Jason a Cruse

Parallels Jason a Cruse

"We...believe...the Book of Mormon to be the word of God." With this declaration in the Eighth Article of Faith, Joseph Smith brought together 2 of the cornerstones of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: the Book of Mormon and the Articles of Faith. This book serves as a study guide, one way of reading the Book of Mormon and the development of themes through 13 distinct sections, which correspond to each of the thirteen Articles of Faith--in order. For example, First Nephi helps us to understand and develop faith in God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost, whereas Second Nephi 1-11 teaches, or reinforces, the second Article of Faith, and so forth. A sample of section development is as follows: 1st Article of Faith/1 Nephi 2nd Article of Faith/2 Nephi 1-11 3rd Article of Faith/2 Nephi 12 - Mosiah 5 4th Article of Faith/Mosiah 6 - 27 5th Article of Faith/Mosiah 28 - Alma 27 6th Article of Faith/Alma 27 - Helaman 4 Latter-day Saints have long been encouraged to read the Book of Mormon with a purpose or theme. Parallels provides an opportunity to do this, and shed light on how to read with a purpose. Often, we read with a singular theme: faith, Christ, baptism, and so forth. Now, a larger picture of thematic reading comes to light. A theme can be more than one single idea. Our understanding of the breadth and depth of the mind of God expands when we expand our studying!