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Mormons The Prophet Said So & The Search For Truth

This really can be the mother of all threads based on issues we bring up constantly about doctrinal 'do's' and 'don'ts'. This is also a continuation of the 'The Prophet Said So, Is It Enough' thread in the LDS Deep Doctrine Section. You will notice several points before reading on...

1. There has been a lull in the LDS Deep Doctrine Board after the 'Prophet Said So...' and 'Seven Wives...' threads were moved and / or toned down. I believe the info there took us into the realm of discussion that seperated the sheeps from the goats as it were when it came to doctrinal talk without feeling apostate.

2. In this thread I want for us to really decide what we are saying based on the following questions. You may give facts / figures / quotes related to your deliberation rather than just an opinion unless that opinion was some spiritual manifestation above and beyond simple testimony through faith.

a. Is the restored Church of Joseph Smith's time the same Church that exists today?

b. Is Jesus Christ leading this Church?

c. Would the Lord allow for His Church do be lead in a way contrary to His wishes?

d. Is the current Prophet acting under direct revelation from God?

e. Is the Church sending any secret or coded messages to her members that only few of us see/hear or understand?

f. Do you believe God is using other instruments outside of the Church to warn the people within the Church?

Truth Search and So Prophet Mormons

Excellent question. I think it is, but that it has rejected the most wonderful doctrines and practices (that is, the members have).

I believe He is, but that the Church is not living up to what it could be.

Absolutely. The Lord allows us our agency.

I really don't know. He has never claimed to have received direct revelation, but has specifically said that he "believed he was guided by inspiration" in regards to the building of the small Temples.

Possible, but I don't believe so. I think that the Lord is striving with the members, but most of us are not willing to turn to Him. After all, we have a Prophet who is our intermediary with the Lord.

I am not sure if He is right now, but that He will. I believe that the Davidic King will come from outside the normal channels of the Church.

I don't have any specific support for these things. These are my beliefs and thoughts on the subjects.

Mormons The Prophet Said So & The Search For Truth Studies Doctrine Mormon

No. It should not be. The entire premise of the Restoration is a process of continual revelation, whereby the current prophet has greater and clearer knowledge than those who preceeded him. Knowledge from heaven has historically been given on a need-to-know basis, and there are some things that we need to know now that were not necessary in Joseph Smith's day. Also, our times require a different doctrinal focus from the early days of the Church. Not a new gospel, but a more focused determination to teach the basic principles of the gospel. We do not live them as a people, and therefore we are not ready to understand by the Spirit some of the mysteries that Joseph and Brigham tried to explain.

Yes. He is directing the general authorities of the Church through revelation, and He leads the people of the Church only as much as they are willing to be led. Anything else would not respect agency.

He will allow any of us to wander according to our will. However, the doctrinal foundations of the Church cannot be shaken in these last days - only the foundations of those who are not planted upon the Rock of their Redeemer. There may come a great schizm in the future, but I believe it will be more cultural than doctrinal. I do believe many leaders may fall into divers temptations, but there will always be a place to look for the absolute truth of the gospel, and it is the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve, collectively.

Yes. Some functions of the Church, such as Facilities Maintenence and Deseret Industries, are run mostly by logic and procedure, but when President Hinckley teaches a principle or institutes some change in the way the Church operates, it is under the direct direction of God.

Did Christ do the same? Yes. However, I would not word His actions or the actions of the Church today like they belong in some type of government conspiracy novel. The function of parables and other symbolic teaching is to teach the people as much as they are spiritually willing to receive. It is not subversive or discriminatory - it is effective and appropriate to the needs of all who hear.

Instruments like tsunamis, disease, and political unrest? Yes. Instruments like anti-Mormons wearing sandwich boards outside General Conference? No. Many life events with little or no visible Church connection can still point us toward Christ, but there is no worldly oracle we can seek for advice on how to "fix" the Church or ourselves. All the events of our current world serve as warnings to the faithful to repent or perish.

Truth Search and So Prophet Mormons

Recently, I was reminded of this Thread based on having to do a Search. The more I look at the responses in the LDS Deep Doctrine Board the more I see that there are many out there who can affirm the above points. Those who still have the Mature LDS Doctrine Board access should take the time to respond to this Thread.

Truth Search and So Prophet Mormons

Name: Tim
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Comments: Great questions and the answers you get will vary so much depending on who answers because largely the whole thing comes down to how much you believe Joseph Smith saw what he aid he saw. Not only this... But that Brigham Young was the one to lead after because there were so many break off groups.