Critics contend that if the Book of Mormon is the "most correct book of any on earth" (History of the Church, vol. 4:461), then why does it not contain all of the essential LDS doctrines?

Most Correct Book

The Book of Mormon was not given to reveal new latter-day doctrines but rather to serve as another witness that Jesus is the Christ and to lead men to him (Book of Mormon title page) There are some that make claims for the book that itself does not lay claim to. The Book of Mormon never proclaims that it contains every truth known or ever to be made known. In fact, it specifically promises that more truth would be revealed to those who believe the testimony of the Book of Mormon. The prophet Mormon writes: "And now there cannot be written in this book even a hundredth part of the things which Jesus did truly teach unto the people; But behold the plates of Nephi do contain the more part of the things which he taught the people. And these things have I written, which are a lesser part of the things which he taught the people; and I have written them to the intent that they may be brought again unto this people, from the Gentiles, according to the words which Jesus hath spoken. And when they shall have received this, which is expedient that they should have first, to try their faith, and if it shall so be that they shall believe these things then shall the greater things be made manifest unto them. And if it so be that they will not believe these things, then shall the greater things be withheld from them, unto their condemnation. Behold, I was about to write them, all which were engraven upon the plates of Nephi, but the Lord forbade it, saying: I will try the faith of my people." (3 Ne. 26:6-11)

The "most correct of any book" quote is commonly taken out of context by supplying only a portion of the entire statement. All of Joseph Smith's words are needed to bring the quote into perspective. The entire remark by Joseph Smith is: "I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book." (Book of Mormon Introduction.) When the Prophet Joseph Smith talked about it being "the most correct book", it had no reference to the completeness of the doctrine therein; it referred to its uncorrupted state. Compared to any other inspired sacred writing, it had the least interpolations, taking-outs, putting-ins, losses, and other errors, which inadvertently creep in. "Take away the Book of Mormon and the revelations," Joseph Smith said, "and where is our religion? We have none." (History of the Church 2:52.)

Joseph's statement focused more on the fact that it's the most correct, not because it's perfect or because it contains all doctrine, but because it helps us draw nearer to God through the precepts it teaches and because it contains stories and situations that help us to more suitably apply the gospel principles taught in that time to our day. The Book of Mormon contains the accountings of events that give us rather unique guidance on how to live better lives in the world in which we live today. It's pages relate that dissent within the church and nation intensified in the century before the coming of the Savior to the Nephites. It's not hard to make the connection and see that this same pattern is being repeated in these last days.

The Book of Mormon and the Bible bring men to Christ. The Bible makes men good, and the Book of Mormon helps to make good men even better. It provides us with knowledge and comfort, peace and hope and a strengthened resolve to press onward in striving to follow Christ and to resist the temptations of Satan. The major purpose of the Book of Mormon is to bring men to Christ and to be reconciled to Him, and then to join His church—in that order. (See 2 Nephi 25:23; D&C 20:11-14, 35-37.)

President Ezra Taft Benson said, "There is a power in the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book. You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path." He went on to say, "When you begin to hunger and thirst after those words, you will find life in greater and greater abundance. These promises -- increased love and harmony in the home, greater respect between parent and child, increased spirituality and righteousness -- these are not idle promises, but exactly what the Prophet Joseph Smith meant when he said the Book of Mormon will help us draw nearer to God." Every Latter-day Saint who has put this to practice has discovered how right he was. There is not a person that ever lived, who cannot benefit from having an increase in spirituality and righteousness, greater respect between parents and children, and increased love and harmony in the home.

Fulness of the Gospel

Critics also contend that while the Book of Mormon is said to contain the “fulness of the gospel,” it is not a complete volume of doctrine. Again, the book is misunderstood. The Book of Mormon contains the fulness of the gospel, not the fulness of gospel doctrine. To understand this, one needs to understand what the "gospel" is. The word gospel means "good tidings from God" or "God-story." (See Mormon Doctrine p. 331) Joseph Smith said: "And this is the gospel, the glad tidings, which the voice out of the heavens bore record unto us - That he came into the world, even Jesus, to be crucified for the world, and to bear the sins of the world, and to sanctify the world, and to cleanse it from all unrighteousness; That through him all might be saved whom the Father had put into his power and made by him" (D&C 76:40-42).

The good tidings from God are that by coming unto Christ, a person may be saved from death and hell. The Book of Mormon excels in leading men to Christ in that it provides us with the clearest definition, of any scripture, of the basics of the Gospel and the plan of salvation (2 Nephi 31; 3 Nephi 27; Moroni 8:24-26). As such it contains the fullness of the Gospel (D&C 20:9; 27:5; 42:12). Therefore, while the Book of Mormon may not teach every aspect of gospel doctrine, it does teach the fullness of the gospel as it contains the clearest explanations for the atonement and the way in which we can come unto Christ and partake of it. (see 2 Nephi 2; 9; Mosiah 15; Alma 34; 42).

