Golden Answers: Why We Need the Book of Mormon

by John Bytheway

The Book of Mormon clarifies, confirms, and expands the truths we learn from the Holy Bible. In Golden Answers, John Bytheway addresses the Book of Mormon's fundamental doctrines such as the Fortunate Fall, the No-Gaps Atonement, Exposing the Enemies of Christ, and Gathering the Scattered. And he shows how each of these doctrines was included in the Book of Mormon specifically for our day. Written in John's signature upbeat, conversational style, this book will increase your appreciation for and deepen your testimony of this second witness of Christ.

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion, Lds, Church, Lds Non Fiction

118 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 3, 2020

About the author

John Bytheway (born October 1962) is an American author and academic, who is well known as a comic motivational speaker for youth within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Born in Salt Lake City, Bytheway attended the University of Utah and Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah, receiving a Master's Degree in Religious Education. He also served as a missionary for the LDS Church in the Philippines.

Bytheway is a religious studies instructor at BYU, currently focusing on the Book of Mormon. He also serves on the Aaronic Priesthood/Young Women Writing Committee for the LDS Church. Bytheway and his wife Kimberly have six children.

Reviews

[Mackenzie McCoy Sylvester · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO good! I loved the insights & perspectives he shared. It’s written like a BYU religion class (which I miss sooo much!) where each chapter could be one class, with questions & some “homework” so get out your scriptures, pen & highlighters & be ready to learn!!!

[Tiffany Dominguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bytheway is an experienced teacher and speaker. In this book, he focuses on some of the key lessons in the Book of Mormon. Two things in particular stood out to me:
1. Why we study the Book of Mormon. What motivates us, is it bribery of guilt? What are some of the promises the Lord makes if we do read? Also, the idea that we can't just drink out of a 5-gallon jug once a month, we need water daily, just like scripture study.
2. A detailed exploration of the phrase "after all we can do." Scriptures suggest that perhaps what we can do is not much in compared to what Christ makes up for us. Perhaps we focus less on how we're changing ourselves and more on how Christ is changing us.

Not a long book and absolutely worth the read.

[NaDell · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Bytheway's new book "Golden Answers: Why We Need The Book of Mormon" is a great companion book to read along with your Book of Mormon study for this year (and always!) It's directed to a teen audience, which makes it perfect for anyone who enjoys the basics of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. John Bytheway answers questions like, "Why do we need the Book of Mormon? Why isn't the Bible enough?" It really helps to meld together teachings from all scripture that explain and teach in a different way to understand more fully. I really enjoyed it and it made me think.

[Sandie Mixa · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Bytheway helps us understand in a new way precious truths that were restored to the earth in the Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ.

[Geri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy John Bytheway’s style of teaching, very simple and engaging manner but full of doctrine. Good stuff!

[Vanina Jepperson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love John Bytheway and the way he explains the scriptures. In this one, there was a big focus on searching and utilizing the Book of Mormon to find help and answers. Great read!

[Hunter Olson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is awesome. John Byetheway gives us a well-rounded look at the truths that the Book of Mormon has given us.

[Rani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how the author's perspective as well as all of his sources that I can research later. Very good book - and a good listen.

[Cami · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this audiobook and really enjoyed it. I've been a fan of John Bytheway for many, many years, and I enjoyed hearing him read it. He has a powerful way of explaining things, and I enjoyed his teachings. Chapter 9 was exactly what I needed to hear for a situation at church, so I listened to it twice. After listening to the conclusion of chapter 10, my thought was, "This book was fabulous!"

[Brandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love John Bytheway's style! My biggest takeaway from this book was the importance of putting first things first in our lives. That may not have been the major theme of this book, but it was very meaningful to me.

[Kori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love John Bytheway. He is so knowledgeable and wonderful at explaining things on a simple level. This was not his most entertaining book, but one that I wouldn’t mind listening to again. I appreciated his expounding on being converted to the Lord and no the church.

[Scott Birk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brother Bytheway is always enjoyable to read. I got several insights into some common and not-so-common gospel topics.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this one. I am a huge John Bytheway fan! Admittedly I was somewhat distracted during some of these chapters and so I’d like to go back and read this one, but I still got a lot out of it. There is so much doctrine explained in the Book of Mormon that I never realized was specific to the Book of Mormon- I was just taught the gospel and never differentiated what came from the Bible versus the Book of Mormon. So this deepened my understanding and appreciation of doctrines as well as the Book of Mormon. I love how the author uses so many scriptures to back up what he is saying.

