclamations.

Also, every six months the church holds a general conference. For two days members listen to church leaders speak to them. The leaders then encourage members to study these talks and implement them. They find the talks on the church website and in a church magazine called Liahona, formally Ensign.

Due to the importance of the study, many members attend a weekly meeting on Sunday to discuss one of the books for a full year. Twice a month they focus on one of the canonized books for a full year. The other two times a month focus on talks from General Conference. Also, most teenage members attend a class called seminary. Seminary teaches using sacred texts or scriptures and happens from once a week to five days a week depending on the area. The members and leaders considering understanding their sacred writings or scriptures important.