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Encouraging True Doctrine

I wonder what false, speculative, distorted, or incomplete doctrines we each hear in Church lessons or talks, and how you go about setting the record straight. How false does something need to be before you correct it? How do you clearly state the correct doctrine tactfully, so it doesn't sound like a Bible bash?

I am especially interested to hear what scriptures or quotations from the prophets you use to teach the truth in these situations. I have seen many interesting threads discussing points about specific doctrines, but very few that discuss how you clearly identify and teach the truth on these subjects.

I hope this topic will not be an outlet to bash teachers, but rather to give positive ideas for teaching the truth.

I'll begin: Sometimes in classes (especially Gospel Doctrine), I hear that Joseph Smith instituted plural marriage because women could not own property if they were not married. If it is appropriate, I.e. if the teacher asks for comments, I refer to D&C 132:63, where it says, speaking of plural marriage: "...for they are given unto him to multiply and replenish the earth, according to my commandment..." Then I say that the Lord has only commanded plural marriage when he knew it was necessary in order to raise up a righteous generation. Sometimes if I am discussing this with an individual, I will also refer to Genesis and the accounts about Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I never say that what the teacher said was wrong, because it is a small part of the equation - I simply state the overarching reason for the practice as concisely as possible.

Edited: howe6079 on 21st Dec, 2004 - 5:57pm

Doctrine True Encouraging

I think there isn't a matter of degree to consider here. If truly false doctrine is being taught, it must be corrected. It isn't o.k., in my opinion to sit quietly and figure everyone else knows it isn't true as well. You can never be sure what others know. It isn't good to allow people to be taught improper information in a Church sponsored or sanctioned class. Personal conversations outside of the classroom environment are fine for such discussions but not in the classroom.

As to how it should be handled...well, that depends upon the situation. First of all, a teacher is supposed to stick to the lesson material. So, if the teacher is the one introducing the false doctrine, I think this should be reported to whomever is responsible for that teacher...an auxilliary president for example, or the Bishop, if necessary. If it is another student, then I think one can simply rebut what is said with the correct information. This can always be done lovingly. You don't have to say "Now, that is absolutely wrong"... Instead, you might say, "well my understanding on that matter is"... Most likely others who also know the falsity of the previous statement will support you in your efforts and get the discussion back on track.

Encouraging True Doctrine Studies Doctrine Mormon

Although I agree that only correct doctrine should be taught in Church classes/meetings it is in practice very difficult to keep on correcting people.

I hear false doctrine every Sunday (well, if I pay attention!)

You cannot correct someone in a Sacrament talk - and even in classes it can seem petty.

I think those who preside have the responsibility to correct false teachings - and to decide how to do that. Perhaps we should go to them. We could also make mild comments in the class such as "It is my understanding that blah blah because x, y, z" etc.

Some common myths that recur:

1. Saviour would not allow Mary to hold him in the garden because he was still a spirit at that point

Answer: Well, just read the story!

2. The United Order was a communal system

I've posted comments (and quotations) on this before. The Law of Consecration and Stewardship remains one of the most misunderstood doctrines out there because LDS have associated it with its counterfeits.

3. The poor are not as guilty as the rich when it comes to greed/materialism (read the verses near the end of D&C 56)

4. Animal sacrifice has been utterly done away because it was part of the Law of Moses

Bit of a long one this. Jospeh Smith:

"Now the purpose in himself [Christ] in the winding up scene of the last dispensation is, that all things pertaining to that dispensation should be conducted precisely in accordance with the preceding dispensations. And again, God purposed in himself that there should not be an eternal fulness, until every dispensation should be fulfilled and gathered together in one . . . therefore he set the ordinances to be the same for ever and ever . . .

". . . thus we behold the keys of this priesthood consisted in obtaining the voice of Jehovah, that he talked with him [Noah] in a familiar and friendly manner, that he continued to him the keys, the covenants, the power and the glory, with which he blessed Adam at the beginning; and the offering of sacrifice, which also shall be continued at the last time; for all the ordinances and duties that ever have been required by the priesthood, under the directions and commandments of the Almighty in any of the dispensations, shall all be had in the last dispensation. Therefore all things had under the authority of the priesthood at any former period shall be had again, bringing to pass the restoration spoken of by the mouth of all the holy prophets; then shall the sons of Levi offer an acceptable offering to the Lord. 'And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord.' (See Mal. 3:3-4.)

"It will be necessary here to make a few observations on the doctrine, set forth in the above quotation. As it is generally supposed that sacrifice was entirely done away with the great sacrifice was offered up-and that there will be no necessity for the ordinance of sacrifice in the future, but those who assert this, are certainly not acquainted with the duties, privileges and authority of the priesthood, or with the prophets.

"The offering of sacrifice has ever been connected and forms a part of the duties of the priesthood. It began with the priesthood, and will be continued until after the coming of Christ from generation to generation. We frequently have mention made of the offering of sacrifice by the servants of the Most High in ancient days, prior to the law of Moses, which ordinances will be continued when the priesthood is restored with all its authority, power and blessings.

". . . These sacrifices, as well as every ordinance belonging to the priesthood, will, when the Temple of the Lord shall be built, and the sons of Levi be purified, be fully restored and attended to, then all their powers, ramifications, and blessings. This ever was and ever will exist when the powers of the Melchizedek priesthood are sufficiently manifest. Else how can the restitution of all things spoken of by all the holy prophets be brought to pass? It is not to be understood that the law of Moses will be established again with all its rites and variety of ceremonies; this has never been spoken of by the prophets; but those things which existed prior to Moses' day, namely, sacrifice, will be continued.

"It may be asked by some, what necessity for sacrifice, since the great sacrifice was offered? In answer to which, if repentance, baptism, and faith existed prior to the days of Christ, what necessity for them since that time?" (Smith, "Treatise on Priesthood," handwriting of Robert B. Thompson, scribe, Oct. 5, 1840; Ehat, Andrew F. and Lydon W. Cook, comps. and eds., The Words of Joseph Smith, (Provo: Brigham Young University, 1980), pp. 38-44; Roberts, B. H., History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, (Salt Lake City: Deseret, 1949), pp. 207-212; Smith, Joseph F., comp., Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, (Salt Lake City: Deseret, 1976), pp. 166-173.)

(OK, I don't quote that in lessons!)

5. Animal sacrifice was only part of the Law of Moses

Strange then how Adam sacrificed animals over 2000 years earlier See above quotation.

6. LDS have no duty to study and comprehend correct political principles

Well, I've made enough comments and given enough quotations on that one I think

Merry Christmas!

Dubhdara.