by President Henry B. Eyring.
Section 26, one of the briefest in our Doctrine and Covenants, gives a concise outline of how we are to use our time: "[Y]ou shall let your time be devoted to the studying of the scriptures, and to preaching, and to confirming the church . . . , and to performing your labors on the land." In this talk, President Eyring addresses the often vexing theme of Time, at once our greatest inheritance and strictest limitation in mortality: http://speeches.byu.edu/reader/reader.php?id=6960&x=70&y=7.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Monday, September 22, 2008
Book of Mormon Witnesses
by Richard Lloyd Anderson
Richard Anderson is a personal friend and mentor, a grand old gentleman of Latter-day Saint history. After gathering a law degree from Harvard and a degree in ancient history from Berkeley, Brother Anderson has devoted much of his academic life to studies of the New Testament and early LDS history, particularly the lives of the Book of Mormon witnesses. His book, Investigating the Book of Mormon Witnesses, remains a classic. This article provides a good outline history of the three witnesses: http://farms.byu.edu/publications/transcripts/?id=21.
Richard Anderson is a personal friend and mentor, a grand old gentleman of Latter-day Saint history. After gathering a law degree from Harvard and a degree in ancient history from Berkeley, Brother Anderson has devoted much of his academic life to studies of the New Testament and early LDS history, particularly the lives of the Book of Mormon witnesses. His book, Investigating the Book of Mormon Witnesses, remains a classic. This article provides a good outline history of the three witnesses: http://farms.byu.edu/publications/transcripts/?id=21.
"This Generation Shall Have My Word Through You"
by Elder Bruce R. McConkie
In this powerful address Elder McConkie outlines Joseph Smith's role as the preeminent revelator of Christ's word for our entire dispensation: http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=07c8fc3157a6b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1
In this powerful address Elder McConkie outlines Joseph Smith's role as the preeminent revelator of Christ's word for our entire dispensation: http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=07c8fc3157a6b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Statements About the Standard Works
Compiled By
Bruce H. Porter
Joseph Fielding Smith Jr., Doctrines of Salvation, Vol.1, p.322
The Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price including the Articles of Faith, have been received by the vote of the Church in general conference assembled as the standard works of the Church. On this platform we stand. The Church is not responsible for the remarks made by any elder or for the numerous books that have been written. The authors of the words or books must be responsible for their own utterances.
Joseph Fielding Smith Jr., Doctrines of Salvation, Vol.3, p.203
STANDARD WORKS JUDGE TEACHINGS OF ALL MEN. It makes no difference what is written or what anyone has said, if what has been said is in conflict with what the Lord has revealed, we can set it aside. My words, and the teaching of any other member of the Church, high or low, if they do not square with the revelations, we need not accept them. Let us have this matter clear. We have accepted the four standard works as the measuring yardsticks, or balances, by which we measure every man's doctrine.
Joseph Fielding Smith Jr., Doctrines of Salvation, Vol.3, p.203
You cannot accept the books written by the authorities of the Church as standards in doctrine, only in so far as they accord with the revealed word in the standard works.
Joseph Fielding Smith, Answers to Gospel Questions, Vol.1, p.xviii
The reason for these answers to questions is to endeavor to settle once and for all time the problems discussed, which occur and re-occur so frequently, yet are answered in the revelations in the Standard Works; moreover with the thought in mind to stimulate members of the Church to spend a little more of their spare time in personal search. Of far more profit is a fact discovered by research than by information received. The impression on the mind lasts longer.
STANDARD WORKS ARE THE FOUNDATION OF OUR FAITH
Joseph Fielding Smith, Answers to Gospel Questions, Vol.2, p.113
The Lord has given us the four Standards which lie at the foundation of our faith. Each member of the Church should be so well versed that he, or she, would be able to discern whether or not any doctrine taught conforms to the revealed word of the Lord. Moreover, the members of the Church are entitled, if they are fully keeping the commandments and covenants the Lord has given us, to have the spirit of discernment. The fact remains, however, that too many of the members have not taken advantage of their blessings and obligations, and therefore they are unable to distinguish between truth and error. The "lay" members of the Church are under obligation to accept the teachings of the authorities, unless they can discover in them some conflict with the revelations and commandments the Lord has given. There are times when the leading brethren have expressed their own opinions on various subjects. This they have a perfect right to do. They have divided on political questions; some belong to one political party and others to another. This they have a perfect right to do, but when the Lord has spoken through his servant who holds the keys, there should be unity among the members of the Church.
