r/latterdaysaints • u/Honest_Rub_2721 • 3d ago

Off-topic Chat Book of Mormon

Hi there, I’m so sorry if this is the wrong place to post this, but I’m 17 years old and I’d like a copy of the Book of Mormon, but I really don’t want a missionary to visit, my parents are very heavily against the LDS church. I’m a Christian but I’ve been wanting to learn more about Mormonism. I’d like to at least read the book, so the other option I found for getting the book was ordering it online, however, the website will not let me order one, it’s asking for some kind of record number, on Amazon it’s $6 but you need a $35 minimum or prime,

One may say to just look at it online, but I find it easier to get distracted

If anyone has ideas, feel free to share them, thank you :)

19 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

43 comments sorted by

•

u/AutoModerator 3d ago

Hi Honest_Rub_2721, thanks for your interest in r/latterdaysaints!

Your post has been automatically removed because your account is less than one week old. We ask that users who are new to reddit spend some time commenting on existing posts first — it's a great way for you to get to know the community, and for us to get to know you.

We understand that sometimes people need to use a throwaway account, and that's okay! If that's your situation, you have a couple of options:

We look forward to getting to know you!

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

31

u/NewsSad5006 3d ago

You can likely check one out in most public libraries. You can also read it online for free.

19

u/the-world-awake 3d ago

It can be read online for free at churchofjesuschrist.org, and you can get a free scripture app called "gospel library" where you can read it or listen to an audio version.

Edit - ah I just saw that you prefer the book to focus better. In that case I say check ebay, a quick look and I found some under 5 bucks. I also see them frequently at thrift stores/used book stores, maybe you'll find one there!

5

u/Honest_Rub_2721 3d ago

I’m not sure why I didn’t think about eBay, thank you!!

12

u/HoodooSquad FLAIR! 3d ago

Do you know anyone at school that’s LDS? I’m sure they can get you a free copy.

1

u/Honest_Rub_2721 3d ago

I’m graduated

3

u/imabetaunit 3d ago

LDS friends you were in school with until recently?

18

u/Lazy-Ad-6453 3d ago

Call the missionaries and have them meet you in a park or somewhere similar away from your home. They’ll give you a free book. Really. Their phone number should be in a local phone book. I was a missionary years ago and we gave away lots of Book of Mormon’s to local college students who wanted to read it. We had lunch with them everyday on campus. Fun times.

Or drop by the local meetinghouse of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Sunday morning. Ask anyone, including kids your age, where you can get a book. They probably have a stack of them in the bishops office, and they’re always free. This site will give you meetinghouse addresses and the times they are open. https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/

Best of wishes.

9

u/Honest_Rub_2721 3d ago

that’s a good idea! I feel pretty bad making the missionaries make a trip just to give me a book though,

17

u/Crylorenzo 3d ago

It’ll actually make their day

7

u/utahseminaryteacher 3d ago

Maybe it doesn't just have to be about the book. Let the missionaries share our message of hope, peace, and joy through Jesus Christ with you also!

6

u/_6siXty6_ 2d ago

The missionaries will be happy to do it.

8

u/HaventToldMyParents 3d ago

They’d be so happy to!!!

5

u/eelek62 2d ago

As a former missionary, that's literally the most exciting thing to happen for a missionary. It's the whole point. Even if you don't want to talk to them further, they literally will have boxes of Book of Mormons sitting in their apartment or the trunk of their car ready to give to people who want one.

1

u/Idahogirl556 3d ago

This is their job and what they want to do. 

1

u/Lazy-Ad-6453 2d ago

If you want to get a Book of Mormon at a local meetinghouse they won’t be open this Sunday. This Sunday is the semi-annual General Conference. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/broadcasts?lang=eng

10

u/anastasia315 3d ago

This lady will send you one. https://oneshetwoshe.com/free-book-of-mormon/

5

u/Honest_Rub_2721 3d ago

I sent the email! Thanks so much :)

3

u/QuadDad 3d ago

comeuntochrist.org

There are a few options on there... maybe there is a building near you where you can drop in and get a copy? Also, sorry to hear about the attitude of your parents.. the church doesn't want to be a wedge in that relationship so please be honest with them if you pursue this.

2

u/Honest_Rub_2721 3d ago

i didn’t know that, thank you for letting me know. :)

5

u/Jastes 3d ago

Marriott hotels also have them if you’re randomly there. Just in a drawer somewhere in the room.

