The Mormon Misunderstanding: Why 200 Million Books Were Not Bibles

The recent news made headlines around the world regarding the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' massive printing of 200 million books. However, many were quick to jump to conclusions, mistaking these books for the Christian Bible. But these are not the Bibles many of us know. This article aims to clarify the misunderstanding and shed light on the truth behind this significant printing.

Understanding the Mormon Scriptures

The Mormon church, also known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has its own set of scriptures besides the Holy Bible. The compiled Holy Scriptures are not the traditional 66 books but include books such as the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price. These books form the core of the Mormon faith and are translated into numerous languages to make the teachings accessible to all.

The Book of Mormon: A Distinct Sacred Text

The collection of scriptures commonly referred to as the Book of Mormon is a distinct part of the LDS faith. It comprises writings compiled by various Nephite prophets and ancient American readers, including a man named Mormon (after whom the book is named) who compiled these works sometime around 420 AD. This book has had a significant journey, spanning centuries and has now been translated into every language on Earth. It is a unique text that serves as the foundation of the Mormon faith.

The Misunderstanding: A Mathematical Error?

The initial claim of 200 million books was a misunderstanding. A decimal point placed in the wrong place could easily result in such a large miscount. It's important to note that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints prints and distributes over 500,000 Bibles annually in both English and Spanish. These Bibles are a part of the Holy Bible, which is different from the Book of Mormon.

Why So Many Books? Early Missions and Tithing

A major reason for the large printing of books is the church's active missionary program. This program involves distributing the scriptures to people who ask for them. Additionally, members of the church are encouraged to tithe, which is typically 10% of their income. These funds support the production and distribution of these texts.

However, it's important to address the broader implications behind this massive printing. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints relies heavily on its members to fund various activities, including missionary work. Members are sent on missions, almost always in their early twenties, to spread the teachings of the church. They are sent to random cities, towns, and even countries, where they execute street-level proselytizing, engaging with random strangers.

The Methodology of Missionary Work

These young missionaries are trained to share the Book of Mormon and provide an invitation to visit their church. The ultimate goal is to plant seeds of faith that can grow over time. This approach is criticized by some as aggressive and potentially intrusive. The church sees this as essential, given that their financial support depends on their members.

Lastly, it's crucial to acknowledge that this is not a unique practice within religious communities. Many faiths fund their activities through tithing and similar obligations. However, the scale and methodology used by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have sparked significant debate and criticism.

Conclusion

The misunderstanding about the 200 million books was a simple numerical error. These books are part of the Mormon scriptures, specifically the Book of Mormon, which stands distinct from the Holy Bible. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' distribution of these books is part of its broader mission to spread the teachings and is supported by tithing contributions from its members.

Understanding these nuances is key to dispelling the confusion surrounding this significant printing. It's also important to recognize the core beliefs and practices of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which differ from the traditional Christian understanding of scriptures and missionary work.