Joseph Fielding Smith, Answers to Gospel Questions, Vol.2, p.114
There is nothing more important in the lives of members of the Church than to have the gift of the Holy Ghost. There is nothing of greater importance to the individual member of the Church than the gift of knowledge, and this does not come by observation but by constant study and faith. Each member holding the priesthood should be so well versed that the light of truth would be constantly in his heart. No authority of the Church when guided by the Holy Ghost will ever teach a doctrine that will be contrary to the revealed word of the Lord. He may express an opinion, a personal view, but in doing so he should so declare it. The writings of Paul were not sent forth to the saints in various parts of the world in their completeness as doctrine. There were times when Paul expressed his own opinion. The authorities of the Church have the same privilege, but when they do, they should make it perfectly clear that it is their personal view. When they have the inspiration of the Spirit of the Lord the members of the Church should likewise, by their faith and obedience, have the same Spirit. The Spirit of the Lord will bear witness to our spirits, under such conditions that what has been said is true.
Joseph Fielding Smith, The Signs of the Times, p.21
I said in the beginning of the first talk that I base everything I say upon these Scriptures, that the Standard Works of the Church are the measuring rods the Lord has given us by which we are to measure every doctrine, every theory and teaching, [p.22] and if there is anything that does not conform to that which is given to us in the revelations, we do not have to accept it. Whether I say it or anyone else says it, whether it comes through the philosophy of men, or whenever a statement is made, that is in conflict with what the Lord has revealed, you should know what course to take. So far as I am concerned, I will just put it aside. And I don't care how many men may believe it. I don't care how much backing it has in the world of so-called science or philosophy. If it does not harmonize with what the Lord has revealed, to me it is not worth anything.
Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p.764 STANDARD WORKS
The books, writings, explanations, expositions, views, and theories of even the wisest and greatest men, either in or out of the Church, do not rank with the standard works. Even the writings, teachings, and opinions of the prophets of God are acceptable only to the extent they are in harmony with what God has revealed and what is recorded in the standard works. When the living oracles speak in the name of the Lord or as moved upon by the Holy Ghost, however, their utterances are then binding upon all who hear, and whatever is said will without any exception be found to be in harmony with the standard works. The Lord's house is a house of order, and one truth never contradicts another. (Doctrines of Salvation, vol. 3, pp. 203-204.)
Harold B. Lee, Stand Ye In Holy Places, p.109-110
We have the standard Church works. Why do we call them standard? If there is any teacher who teaches a doctrine that can't be substantiated from the standard church works—and I make one qualification, and that is unless that one be the President of the Church, who alone has the right to declare new doctrine—then you may know by that same token that such a teacher is but expressing his own opinion. If, on the other hand, you have someone teaching a doctrine that cannot be substantiated by the scriptures, and more than that, if it contradicts what is in the standard Church works, you may know that that person is teaching false doctrine, no matter what his position in this church may be. The President of the Church alone may declare the mind and will of God to His people. No officer nor any other church in the world has this high and lofty prerogative. When the President proclaims any such new doctrine, he will declare it to be a revelation from the Lord.
Harold B. Lee, Stand Ye In Holy Places, p.162-163
It is not to be thought that every word spoken by the General Authorities is inspired, or that they are moved upon by the Holy Ghost in everything they write. I don't care what his position is, if he writes something or speaks something that goes beyond anything that you can find in the standard church works, unless that one be the prophet, seer, and revelator—please note that one exception—you may immediately say, "Well, that is his own idea." And if he says something that contradicts what is found in the standard church works, you may know by that same token that it is false, regardless of the position of the man who says it. We can know or have the assurance that they are speaking under inspiration if we so live that we can have a witness that what they are speaking is the word of the Lord. There is only one safety, and that is that we shall live to have the witness to know. President Brigham Young said something to the effect that "the greatest fear I have is that the people of this Church will accept what we say as the will of the Lord without first praying about it and getting the witness within their own hearts that what we say is the word of the Lord."
