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Why This Matters
Mormonism includes additional texts beyond the Bible, which they consider sacred. While Latter-day Saints affirm the Bible as scripture, they also look to other writings as authoritative sources of doctrine and guidance. This page provides an overview of the role these texts play in LDS belief and practice.
Core Doctrinal Distinctives
- The Book of Mormon is considered scripture
- The Doctrine and Covenants contains modern revelations
- The Pearl of Great Price includes additional teachings
- Scripture may be supplemented by ongoing revelation
- The Bible is accepted with interpretive caution
- Church leaders may provide authoritative interpretation
Similar Words, Different Meanings
Terms such as scripture and revelation may carry different implications across traditions. In LDS teaching, additional texts are viewed as clarifying or expanding biblical teachings, rather than merely interpreting them.
A Question to Reflect On
How might the inclusion of additional authoritative texts influence the development of doctrine over time?