[Becki · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Bytheway is very good at making complex doctrines simple and digestible. This was good stuff and I’ll definitely recommend it to my kids as they get older and start thinking about life more seriously.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, we do need the Book of Mormon! John Bytheway's book is wonderful, engaging, and insightful.

[Douglas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick listen! Goes with our study plan this year of the Book of Mormon

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good thoughts, enjoyed and would read or listen again.

[Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual John Bytheway writes an excellent, informative book. Loved it.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! Interesting, engaging, helpful! Such a great read!

[Avery Frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was recently assigned to give a talk in sacrament meeting. My given topic was "Relating to and Finding Answers in The Book of Mormon." Wanting to be as well prepared for this talk, I decided to do some research and having each and every book that we have at Seagull catalogued in my head, I immediately thought of this book. I have heard John Bytheway speak on a few occasions and I know what a brilliant, humorous orator he is, though I had never read one of his books. I'm glad I have now. I borrowed an ebook copy from my local library through Libby (read on my Kindle) and listened to the audiobook on Deseret Bookshelf. I was pleased to find that the book was narrated by Brother Bytheway! The book was not very long and managed to make a serious gospel topic both heartwarming and hilarious. Brother Bytheway explores the reasons why we need The Book of Mormon as a companion to the Bible. There are some things, specific phrases and topics that are rarely, if at all discussed in the Bible. The plan of salvation for example! I finished this book in just a few days and I'm excited to read it again at some point. Well done John! 5/5 stars

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

From this book I wanted to remember most the following:

We've heard the phrase, "I was converted to the church..." but is that the object, to be converted to the church? The Book of Mormon teaches something wonderful when it comes to conversion. It contains many stories of conversion, but it never uses the phrase "convert to the church", never. The phrase is does use is:
"Abish, she having been converted unto the Lord." (Alma 19:16)
"His whole household being converted unto the Lord." (Alma 22:23)
"The King had been converted unto the Lord and hall his household." (Alma 23:3)
"The people who had been converted unto the Lord." (Alma 24:6)
" And they were converted unto the Lord and were united unto the church of Christ." (3 Nephi 28:23)

The object of our conversion is the Lord.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a well written book about the key teachings of the Book of Mormon, but I don’t think we were the right audience. I read it to my teen kids for our daily devotional and they were only very interested in about 15% of it. Maybe it was too repetitive of other things we have read. I’m going to take my copy and pass it to a new convert couple in our ward, I think they may be just the people to get tons out of this book.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was able to see John Bytheway speak when I was 12 years old at a youth stake event. I have always enjoyed his talks and books. He just has a way of connecting with people, youth and adults alike. He is funny and smart. I enjoyed this book, just like all of his others that I've read. It is filled with great insights into the Book of Mormon.

[Patricia L .Jex · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that people who make a life of studying the scripture are willing to share their insights with those of us who have to work at other jobs. I gained a lot of insights and connections here that I wouldn't have thought of on my own. It's definitely worth another read as I won't remember all of them.

[Natalie Olsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A god who asks nothing of us, makes nothing of us

The object of our conversion is Christ

“Day by day I should strive to be converted to the Lord, and week by week united with the church.”

Activity is not necessarily accomplishment

You’ll never get the “big rocks” in unless you do them first.
-Rocks/Gravel/Sand/Water in jar. Is it full?

(General conference talk a day - idea)

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book with wonderful insights. The author has such a great way of presenting things that cause you to ponder and think on the great messages and rich doctrinal content in the Book of Mormon. Highly recommend.

[Belann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bytheway has a simple and engaging style. He includes important and often misunderstood concepts in the Book of Mormon. His insights into grace help to clarify some confusing thoughts about our relationship to grace.

[Jeff Litchford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Golden Answers Indeed!

Brother Bytheway does it again! He has a gift for presenting simple yet powerful, even life changing, thoughts and ideas that lead to a powerful witness by the Holy Spirit! Another if his books that I’ll be reading again fir the joy and growth!

[Angieluila Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously devoured this book. I will read it again.

[zoe louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the appeal and gentle, but firm, testimony that is constant throughout this book. Thought provoking and inspiring