Will Studying the Book of Mormon Strengthen Your Family?

            Families who study the Book of Mormon – Another Testament of Jesus Christ – together grow stronger and strengthen their communities and nations. Families can read a few verses each day from the regular Book of Mormon, or they can read from a Book of Mormon made for children with lots of pictures and few words. It does not matter how a family studies the Book of Mormon together, but it does matter if they study it. Numerous prophets and Apostles have urged people to read the Book of Mormon, but I will share the words of just one of them. Elder Marion G. Romney said the following in the April 1960 General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to that counsel. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity – the pure love of Christ – will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness” (Marion G. Romney, in Conference Report, Apr. 1960, pp. 110-13; as quoted by Ezra Taft Benson, “Cleansing the Inner Vessel,” Ensign, May 1986).

            There are a lot of blessings listed in that paragraph, including greater love, respect, and consideration. However, most parents would appreciate this one: “Children will be more responsive and submissive to … counsel.” What parent does not want their children to be “more responsive and submissive”? Elder Romney says that it will happen for families that study the Book of Mormon.


            I am excited to study the Book of Mormon for the “Come, Follow Me” family study program in 2020. To help us gain more from our studies of this great book, the Church released today the “first in a series of epic Book of Mormon videos.” There will be a new video “released every Friday until the end of the year and later seasons will also be released." 

The first episode includes the first two chapters of the Book of Mormon where God commands Levi to leave Jerusalem with his family. I watched the first video and highly recommend it. As you study the Book of Mormon with your families, I know that you will be blessed and strengthened in such a way that you will strengthen your community and nation.