Bcspace, I mean no disrespect but the whole process you are explaining (which I think goes in harmony with what the Church teaches) is quite ridiculous to me AND I repeat, convenient. So we quote the nice things from the JOD that fit our present doctrine but we never dare to talk about the other quotes such as racist descriptions of black people by past leaders or little men living in the moon. Now don't take me wrong I DO understand things within context and particularly I have no issues with 19th century way of thinking, my issue is the convenient use of the quotes.
What is "Official" Mormon doctrine you ask? I'd first ask what the topic was before I could answer that.
Bcspace:
That is why the Church has apostles and prophets, to determine doctrine. The method we as members use for identification of doctrine is official publication. Therefore is it not difficult to determine.
You shouldn't worry about the fact that unofficial works by the prophets also contain personal opinion. We should not buy into the notion that any prophet's mind and voice is controlled directly by God 24/7 and that they have no personal opinions, even strong ones, that might be incorrect and might have been delivered over the pulpit. Even now there are a few cases where a Conference talk has been modified when put into print officially. Such does not undermine the calling of these men.
It's up to the individual to determine if they think the unofficial words of the prophets are ones they should live by or not, but it is never up to the individual to assert whether or not those are doctrines of the Church or the official teachings of the prophets without the backing of official publication.
Edited: bcspace on 12th Jan, 2013 - 7:55pm
Name: Michael
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