QUOTE |
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? |
This is my current feelings on this topic:
The Lord has given us the blessing to actually have a mouth piece that speaks on His behalf. Will I reject that mouth piece? No, I will hear, and hear fervently. I remember listening to the Prophet live when he came to my country and tears flowed from my eyes. I received a witness of the truth he was speaking of whom he is, the Prophet. Will I go home and have blind faith? No, I will listen, ask the Lord to help my unbelief and follow the Prophets.
It concerns me that some members would actually think we should not pray about a certain topic the Prophet have spoken (I used to think this way) but I was wrong. I think is extremely important as members of the Church to receive personal revelation with regards to what the Prophet is speaking. I am not sure where we got this of "just follow blindly" but I think it could be quiet dangerous for our spirituality. I just found in lds.org the following quote that confirms my point:
"Every time that I have listened to the counsel of prophets, felt it confirmed in prayer, and then followed it, I have found that I moved toward safety. "
(Elder Henry B. Eyring, Ensign, May 1997, 25)
This is not meant to "beat a dead horse". These are just a couple of quotes that someone posted on a mailing list I read.
QUOTE (Brigham Young) |
"There is nothing that would so soon weaken my hope and discourage me as to see this people in full fellowship with the world, and receive no more persecution from them because they are one with them. In such an event, we might bid farewell to the Holy Priesthood with all its blessings, privileges, and aids to exaltations, principalities, and powers in the eternities of the Gods". (Brigham Young, April 8, 1862, JD 10:32) |
QUOTE (Heber J. Grant) |
"My greatest happiness, I find in the good will and friendship that has developed among all classes of people at home and abroad toward the Latter-day Saint Church during my lifetime; in place of everyday persecutions and bitterness we now enjoy the high regard and happy association with all denominations. " (Heber J. Grant, Nov. 22, 1938, Salt Lake Tribune) |
"How do we know [the] truths [of the gospel]? How can you confirm their validity? You see around you great confusion regarding the nature of God, His teachings, and the purpose of life. How then does God, our Heavenly Father, guide His children on earth? How does He communicate truth and His will so that faithful, believing children can make the right choices and receive the blessings Heavenly Father wants them to have? I will explain.
"From the foundation of this earth, God our Father has consistently followed His plan. . . . Adam labored to share our Father's plan with his children and descendants. Many believed and were blessed. . . .
"Prophets such as Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and Moses renewed the truth for their dispensation. . . . In the meridian of time Jesus Christ, the Beloved Son of God, was born on earth. He restored the truth and ministered with love and compassion. He established His Church again on earth with apostles and prophets. . . .
"On repeated occasions Jesus Christ has personally appeared to select individuals. Yet there is only one supernal, singular instance of which we have knowledge that God the Father Himself appeared in person. This was done with His precious Holy Son, Jesus Christ, to an audience of one. That one was young Joseph Smith Jr., an extraordinary spirit prepared before the foundation of the earth. He would become the greatest prophet sent to earth. . . .
"Our benevolent Father came from His vast creations to this earth to clarify truth, to disperse the intense clouds of spiritual darkness, to establish His true identity, to restore a fulness of truth, and to provide the only way to obtain secure, spiritual guidance. This momentous Restoration began with the Father's simple phrase 'This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!' There followed a Restoration of truth, priesthood, sacred ordinances, and the true Church, with the Father's plan of salvation and happiness."
-- Richard G. Scott, "Truth Restored," Ensign, Nov. 2005, 79-80)
"On the day the Church was organized, Joseph Smith received a revelation that included an important principle for all Church members. Speaking to the Church about Joseph Smith the Lord said, 'thou shalt give heed unto all his words and commandments which he shall give unto you . . for his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth' (D&C 21:4-5).
"Now listen to the blessings promised to those who heed: 'For by doing these things the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea, and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good'
(D&C 21:6).
"Those are powerful promises that can keep us safe in these treacherous times. We need them, and the Lord will give them to each of us if we are willing to follow the prophets, seers, and revelators."
(Paul V. Johnson, "The Blessings of General Conference," Ensign, Nov. 2005, 52)
"Give heed to the words of the prophets and apostles. To give heed is to pay special attention. It is to listen to those who have been called by God to be the especial living witnesses of Jesus Christ for our time. It implies that they are recognized in this role, that a response is given to their invitation to receive a personal spiritual confirmation that their teachings are true, and that a commitment to follow them will be made."
Ref. (Charles Didier, "Man's Search for Divine Truth," Ensign, Nov. 2005, 48)
There is no contradiction in the quotes by Elder Young and Elder Grant. We sometimes fall in the trap of general Christianity who listens to Paul and thinks all we need is Grace, and then quoting James and thinks it is all done by works. Different Apostles and Prophets may be emphasizing something to one audience and something else to a different audience. If the Church emphasizes independence and trying to work out our own Salvation, that does not mean we should forget the necessity of our Savior in returning to our Heavenly Father.
Notice President Young said we must not have full fellowship with the world. We have been advised and still are being advised that we should not partake of the World, but by necessity we must live in it. Pres. Grant was saying we should love the people of the world, not implying that we should partake of their sins.
Brigham Young also said
QUOTE |
A good man, is a good man, whether in this church, or out of it. |
QUOTE |
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. |
Personally, I think those two quotes indeed contradict themselves, having said that I suppose is a matter of personal interpretation.
Dbackers, interesting points. Now let me ask you more directly (I like direct answers ) Do you think it is possible for a Prophet to lead us astray?