Harold B. Lee, Stand Ye In Holy Places, p.164
Yes, we believe in a living prophet, seer, and revelator, and I bear you my solemn witness that we have a living prophet, seer, and revelator. We are not dependent only upon the revelations given in the past as contained in our standard works—as wonderful as they are—but we have a mouthpiece to whom God does reveal and is revealing His mind and will. God will never permit him to lead us astray. As has been said, God would remove him out of his place if he should attempt to do it. You have no concern. Let the management and government of God, then, be with the Lord. Do not try to find fault with the management and affairs that pertain to Him alone and by revelation through His prophet—His living prophet, His seer, and His revelator.
Harold B. Lee, Stand Ye In Holy Places, p.202
Summarized, this means that there are four essentials for service in the kingdom of God: (1) We must be ordained, (2) we must teach from the standard church works, (3) we must live as we preach, and, (4) we must teach by the Spirit. ". . . when a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men." (2 Nephi 33:1.)
Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p.43
More than at any time in our history we have need for greater spirituality. The way to develop greater spirituality is to feast on the words of Christ as revealed in the scriptures. One of the most significant happenings in recent Church history is the publication of the new editions of the standard works with the new footnotes and other helps. I think we can say without exaggeration that never before in any dispensation have the Saints been so abundantly blessed with the words of the Lord and His prophets. Now our challenge is to do as the Lord commanded: "Study my word which hath gone forth among the children of men" (D&C 11:22). (CR April 1984, Ensign 14 [May 1984]: 7.)
Joseph Fielding Smith Jr., Doctrines of Salvation, Vol.1, p.322 - p.323
ALL TEACHINGS MUST CONFORM TO REVELATIONS. It is not to be supposed from this that all that has been written outside of the standard works of the Church is discarded and rejected, for these things are profitable as helps in the government of the Church, and to promote faith in the members. The point is this, if in these books mistakes are found, "they are the mistakes of men," and the Church as an organization is not to be held accountable for them, but for that which is received from time to time by vote of the Church, as it comes through the President of the High Priesthood. When the Lord reveals his mind and will, it is to be received, "whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same," but we are not to be judged by unauthorized sayings or deeds.
Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p.137-138
We are admonished to "seek out of the best books words of wisdom" (D&C 88:118). Surely these books must include the scriptures. Alongside them must be the words of the Presidents of the Church. The Lord said of the President of the Church, "His word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth" (D&C 21:5). These books make up what has been referred to as "the Lord's library"—namely the standard works and the various volumes that contain the words of the different Presidents of the Church. Of the latter volumes, that which would be of greatest importance to you would be the words of the current President of the Church, for his words are directed to our day and our needs. ("In His Steps," in 1979 Devotional Speeches of the Year [Provo, Utah: BYU Press, 1980], p. 61.)
Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p.333
For the next six months your conference edition of the Ensign should stand next to your standard works and be referred to frequently. As my dear friend and brother Harold B. Lee said, we should let these conference addresses "be the guide to [our] walk and talk during the next six months. These are the important matters the Lord sees fit to reveal to this people in this day." (CR April 1946, p. 68.) (CR April 1988, Ensign 18 [May 1988]: 84.)
Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p.404-405
We know that Satan has great power to deceive, and because of this, we must be aware. The safeguard against his sophistry and deception has been specified by revelation. We are to give heed to the words of eternal life. In other words, we must understand and live by the revelations the Lord has granted to His prophets. These are contained in the four standard works and the written and public declarations of our current prophet. ("Three Imperative Responsibilities," London England Area Conference, 19-20 June 1976.)
James R. Clark, Messages of the First Presidency, Vol.6, p.209
"These four constitute the 'Standard Works of the Church' and are the ultimate authority on all matters of doctrine, save where the Lord shall have given or shall give further revelation through the prescribed source for such, the President of the Church.
Bruce R. McConkie, A New Witness for the Articles of Faith, p.405
We speak of the Bible as being a canon of scripture, meaning it consists of books that are recognized as authoritative guides in matters of faith, doctrine, and conduct. A canon is a standard, or principle, or rule of doctrine and faith by which all else is measured. It is common among Latter-day Saints to speak of their four volumes of scripture as the standard works. Thus the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price, as well as the Bible, are canonical books.
Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol.3, SCRIPTURE
The more restrictive view of what constitutes scripture would include only what is called "the scriptures"—that is, the four standard works: the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. These constitute the canonized, authoritative corpus of revealed writings against which all else is measured. President Joseph Fielding Smith taught, "My words, and the teachings of any other member of the Church, high or low, if they do not square with the revelations, we need not accept them…. We have accepted the four standard works as the measuring yardsticks, or balances, by which we measure every man's doctrine" (DS 3:203).
