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What Is "Official" LDS Doctrine? - Page 2

The ironic thing is that the Standard Works are subject to interpretation by those that may just give an 'opinion'.

Doctrine LDS quotOfficialquot What

So much good is presented here and I would just give my confirmation on this. Anyway, if only the standard works are considered official doctrine the question "what constitutes the standard works?" arises. Is it the Holy Bible, BoM, D&C and the PoGP only? Are we to consider Liahona/Ensign monthly messages and general conference issues as a part of our standard works? I know many who does, but I do not have any references to back up that it is in fact a part of the standard works. I believe much confusion can build up among members who consider the Liahona as standard works. In my mind Liahona is good for us but yet contains official doctrine mingled with well thought out opinions.

EJ

What Is "Official" LDS Doctrine? Studies Doctrine Mormon

The press released is clear when it says:

It seems to me as you said, that the Ensign, Liahona, etc have some doctrine on it but mixed with personal views.

Another interesting point here is that only the Prophet and the Quorum of the Twelve are entitled to establish doctrine (this one goes specially for those who listen to a Seventy and automatically assumes that he is in the same position as a Prophet with regards to doctrine). Also, that the doctrine that the Prophet and Apostles teach/establish must be consistent with the Standard Works.

Page 2 Doctrine LDS quotOfficialquot What

Yes, the quote is very clear LDS. One has to try hard in order to misunderstand it. Nevertheless I have a feeling that most members, at least here, consider Liahona/Ensign to be scripture or standard works. Or, maybe I'm confusing to terms here - scripture and standard works. What's the difference anyway?

I think, as long as members consider Liahona/Ensign as scripture, many don't ask questions or analyse what is said there in. The principle "The prophet said so, that's enough" is in a sense being applied here.

IMO

EJ

Doctrine LDS quotOfficialquot What

Standard works and Scriptures are the same, meaning we are bound to follow them yet there is also a matter of interpretation. Yes, I know about members who read the Ensign and take it as if they are reading the Book of Mormon. Personally, I think there is a huge difference between the two. Most members forget that when the Prophet as well as other leaders speak they "counsel", if something is to become doctrinal and binding, we will ask to vote in General Conference. (Although in Church history, when the Priesthood was denied to the Blacks, the Church did not vote for it...they only voted to allow it back to the Black brethren in 1978)

What Is "Official" LDS Doctrine?

This is interesting as I was just studying this in my summer institute. The book we are studying is "Teachings of the Living Prophets" an official manual distributed by the Church. We are also required to study the recent conference Ensign along with our manual. Now bear in mind, this Institute class and the studying material requirements is an officially sanctioned program of the Church.

I find that official statement from the church that LDS_forever posted odd and the idea that nothing is doctrine until it is voted on, or the suggestion that one should not treat the conference talks in the ensign as scripture disconcerting when I compare it to what I just studied last night in my institute class.

From the manual, on pg. 19, there is a quote from Ezra Taft Benson that says, the "living prophet is more vital to us than the standard works....Therefore, the most crucial reading and pondering which you should do is of the latest inspired words from the Lord's mouthpiece. That is why it is essential that you have access to and carefully read his words in the current Church publications." Well, what are those current Church publications? How do we hear the words of the living prophet? Hmmm...

Later on page 21 there is a quote addressing the question members often have about what is binding upon the church. There is a quote from President J. Reuben Clark Jr. that says "The prophet does not have to say "Thus saith the Lord," to give us scripture. Sometimes there are those that haggle over words. They might say the prophet gave us counsel but that we are not obligated to follow it unless he says it is commandment. But the Lord says of the Prophet Joseph, "Thou shalt give heed unto all his words and commandments which he shall give unto you."

What "Official" LDS Doctrine - Page 2

You say you find the statement odd. What do you personally believe? Do you find it contradicting or what do you really mean? Do you think it's wrong or right?

EJ

What "Official" LDS Doctrine Mormon Doctrine Studies - Page 2

I may just be misunderstanding that official statement or not reading carefully enough, but it seems odd (not sure if labeling it right or wrong would be appropriate) to me that they allude to church doctrine only being found in the four standard works, official proclamations and declarations, and the articles of faith, when we are consistently taught in church through official church published documents and manuals, that the words of the living prophet when speaking in official capacity (I.e. conference) are doctrine as well. I'm not sure where the idea that something is not doctrine unless we vote upon it comes from. I don't recall voting on the Proclamation to the Family, but that is certainly considered doctrine. The standard works are the measuring stick by which we can find if something we are hearing is doctrine because it will not be contradictory, but not the only place to find doctrine. At the end of that official statement it mentions that members are encouraged to seek their own spiritual confirmation and use a combination of intellect and faith in their approach to gospel doctrine. I think that's the most important and most key.