Doctrine
The first part of this book contains “The Seven Theological Affirmations of Reform Mormonism.” These seven affirmations constitute the Mormon Theological Paradigm, embraced by The Mormon Community (Reform) as its theological foundation.
Following the affirmations are 13 sections—each focusing on one particular theological concept (revelation, faith, the Divine Character, Love, Priesthood, etc.). These sections are adapted from passages in The Bible, “The Book of Mormon,” “The Lectures on Faith,” the teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, and the writings of Parley P. Pratt—one of early Mormonism’s most gifted and prolific writers and an architect of its early theology. It is hoped that these sections will leave even a casual reader with a clear understanding of Mormon doctrine.
Covenants
The second part of this book contains passages carefully selected from revelations given by Joseph Smith based on their universal application.
Most of the passages in many of those revelations addressed the duties of specific people within the Mormon community at that time. Those passages are not included here since this part of the book is devotional in nature and not a study of early Mormon history. Presented here are excerpts regarding the principles, teachings, apocalyptic warnings, millenarian prophecies, and heavenly visions that characterized early Mormonism.
Many of these passages were selected from the earliest versions of the revelations—as they were first penned in Joseph Smith’s Manuscript Revelation Books and originally published in “A Book of Commandments” in 1833. Drawing from the earliest versions of the revelations and other writings of Joseph Smith, this section contains passages that have never been published in any other edition of “Doctrine & Covenants.” While these sections generally appear in the chronological order in which the revelations were written, some are organized thematically.
The revelations were dictated in the Divine Voice. (“Thus saith the Lord,” “Behold, I am God,” and similar phrases appear throughout.) It is hoped that reading these selections will be experienced as a personal conversation with Deity – one that will not only acquaint the reader with Mormonism’s distinctive vision but also inspire deeper contemplation of all things spiritual.
Pseudepigrapha
The third part of this book consists of selections from the pseudepigraphic writings of Joseph Smith.
Pseudepigrapha is a text whose claimed author is not the true author or whose actual author has attributed it to a figure in the past.
In Biblical scholarship, the term pseudepigraphic is applied to Biblical books that make a direct claim of authorship that is unsupported by the evidence. For example, the Book of Daniel is widely considered to have been written in the Second century BCE—some 400 years after the prophet Daniel lived. Thus, the Book of Daniel is pseudepigraphic.
Scholars widely accept that much of the Book of Isaiah was not written by the eighth-century Judean prophet for whom the work is named. Only the first 39 of the book’s 66 chapters can be dated to Isaiah’s lifetime. The remaining 27 chapters were written much later in the sixth century BCE by two different authors, each writing in Isaiah’s voice. Nevertheless, the book, in its entirety, is accepted as scripture within the Jewish, Christian, and Mormon traditions.
Many biblical scholars, Christian and non-Christian, hold that six of the New Testament’s 13 Pauline epistles were not written by Paul but were written after his death, most likely by his disciples writing in his voice. Despite their unknown authorship, these epistles are still accepted as scripture.
The writings in this third section are entitled The Vision of Moses, The Redemption of Adam & Eve, The Prophecy of Enoch, The Covenant with Noah, Melchizedek, and The Vision of Abraham. Presented as ancient writings from Moses, Enoch, and Abraham, these works were actually dictated by Joseph Smith in the 1830s.
Though clearly products of early nineteenth-century America, these writings, like the pseudepigraphic writings in the Bible, are accepted by Reform Mormons as scripture. Using characters and stories from the Book of Genesis, these pseudepigraphic writings present Mormonism’s heterodox understanding of the Fall, its utopian aspirations (symbolized by the City of Zion), and its embrace of cosmic pluralism.
Except for “The Vision of Abraham,” these selections are taken from Joseph Smith’s second revision of Genesis and differ in some sections from the versions published elsewhere.
Official Declarations
This section contains the Official Declarations of Reform Mormonism published between 2002 and 2025.
Appendices
This fourth and final part contains practical advice and guidelines for observing Reform Mormonism in the home, performing Reform Mormon ordinances, and conducting Reform Mormon gatherings and business.