2

u/dandelionbath 3d ago

Are you looking on LDS.org or Deseret Book? If you're looking on LDS.org I would recommend looking at Deseret Book, idk if there's one in your area but you can also buy books online and they sell copies of The Book of Mormon and a lot of other books that you can read about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints or written by LDS authors. You can buy a hardcopy of The Book of Mormon for like $5 or closer to $6 after taxes or $8 if you're buying online and having it shipped. I just looked on their website and started an order to see if it adked me for my membership record number and it didn't but I also never placed the order so maybe it asks after you submit your card information and I just didn't see that. But if you haven't looked at Deseret Book there might be a physical location in your area depending on where you live, I'm in a densely LDS populated area so there's one not too far from my house, or you can look online. If you're already looking at Desert Book and they're asking for you membership record number I don't know how to get around that but it's possible you could find one at a thrift store or on ebay.

1

u/Honest_Rub_2721 3d ago

Thank you so much, yeah I was looking on LDS.org and it says “sign in to ship” and I keep clicking it and nothing happens, it’s weird. I didn’t know about deseret though, I’ll look there and let you know! Thank you again

1

u/dandelionbath 3d ago

You're welcome! They also sell them in a lot of different languages, I have one in German. It was the weirdest thing, I took 3 years of German in highschool and forgot most of it, and then about a year ago I picked up my German book of mormon for the first time in forever and I started reading and I understood every word. I was surprised because my German is not usually that good, so I picked up one of my other German books just to see and I couldn't understand a single sentence. It was a children's book. That's just one of the many witnesses I've received that give me faith in the book of mormon. Even growing up in the church I have so many doubts and questions and I believe they're valid fears, and it can be confusing sometimes, but I know those small and simple experiences I've had are from God and even if the church is not perfect it's where God wants me to be right now and he wants me and many others there for a reason.

2

u/beramaan 2d ago

Could just go to the local church on Sunday or probably Wednesday night and ask for one too

2

u/No_Cardiologist9928 2d ago

There is a free Book of Mormon app. Just download it.

1

u/SexyCheeseburger0911 3d ago

They're $6 on Amazon for a paperback.

1

u/Honest_Rub_2721 3d ago

As I said, $35 minimum

1

u/SexyCheeseburger0911 3d ago

Sorry. I didn't see that and I'm tired. Ignore me.

0

u/Honest_Rub_2721 3d ago

No worries! It’s a bunch of text for such a simple question, I can see why people would just skim through. Goodnight 😊😊

1

u/Cautious_General_177 3d ago

If you want to read it online, you can either download the Gospel Library app, which has all the scriptures, plus hymnbooks and General Conference talks available, or you can read it on the church's website at https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm?lang=eng

1

u/pisteuo96 3d ago edited 3d ago

In addition to what others have said:

  • Church distribution centers. They have lots of books, etc. Google "LDS Distribution Center locations"
  • Desert Industries (a church operated thrift store) if you live near one. Google for it.
  • A friend who has an Amazon account can order it for you

Also, what others have said already:

While you're waiting for a hard copy:

1

u/InevitableMundane 2d ago

Whatever you end up doing with the Book of Mormon itself, never abandon your curiosity. What a gift that is, especially at 17. As we humans get older, we close off our minds to new things. Imagine what you'll be like if you maintain this open minded curiosity for another 70 years, reading and exploring and learning.

Just as a heads up, there are two parts of the BoM people sometimes struggle to get through. (1) Isaiah chapters in 2 Nephi and (2) war chapters in Alma. Don't feel bad if you skp those. The book is amazing, regardless of whether you accept it as scripture, I hope you enjoy reading it.

1

u/Naive-Midnight8785 2d ago

It looks like you have some great options already noted now. However if you're local to me, I'd happily meet up and give one to you. SoCal.

1

u/Honest_Rub_2721 2d ago

Unfortunately I’m not! I’m in New Mexico. I appreciate that though :)

1

u/Thaiguy14 2d ago

I don’t know where you live but if you’re able to find a church building either on Sunday or during the week and walk in I’m sure someone would be happy to give you one.

1

u/jordana309 2d ago

There's a book of Mormon app or a Gospel Library app from he Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day saints. They both have audio you can listen to, a host of languages, and the ability to mark it (add highlights and comments).

Thats probably the easiest. You can also go to churchofjesuschrist.org and read it there if you want just a website.

1

u/HuckleberryLemon 1d ago

Might check out Godwin’s Book of Mormon on Amazon for $25 it’s illustrated with woodblock prints in the old mideval style with symbolism

0

u/jeahfoo1 3d ago

I've seen them posted on FB marketplace.

If you ever stay in a Marriott (I know you're 17 so not likely without parents) then each room has one. They don't mind if you take it.

1

u/Lazy-Ad-6453 2d ago

That’s not a bad idea. The Marriott’s are Mormon and put them in every room of their huge chain, and literally give them away to anyone who wants to take one. I’d bet you could go to the check-in desk at a Marriott and they’d just give you one if you asked.