Church releases scriptures on CD-ROM

Kelly Smurthwaite
Scroll Staff

lds.org

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has released the first CD-ROM version of the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, the Pearl of Great Price and the Bible.

The software was developed under the guidance of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve, Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve said. That effort was supervised by the Scriptures Committee under the direction of the Priesthood Executive Council.

"The work was done by a team of devoted, highly capable members of the Church who carried out the development work as a Church assignment," Elder Scott said.

The computer program is designed to be basic and simple, in an effort to accommodate all types of users. The program contains links to scripture study aids, photographs, maps as well as other visual aids.

"It [the CD-ROM] is the most user-friendly software I have ever used," Elder Scott said.

The capacity of the device is amazing, Elder Scott, also a member of the Scriptures Committee, said. All footnotes and cross references are hyperlinked.

"This new edition is intended to help individuals and families study the scriptures," said Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve.

"As families use this new computer tool to search the scriptures and study the gospel principles, their faith will increase, testimonies will grow and family ties will be strengthened," he said.

Search functions for this program allows users to search for broad topics as well as specific scriptural verses. This feature makes it easier for teachers and other Church instructors to have relatively simple access to doctrinal materials.

The CD-ROM is available in English, French, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese. In the future, the Church hopes to have the computer program available in other languages.

Another electronic version of the scriptures is available at the Church's Web site, http://scriptures.lds.org. Like the CD-ROM version, it includes maps, photographs, and chronologies to supplement the text.

The CD-ROM Standard Edition 1.0 can be purchased for $5 online at the Church's official web site, www.lds.org. The program can also be purchased through local ward clerks or at distribution centers.

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