What is The Pearl of Great Price in Mormonism?

Answer

The Pearl of Great Price is a compilation of various materials related to Mormonism, also known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). It is considered part of the “standard works” by Mormons, who also regard the Doctrine and Covenants, the Book of Mormon, and the Bible as canonical. Notably, the LDS only views the Bible as authoritative “so far as it is accurately translated,” using Mormon texts like The Pearl of Great Price to determine which parts of the Bible are accepted.

The Pearl of Great Price comprises several main sections. The Book of Moses offers a reinterpretation of the creation story and certain portions of the book of Genesis. The Book of Abraham represents Joseph Smith’s purported “translation” of an Egyptian papyrus text. Contemporary scholars have scrutinized these documents and found no correlation between their actual content and Smith’s rendition. Joseph Smith—Matthew presents a re-inspiration or re-translation of segments of the Gospel of Matthew, as per Joseph Smith. Joseph Smith—History contains dictated autobiographical narratives from Smith’s life and alleged divine encounters. Articles of Faith is a heavily revised summary of Mormon religious principles.

The content of The Pearl of Great Price is utilized within the LDS to bolster Mormon doctrines and religious beliefs, even when those stances conflict with the Bible. This includes refuting the Trinity and asserting concepts like the existence of other gods besides the God of the Bible, the belief that God is a man with a body of flesh and bone, the claim that Smith had personal visits from Christ, the declaration that all non-LDS churches are abominations, and more.

Due to its blatant contradictions with Scripture, and instances where it has been conclusively shown to be deceptive, The Pearl of Great Price should not be regarded as a reliable source of spiritual knowledge. Using this text to supersede the Bible is one example.

about how Mormon teachings are clearly incorrect and cannot be acknowledged as a valid component of Christianity.