The Prophet said so, is that enough?
Sometimes the Prophets and leaders of the Church speak to the members about different issues than contradict the scriptures in one point or another. Now, to whom we should follow....the living Prophet or the Scriptures? What do you think?
I think that we should listen to the prophet. For one thing, the prophet isn't going to go against scriptures on the important issues, however some things have changed and for this we have to be willing to listen to continuing revelation... which is what our prophets are for. I can think of a couple of issues as examples.
1. We no long sacrifice animals yet the scriptures are full of examples of animal sacrifices. However, the death and ressurrection of Jesus did away with the need for animal sacrifice.
2. We no long practice plural marriage (and I know this is covered in another topic, just used as an example here). The scriptures are full if instances of plural marriage and even our modern church history has instances of plural marriage. However, we have been commanded to no long practice plural marriage.
3. Dietary laws. We are allowed to eat pork and some of the other foods that the ancient Israelites were forbidden to eat. We have our own dietary guidelines in the D&C which constitutes the Word of Wisdom.
4. The United Order is discussed in the D&C and was once attempted, however we as a church were unable to live under that higher law, so we were no longer required to live it and we now live the lesser law of tithing and offerings.
There are probably other examples where what is written in the scriptures differes from what is currently practiced. However, we are a church that believes in continuing revelations as our own articles of faith state:
9 We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
Our Heavenly Father isn't done revealing everything to us, as is stated in this article of faith. We learn line upon line, precept upon precept. Saying that we don't need continuing revelation from the prophet because we have the scriptures is like when other religions reject the Book of Mormon because they have the Bible and they think that's all they need.
This is why we need to be willing to listen to our prophet and to accept his word. He receives revelations for us and our time and sometimes this revelation may seem to contradict the scriptures, though usually if we look closely we find that it doesn't.... but in some cases as some of those I mentioned about it does. I guess the main thing to remember is that when the prophet speaks and is giving revelation for our time, it is scripture... just as much as our other scriptures are scripture.
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He receives revelations for us and our time and sometimes this revelation may seem to contradict the scriptures, though usually if we look closely we find that it doesn't.... but in some cases as some of those I mentioned about it does. |
At the beginning of each General Conference, we, as a "church body," sustain our prophet and other priesthood leaders in the church. When we bear our testimonies, we often bear witness that our church is lead by a prophet of God. To "sustain" means to give support to; to support as true, legal, or just; to allow or admit as valid; to confirm.
If we cannot sustain our prophet, or revelation given by our prophet? I would think that calls for serious prayer.
We have not recently been given anything truly controversial in the way of revelation, and so I think our current generation has not really had to contend with big upsets in doctrine. Imagine how confusing, and even frightening, it must have been during the plural marriage times! There were also many who were upset regarding blacks and the priesthood.
What will we deal with next? Are we ready for it?
Roz
[center] I'm Active [/center]
[quote]If we cannot sustain our prophet, or revelation given by our prophet? Â I would think that calls for serious prayer.[/quote]
The greatest point that I have seen on this matter is the admonition, in various places in scripture, to rely on the Spirit, not on the Arm of Flesh.
I don't say, ever, to not follow the prophet. However, I think it is much more important to gain the Gift of the Holy Ghost, then follow the Spirit in all things. My point of view is that if we are truly doing our duty, then we will be prophets unto ourselves, and when we follow the prophet, we will be doing so with our eyes wide open. Ideally, when the prophet reveals anything new, we will already know it, and his revelation of such ideas will consist of permission for us to discuss it with others.
At the same time, such a level of preparedness means that if a prophet or apostle is leading in the wrong direction on a particular item, we are not bound to follow.
The principles of eternity are founded on spiritual independance. We should not bind ourselves, but only be bound by God.
NightHawk
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At the same time, such a level of preparedness means that if a prophet or apostle is leading in the wrong direction on a particular item, we are not bound to follow. |
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The Lord will never permit me or any other man who stands as President of this Church to lead you astray. It is not in the programme. It is not in the mind of God. If I were to attempt that, the Lord would remove me out of my place, and so He will any other man who attempts to lead the children of men astray from the oracles of God and from their duty. (Sixty-first Semiannual General Conference of the Church, Monday, October 6, 1890, Salt Lake City, Utah. Reported in Deseret Evening News, October 11, 1890, p. 2.) |
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7 But they also have erred through wine, and through strong drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred through strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they are out of the way through strong drink; they err in vision, they stumble in judgment. 8 For all tables are full of vomit and filthiness, so that there is no place clean. Isaiah 28:7-8 |
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4 I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not. Isaiah 66:4 |