The introduction to the Book of
Mormon states that it "contains the fulness of the everlasting gospel,"
a concept and phrase that is also found in a number of scriptures in the
Doctrine and Covenants (see D&C 20:8-9). This phrase occasionally causes
some confusion among those who read it. Many suppose that a “fulness” must mean
that the Book of Mormon must contain a comprehensive catalog of all LDS doctrines,
beliefs, and teachings. This often leads
some to wonder why the Book of Mormon does not deal with certain key doctrines
of the faith, such as baptisms for the dead, celestial marriage, or exaltation.
Others assume that this statement about the fulness must represent some kind of
exclusivist truth claim, or a shot at the truth of the Bible. I believe that
this confusion stems from a misconception concerning what the gospel actually
entails, and a misunderstanding about what the Book of Mormon is actually
supposed to do.