The Holy Bible is the word of God. That is what I believe. I also believe that the collection of books, letters, songs, and poems that make up the Bible were not always handled by men inspired by God. Because of that, when translations were made, error crept into the texts. In my opinion, error lies not so much in what remains, but more in what was removed. Translation also refers to more than just the process of converting knowledge from one language to another. Translation also refers to how one understands a passage, that is how one interprets it. This is where the Book of Mormon comes in for Latter-Day Saints.
In determining how an event occurred, having multiple sources brings a clearer picture into view. In law, a case is made stronger by having multiple witnesses. In research, a position is strengthened with multiple sources. In science, multiple experiments strengthen a hypothesis. The basic principle is this: the more you have, the better your understanding.
All Christians have the Holy Bible as scripture. But, there are many different ways to interpret and understand the Bible. And these interpretations are widely different, so how the question is, which interpretation? The Book of Mormon helps all who read the Bible understand how passages showed be understood..
For instance, there's debate on whether or not baptism is necessary to enter heaven (defined here as the dwelling place of God)? There are verses in the Holy bible that are quite clear on this requirement. (John 3:1-5. Of course there are other verses, but this passage says it succinctly.) The Book of Mormon clarifies any doubt by likewise saying that baptism is necessary. (2 Nephi 31) The Book of Mormon acts as an independent source to verify the Holy Bible's position on doctrine and its statement about Jesus: that He is the Christ.. A general authority (a high calling in the church) spoke about this recently. Click here to read, watch, listen, and/or download the talk that he gave. The Book of Mormon itself says that it is not the only book in existence with the gospel of Jesus Christ in it. Mormon, the main prophet who compiled the record together, knew that there was going to be another book. He urges those who read to, "lay hold upon the gospel of Christ, which shall be set before you, not only in this record but also in the record which shall come unto the Gentiles from the Jews, which record shall come from the Gentiles unto you.
For behold, this (The Book of Mormon) is written for the intent that ye may believe that (The Holy Bible); and if ye believe that ye will believe this also; and if ye believe this ye will know concerning your fathers, and also the marvelous works which were wrought by the power of God among them." (Mormon 7:8-9)
As it says in the title page, the main purpose of The Book of Mormon is to convince "Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ". (Here you go) I believe the Holy Bible to be the word of God. I believe that God wants us to be stregthened in our belief and faith. Paul taught that spiritual truths can only be understood by receiving the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 2:9-14) God has also given us the ability to think, ponder, and reason. As such, we can use our minds to strengthen our beliefs (I prefer the word testimonies). Consider this: there exist two seperate records, from nations that were simply unable to communicate with each other. Both of those records (which are available here) have the same statement: that a man named Jesus of Nazareth is in fact the Son of God who made it possible, through His suffering, for us to be forgiven of our sins, have peace of mind in this life, and return to the presence of God after we die. Remember that intellect alone will not give you a testimony, it can only strengthen it. One's testimony comes from the Holy Ghost, often as a result of living the gospel of Jesus Christ.
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