Mormon Scripture

Few areas of Mormonism display more diversity and fragmentation than the question of sacred texts. While nearly all Mormon denominations accept the Bible and at least some portion of the revelations associated with Joseph Smith, major disagreements developed over time regarding which books should be considered scripture, who has authority to produce new revelation, and whether canonization itself is still ongoing.

From its beginning, Mormonism presented itself as a restoration movement rooted in continuing revelation. This created a very different scriptural framework than most traditional Christian denominations. Rather than viewing scripture as a closed canon, early Mormonism introduced the idea that God could continue revealing new sacred texts through living prophets. As a result, the movement quickly expanded beyond the Bible to include works such as the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price.

After Joseph Smith’s death, Mormon denominations divided sharply over which revelations remained authoritative and who possessed the right to produce additional scripture. Some churches preserved large open canons that continued expanding through prophetic revelations. Others adopted a more limited scriptural structure closer to traditional Protestant Christianity. Certain sects rejected later Nauvoo revelations entirely, while others embraced entirely new prophetic texts produced long after Joseph Smith’s lifetime.

Because Mormonism places such strong emphasis on prophetic authority and continuing revelation, disputes over scripture often became disputes over succession, priesthood legitimacy, temple theology, and the nature of the Restoration itself. Questions surrounding which books belong in the canon, whether revelation still continues, and who may speak for God remain some of the deepest dividing lines within Mormonism.