The Book of Mormon & God
Question: What do Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) believe about God?
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Overview
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Latter-Day Saint beliefs about God differ significantly from the beliefs of mainstream and historic Christianity. The following are several examples.
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1. Latter-Day Saints believe that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are three distinct and separate gods.
2. Latter-Day Saints believe that God the Father progressed to godhood and is subject to a more senior god.
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3. Latter-Day Saints believe that God the Father has a wife (or wives) that he procreates with to create children (the human race).
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4. Latter-Day Saints believe that God the Father has a physical and resurrected body of flesh and bone.
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5. Latter-Day Saints believe that Jesus Christ progressed to godhood during a pre-human existence.
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6. Latter-Day Saints believe that humanity has the potential to progress to godhood.
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It is surprising to note that these beliefs about God cannot be found in the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon presents a somewhat conventional understanding of God by affirming the uniqueness and eternality of God. More precisely, the Book of Mormon states that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit exist as One Eternal God (2 Nephi 31:21, Alma 11:44, Mormon 7:7 and Testimony of Three Witnesses).
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The most likely explanation for differences between the Book of Mormon and what Latter-Day Saints believe about God is that the Book of Mormon represents what Joseph Smith believed in 1830 (which coincides with Joseph's Protestant upbringing and environment). At a later date, however, Joseph altered his beliefs. This is why the theology of the Book of Mormon differs significantly from what Joseph subsequently taught and from what modern Latter-Day Saints believe. ​
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Book of Mormon Passages​
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​2 Nephi 31:21
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(21) And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen.
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Alma 11:44
(44) Now, this restoration shall come to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, both the wicked and the righteous; and even there shall not so much as a hair of their heads be lost; but every thing shall be restored to its perfect frame, as it is now, or in the body, and shall be brought and be arraigned before the bar of Christ the Son, and God the Father, and the Holy Spirit, which is one Eternal God, to be judged according to their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil.
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Mormon 7:7
(7) And he hath brought to pass the redemption of the world, whereby he that is found guiltless before him at the judgment day hath it given unto him to dwell in the presence of God in his kingdom, to sing ceaseless praises with the choirs above, unto the Father, and unto the Son, and unto the Holy Ghost, which are one God, in a state of happiness which hath no end.
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Testimony of Three Witnesses
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Be it known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, unto whom this work shall come: That we, through the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, have seen the plates which contain this record, which is a record of the people of Nephi, and also of the Lamanites, their brethren, and also of the people of Jared, who came from the tower of which hath been spoken. And we also know that they have been translated by the gift and power of God, for his voice hath declared it unto us; wherefore we know of a surety that the work is true. And we also testify that we have seen the engravings which are upon the plates; and they have been shown unto us by the power of God, and not of man. And we declare with words of soberness, that an angel of God came down from heaven, and he brought and laid before our eyes, that we beheld and saw the plates, and the engravings thereon; and we know that it is by the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, that we beheld and bear record that these things are true. And it is marvellous in our eyes. Nevertheless, the voice of the Lord commanded us that we should bear record of it; wherefore, to be obedient unto the commandments of God, we bear testimony of these things. And we know that if we are faithful in Christ, we shall rid our garments of the blood of all men, and be found spotless before the judgment-seat of Christ, and shall dwell with him eternally in the heavens. And the honour be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, which is one God. Amen.
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Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer & Martin Harris​​​​
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