Oooh. Excellent question.
I think it is entirely possible for two Prophets to have differing beliefs and/or opinions, and both still be true Prophets. Joseph Smith stated that men won't be damned for believing too much, but for believing too little.
That is why we are each responsible to become prophets in our own rights, to be able to judge what is true, including the differing beliefs and opinions of our leaders.
Now, it becomes a lot more difficult when you have several Prophets who teach that one thing is true doctrine, and later others teach that the particular doctrine is false. Again, that is where guidance of the Holy Ghost becomes vital for correct understanding.
I happen to agree with you on this point. I believe the more one can answer the issues that they face on a personal level, with the Lord, the better.
Elder Robert D. Hales said in his talk "Personal Revelation: The Teachings and Examples of the Prophets"
QUOTE |
Prophets receive personal revelations to help them in their own lives and in directing the earthly affairs of the Church. Our responsibility is to seek personal revelations for ourselves and for the responsibilities the Lord has given us. |
QUOTE (dbackers @ 25-Aug 09, 6:02 PM) |
Joseph Smith, Moses, Brigham Young, Abraham, Gordon B Hinkley, and President Monson are all products of the society in which they came from, and are affected by that society in the way they look at life. I do think they all receive revelation from the same source, but I do believe that the Lord allows them to have personal views that may come in conflict with another man who happens to be a prophet. |
We are promised today, we won't be lead astray, but we are also told, which has been commented on, we all need to have our own light. The main differences I see in Prophets is the application of the Gospel plan, not the basic doctrine.
Sometimes new Doctrine arises which can modify what was given before, the most noted doctrine change, was when Christ fulfilled his mission, and much of the Mosaic Law was changed or altered.
I find though, that one cannot live a higher law or etc, unless you are also still living the lower one.
True, Christ's advent and the changes were prophesied, but most did not see it like that, they only saw the changes. It was a change, and look how well it was not accepted by his people at the time.
I see a lot of the changes today in the Church, which reflect back to comments from the Prophets and etc leaders of the Church, from decades to a century ago and more.
Nothing really happens without some previous enlightenment and prophecy, even if most of us are not aware of it today; I see it, and I was a convert just shy of 40 years ago.
This seems like such a small beam to get suck on.
Edited: DavidLJ on 2nd Aug, 2012 - 10:51pm