On my mission, and several times in life, I have come across the ridiculous argument that the Bible is all that we as Christians need. This argument has always perplexed me in that people simply refuse to even open the Book of Mormon...what is the fear? I realize that most probably use the excuse as a quick way to avoid "religious" conversation - shut the door on the missionaries per say - and don't really understand what they are saying; but, some honestly believe that the Bible is all that is needed.
My argument, sorry, my point of discussion, has always been in reference to the practice of law. I simply do not believe that any judge or lawyer would refuse additional witnesses in any case. If there is another witness, even one that is questionable, that witness is still given their day in court - still heard. Why would anyone who believes in Jesus Christ not want, even yearn for, more information on his ministry, teachings, and life? When I read a novel that really captures my attention I find myself wanting more, searching for additional feedback on the story or characters - certainly go after any subsequent novels, articles, etc. and that is in reference to fiction. In the case of Jesus, an individual who personifies perfection and is the gateway to salvation for us all, the need to learn more becomes so much more relevant. If you are a Christian, why would you refuse to even open a text that claims it is "Another testament of Jesus Christ," curiosity alone would make me seek it out...
ETHER 5:4
4 And in the mouth of three witnesses shall these things be established; and the testimony of three, and this work, in the which shall be shown forth the power of God and also his word, of which the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost bear record-and all this shall stand as a testimony against the world at the last day.
Russell M. Nelson gave a great conference address in regards to this (October 2007):
Disregard for the Book of Mormon or for any other sacred scripture concerns me deeply. In addressing that concern, I have titled my remarks "Scriptural Witnesses."
I will define the term scriptural as pertaining to the Bible and the scriptures of the Restoration. (Acts 3:19-21), John (see Revelation 14:6-8), and Paul (see Ephesians 1:10). The Prophet Joseph Smith was instructed that, in this last dispensation, there is to be a "restoration of all things spoken by the mouth of all the holy prophets since the world began" (D&C 27:6).) Members of the Church "believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God." (Articles of Faith 1:8.) Scriptures of the Restoration also include the Doctrine and Covenants as well as the Pearl of Great Price.
A dictionary defines the noun witness as an "attestation of a fact or event: [a] testimony." (Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 11th ed. (2003), "witness," 1439.) The term witness bears special significance when applied to the word of God. In the Bible we read this important declaration: "In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established." (2 Corinthians 13:1. Similar statements appear in Matthew 18:16 and Ether 5:4.) This assures God's children that divine doctrines are confirmed by more than one scriptural witness.
The Bible and the Book of Mormon are both witnesses of Jesus Christ. They teach that He is the Son of God, that He lived an exemplary life, that He atoned for all mankind, that He died upon the cross and rose again as the resurrected Lord. They teach that He is the Savior of the world.
Scriptural witnesses authenticate each other. This concept was explained long ago when a prophet wrote that the Book of Mormon was "written for the intent that ye may believe [the Bible]; and if ye believe [the Bible] ye will believe [the Book of Mormon] also." (Mormon 7:9.) Each book refers to the other. Each book stands as evidence that God lives and speaks to His children by revelation to His prophets. (D&C 5:10).)
Love for the Book of Mormon expands one's love for the Bible and vice versa. Scriptures of the Restoration do not compete with the Bible; they complement the Bible. We are indebted to martyrs who gave their lives so that we could have the Bible. It establishes the everlasting nature of the gospel and of the plan of happiness. The Book of Mormon restores and underscores biblical doctrines such as tithing, (Alma 13:15; 3 Nephi 24:8-10.) the temple, (2 Nephi 5:16; Jacob 1:17; 2:2, 11; Mosiah 2:5-7.) the Sabbath day, (Mosiah 13:16-19; 18:23.) and the priesthood. (2 Nephi 6:2; Mosiah 18:18; Alma 6:1; 13:1-3, 6-11; 3 Nephi 18:5; Moroni 3:1-4.)
Again, why not give every witness an opportunity to speak and then make your judgement...
~Kipling
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