The Book of Mormon is one of four sacred texts of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, which also include the Bible, Pearl of Great Price, and Doctrine and Covenants. Published by the first prophet of this movement, Joseph Smith, Jr., in March 1830 in Palmyra, New York, the belief in the truthfulness of this book stands as the central dividing doctrine of the denominations in the Latter Day Saint movement from other Christian faiths.
Many different parties have differing views on the origin of the Book of Mormon. If the book is what it purports to be then it is an ancient record, compiled and abridged by Mormon of the pre-Colombian Native Americans, recording the generations of his nation and the teachings of ancient Hebrews, translated by Joseph Smith. If not, it was written by Joseph Smith and his associates.
Latter-day Saints believe that faith in Jesus Christ is a fundamental requisite to salvation. Having faith in Jesus Christ means accepting Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the Savior of the world, and attempting to obey His commandments. they also believe in repentance, which includes a sincere regret, or "godly sorrow", as well as restitution when possible and then abstinence from the sin committed. Baptism is symbolic of burial and rebirth as a disciple of Jesus Christ. A person who repents and is baptized has all prior sins remitted. Following baptism by immersion, individuals are confirmed members of the church and given the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands by priesthood-bearers.