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For our purpose here, we will define the term "parascripture" as an oft quoted saying, maxim, motto, notion, or teaching, which has come to be revered in traditional LDS-dom as the word of the Lord, but which is actually false tradition, an untruth, or a misleading or a false doctrine.

It was the noted LDS scholar Hugh Nibley that first coined this term "parascripture" among his many writings, notably in the book Approaching Zion, that illustrate the departure of the LDS church from some of her most essential former moorings necessary to establish true Zion, notably the laws of consecration and gathering.

We will review several "parascriptures" here, and illustrate in each case what the true word of the Lord is regarding these subjects, from both the scriptures and from inspired, prophetic writings of Joseph Smith and his contemporaries who were so well acquainted with him, and who were also men indisputably revered as prophets, seers, and revelators in their day. We will then point out how these "parascriptures," have been used by the LDS people and leadership over the years to justify the continual slide into apostasy, and to support a different, easier gospel, than what the Lord revealed through the prophet of the dispensation, Joseph Smith.