The Book of Mormon does contain a significant amount of doctrine not found in the Bible. Dr. Gilbert W. Scharffs in his book “The Truth about ‘The God Makers‘” compiled a list of such doctrines, a portion of which follow:
- There needs to be opposition in all things. (2 Nephi 2:11)
- God gave agency to man that he should act for himself, being enticed by good or evil. (2 Nephi 2:16)
- Adam fell that men might be; and men are that they might have joy. (2 Nephi 2:25)
- Through the Blood of Christ we are forever free, knowing good from evil, acting for ourselves and not being acted upon. (2 Nephi 2:26)
- If there were no resurrection our spirits would be shut out from the presence of God. (2 Nephi 9:9)
- All will have a perfect knowledge of their guilt, uncleanness, or righteousness after the resurrection. (2 Nephi 9:14)
- In hell, torment is as a lake of fire and brimstone. (2 Nephi 9:16)
- Where there is no law given there is no punishment. (2 Nephi 9:25)
- The atonement satisfies the demands of justice upon all those who have not the law given to them and they are delivered from death and hell. (2 Nephi 9:26)
- The blood of Christ atones for the sins of those who have died not knowing the will of God or sinned ignorantly. (Mosiah 3:11)
- The atonement was prepared from the foundation of the world. (Mosiah 4:6)
- Those that persist in sin and rebellion against God are an enemy to Him. (Mosiah 16:5)
- Because of the law of justice, God can’t save unrepentant sinners. (Mosiah 15:27)
- When war is justified and when it is not. (Alma 43:45-46)
- Defensive fighting acceptable, offensive or preemptive strikes are not acceptable. (3 Nephi 3:21)
- Both faith and available remedies are acceptable to cure sickness. (Alma 46:40)
- Why the righteous suffer. (Alma 60:12-13)
- The methods the Lord uses to bring about repentance. (Helaman 11:4-18)
- Righteousness can soften the hearts of enemies. (Helaman 12:2)
- Christ’s life and mission fulfilled the law of Moses. (3 Nephi 15:3-8)
- The “other sheep” referred to in John 10:16 are the Book of Mormon peoples. (3 Nephi 15:21)
- The Lord still works by revelation. (3 Nephi 29:6)
- Peace is possible through following Christ’s teachings and becoming partakers of the heavenly gift. (4 Nephi 3)
- Personal downfalls begin when we begin to boast in our own strength and turn against the Lord. (Mormon 3:3,9)
- America is the choice land and those who possess it shall be free if they serve Jesus Christ. (Ether 2:10,12)
- The premortal Jesus had a spirit body that looked like his mortal body. (Ether 3:3-15)
- America is the place for the New Jerusalem. (Ether 13:3-6)
- Exact sacramental prayers revealed. (Moroni 4 and 5)
- The spirit of Christ is given to every man to know good from evil. (Moroni 7:16)
- Little children are alive in Christ and need no repentance or baptism. (Moroni 8:11-12)
- Despair comes because of iniquity. (Moroni 10:22)
- Manner in which the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon may be made known. (Moroni 10:3-5)

The Book of Mormon also adds to our understanding of many fundamental Bible doctrines, which have been misinterpreted in our day. Another small list of specific items would be:
- The lost tribes will be gathered again. (1 Nephi 10:14)
- The gospel to be restored a final time. (1 Nephi 14:1-2)
- No unclean things can dwell with God. (1 Nephi 10:21 & 15:34)
- America was discovered under inspired direction. (1 Nephi 13:12-15)
- Marriage is commanded of God. (1 Nephi 16:7-8)
- The house of Israel is not cut off from God. (1 Nephi 20:9)
- Importance of prophets is taught. (1 Nephi 22:20)
- Obedience to God’s commandments and enduring to the end required. (1 Nephi 22:31)
- Our afflictions consecrated by God for our gain. (2 Nephi 2:2)
- The Lord invites all to come unto Him and partake of His goodness. (2 Nephi 26:33)
- Evil spirits teach men not to pray. (2 Nephi 32:8)
- Blood came from every pore of Christ for the wickedness and abominations of his people. (Mosiah 3:7)
- Infants that die in infancy to not perish. (Mosiah 3:18)
- As often as we repent we will be forgiven. (Mosiah 26:30)
- All mankind must be born again. (Mosiah 27:25)
- If the voice of the people choose iniquity, then is the time that the judgments of God will come. (Mosiah 29:27)
- Whatever is good comes from God, and whatever is evil comes from the devil. (Alma 5:40)
- Those who repent and soften their hearts will have claim on mercy through Christ. (Alma 12:34)
- Do not procrastinate the day of your repentance. (Alma 13:27)
- No more desire to do evil once converted unto Christ. (Alma 19:33)
- What happens to those who once new the truth and then fell away. (Alma 24:30)
- What faith is. (Alma 32:21)
- How faith grows through experimenting with the word. (Alma 32:21-34)
- This life is the time to prepare to meet God. (Alma 34:32)
- Why we should bridle our passions. (Alma 38:12)
- It is the justice of God that we should be judged according to our works. (Alma 41:3)
- Mercy cannot rob justice. (Alma 42:25)
- Goal of all parents - to have their children grow up unto the Lord. (Helaman 3:21)
- Warned against pride. (Helaman 3:33)
- Satan is the author of all sin. (Helaman 6:30)
- Jesus Christ was the God of the Old Testament. (3 Nephi 15:5)
- Warned that we are tempted to forget God when all is going well. (Helaman 13:22)
- God’s spirit withdrawn because of wickedness and hardness of hearts. (Helaman 6:35)
- We are free to act for ourselves and bring our own condemnation upon ourselves. (Helaman 14:29)
- Blessed are the poor in spirit who come unto Christ. (3 Nephi 12:3)
- It is a sin not to pray. (Ether 2:14-15)
- Chastity and virtue are most dear and precious above al things. (Moroni 9:9)

Conclusion

While some misunderstand the Book of Mormon's purpose and feel it should contain every essential doctrine, it nonetheless contains the whole doctrine of Christ. Joseph Smith said, "The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it" ("Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith" pg. 121). Thus, anything besides the testimony of Jesus Christ are appendages to the Book of Mormon. In summary, while the book contains substantial amounts of new and clarified doctrine, it does not, nor does it claim to contain all doctrine. It’s message is clear, the Book of Mormon invites all men to come unto Christ and has us look forward to more of God’s word to be revealed in due time.