LDS Doctrine and Covenants Critique
Downloaded from churchofjesuschrist.org in September 2026
The Doctrine and Covenants
SECTION 9
Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to
Oliver Cowdery, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, April 1829. Oliver is
admonished to be patient and is urged to be content to write, for the
time being, at the dictation of the translator, rather than to attempt
to translate.
1–6, Other ancient records are yet to be translated; 7–14, The Book of
Mormon is translated by study and by spiritual confirmation.
1 Behold, I say unto you, my son, that because you did not translate
according to that which you desired of me, and did commence again to
write for my servant, Joseph Smith, Jun., even so I would that ye
should continue until you have finished this record, which I have
entrusted unto him. 2 And then, behold, other records have I, that I
will give unto you power that you may assist to translate. 3 Be
patient, my son, for it is wisdom in me, and it is not expedient that
you should translate at this present time. 4 Behold, the work which you
are called to do is to write for my servant Joseph.
Note: The work of God is to believe in Jesus Christ.
Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.” John 6:29
5 And, behold, it is because that you did not continue as you
commenced, when you began to translate, that I have taken away this
privilege from you. 6 Do not murmur, my son, for it is wisdom in me
that I have dealt with you after this manner.
Note: The wisdom of God is Jesus Christ.
For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know
God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to
save those who believe. For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after
wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block
and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews
and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 1
Corinthians 1:21-24
7 Behold, you have not understood; you have supposed that I would give
it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me. 8 But,
behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then
you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that
your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is
right. 9 But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but
you shall have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the
thing which is wrong; therefore, you cannot write that which is sacred
save it be given you from me.
Note: Facts supersede feelings.
Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to
the faith of God’s elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which
accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot
lie, promised before time began, but has in due time manifested His
word through preaching, which was committed to me according to the
commandment of God our Savior; To Titus, a true son in our common
faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus
Christ our Savior. Titus 1:1-4
10 Now, if you had known this you could have translated; nevertheless,
it is not expedient that you should translate now. 11 Behold, it was
expedient when you commenced; but you feared, and the time is past, and
it is not expedient now; 12 For, do you not behold that I have given
unto my servant Joseph sufficient strength, whereby it is made up? And
neither of you have I condemned.
Note: The Book of Mormon was made up.
Criticism of the Book of Mormon centers on its historical claims,
textual origins, and scientific inconsistencies. While believers accept
it as ancient scripture, academic consensus views it as a product of
the 19th century.
13 Do this thing which I have commanded you, and you shall prosper. Be
faithful, and yield to no temptation. 14 Stand fast in the work
wherewith I have called you, and a hair of your head shall not be lost,
and you shall be lifted up at the last day. Amen.
Note: Salvation is only through Jesus Christ.
For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through
our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep,
we should live together with Him. 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10