Bruce H. Porter
Joseph Fielding Smith Jr., Doctrines of Salvation, Vol.1, p.322
The Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price including the Articles of Faith, have been received by the vote of the Church in general conference assembled as the standard works of the Church. On this platform we stand. The Church is not responsible for the remarks made by any elder or for the numerous books that have been written. The authors of the words or books must be responsible for their own utterances.
Joseph Fielding Smith Jr., Doctrines of Salvation, Vol.3, p.203
STANDARD WORKS JUDGE TEACHINGS OF ALL MEN. It makes no difference what is written or what anyone has said, if what has been said is in conflict with what the Lord has revealed, we can set it aside. My words, and the teaching of any other member of the Church, high or low, if they do not square with the revelations, we need not accept them. Let us have this matter clear. We have accepted the four standard works as the measuring yardsticks, or balances, by which we measure every man's doctrine.
Joseph Fielding Smith Jr., Doctrines of Salvation, Vol.3, p.203
You cannot accept the books written by the authorities of the Church as standards in doctrine, only in so far as they accord with the revealed word in the standard works.
Joseph Fielding Smith, Answers to Gospel Questions, Vol.1, p.xviii
The reason for these answers to questions is to endeavor to settle once and for all time the problems discussed, which occur and re-occur so frequently, yet are answered in the revelations in the Standard Works; moreover with the thought in mind to stimulate members of the Church to spend a little more of their spare time in personal search. Of far more profit is a fact discovered by research than by information received. The impression on the mind lasts longer.
STANDARD WORKS ARE THE FOUNDATION OF OUR FAITH
Joseph Fielding Smith, Answers to Gospel Questions, Vol.2, p.113
The Lord has given us the four Standards which lie at the foundation of our faith. Each member of the Church should be so well versed that he, or she, would be able to discern whether or not any doctrine taught conforms to the revealed word of the Lord. Moreover, the members of the Church are entitled, if they are fully keeping the commandments and covenants the Lord has given us, to have the spirit of discernment. The fact remains, however, that too many of the members have not taken advantage of their blessings and obligations, and therefore they are unable to distinguish between truth and error. The "lay" members of the Church are under obligation to accept the teachings of the authorities, unless they can discover in them some conflict with the revelations and commandments the Lord has given. There are times when the leading brethren have expressed their own opinions on various subjects. This they have a perfect right to do. They have divided on political questions; some belong to one political party and others to another. This they have a perfect right to do, but when the Lord has spoken through his servant who holds the keys, there should be unity among the members of the Church.
Joseph Fielding Smith, Answers to Gospel Questions, Vol.2, p.114
There is nothing more important in the lives of members of the Church than to have the gift of the Holy Ghost. There is nothing of greater importance to the individual member of the Church than the gift of knowledge, and this does not come by observation but by constant study and faith. Each member holding the priesthood should be so well versed that the light of truth would be constantly in his heart. No authority of the Church when guided by the Holy Ghost will ever teach a doctrine that will be contrary to the revealed word of the Lord. He may express an opinion, a personal view, but in doing so he should so declare it. The writings of Paul were not sent forth to the saints in various parts of the world in their completeness as doctrine. There were times when Paul expressed his own opinion. The authorities of the Church have the same privilege, but when they do, they should make it perfectly clear that it is their personal view. When they have the inspiration of the Spirit of the Lord the members of the Church should likewise, by their faith and obedience, have the same Spirit. The Spirit of the Lord will bear witness to our spirits, under such conditions that what has been said is true.
Joseph Fielding Smith, The Signs of the Times, p.21
I said in the beginning of the first talk that I base everything I say upon these Scriptures, that the Standard Works of the Church are the measuring rods the Lord has given us by which we are to measure every doctrine, every theory and teaching, [p.22] and if there is anything that does not conform to that which is given to us in the revelations, we do not have to accept it. Whether I say it or anyone else says it, whether it comes through the philosophy of men, or whenever a statement is made, that is in conflict with what the Lord has revealed, you should know what course to take. So far as I am concerned, I will just put it aside. And I don't care how many men may believe it. I don't care how much backing it has in the world of so-called science or philosophy. If it does not harmonize with what the Lord has revealed, to me it is not worth anything.
Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p.764 STANDARD WORKS
The books, writings, explanations, expositions, views, and theories of even the wisest and greatest men, either in or out of the Church, do not rank with the standard works. Even the writings, teachings, and opinions of the prophets of God are acceptable only to the extent they are in harmony with what God has revealed and what is recorded in the standard works. When the living oracles speak in the name of the Lord or as moved upon by the Holy Ghost, however, their utterances are then binding upon all who hear, and whatever is said will without any exception be found to be in harmony with the standard works. The Lord's house is a house of order, and one truth never contradicts another. (Doctrines of Salvation, vol. 3, pp. 203-204.)
Harold B. Lee, Stand Ye In Holy Places, p.109-110
We have the standard Church works. Why do we call them standard? If there is any teacher who teaches a doctrine that can't be substantiated from the standard church works—and I make one qualification, and that is unless that one be the President of the Church, who alone has the right to declare new doctrine—then you may know by that same token that such a teacher is but expressing his own opinion. If, on the other hand, you have someone teaching a doctrine that cannot be substantiated by the scriptures, and more than that, if it contradicts what is in the standard Church works, you may know that that person is teaching false doctrine, no matter what his position in this church may be. The President of the Church alone may declare the mind and will of God to His people. No officer nor any other church in the world has this high and lofty prerogative. When the President proclaims any such new doctrine, he will declare it to be a revelation from the Lord.
Harold B. Lee, Stand Ye In Holy Places, p.162-163
It is not to be thought that every word spoken by the General Authorities is inspired, or that they are moved upon by the Holy Ghost in everything they write. I don't care what his position is, if he writes something or speaks something that goes beyond anything that you can find in the standard church works, unless that one be the prophet, seer, and revelator—please note that one exception—you may immediately say, "Well, that is his own idea." And if he says something that contradicts what is found in the standard church works, you may know by that same token that it is false, regardless of the position of the man who says it. We can know or have the assurance that they are speaking under inspiration if we so live that we can have a witness that what they are speaking is the word of the Lord. There is only one safety, and that is that we shall live to have the witness to know. President Brigham Young said something to the effect that "the greatest fear I have is that the people of this Church will accept what we say as the will of the Lord without first praying about it and getting the witness within their own hearts that what we say is the word of the Lord."
Harold B. Lee, Stand Ye In Holy Places, p.164
Yes, we believe in a living prophet, seer, and revelator, and I bear you my solemn witness that we have a living prophet, seer, and revelator. We are not dependent only upon the revelations given in the past as contained in our standard works—as wonderful as they are—but we have a mouthpiece to whom God does reveal and is revealing His mind and will. God will never permit him to lead us astray. As has been said, God would remove him out of his place if he should attempt to do it. You have no concern. Let the management and government of God, then, be with the Lord. Do not try to find fault with the management and affairs that pertain to Him alone and by revelation through His prophet—His living prophet, His seer, and His revelator.
Harold B. Lee, Stand Ye In Holy Places, p.202
Summarized, this means that there are four essentials for service in the kingdom of God: (1) We must be ordained, (2) we must teach from the standard church works, (3) we must live as we preach, and, (4) we must teach by the Spirit. ". . . when a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men." (2 Nephi 33:1.)
Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p.43
More than at any time in our history we have need for greater spirituality. The way to develop greater spirituality is to feast on the words of Christ as revealed in the scriptures. One of the most significant happenings in recent Church history is the publication of the new editions of the standard works with the new footnotes and other helps. I think we can say without exaggeration that never before in any dispensation have the Saints been so abundantly blessed with the words of the Lord and His prophets. Now our challenge is to do as the Lord commanded: "Study my word which hath gone forth among the children of men" (D&C 11:22). (CR April 1984, Ensign 14 [May 1984]: 7.)
Joseph Fielding Smith Jr., Doctrines of Salvation, Vol.1, p.322 - p.323
ALL TEACHINGS MUST CONFORM TO REVELATIONS. It is not to be supposed from this that all that has been written outside of the standard works of the Church is discarded and rejected, for these things are profitable as helps in the government of the Church, and to promote faith in the members. The point is this, if in these books mistakes are found, "they are the mistakes of men," and the Church as an organization is not to be held accountable for them, but for that which is received from time to time by vote of the Church, as it comes through the President of the High Priesthood. When the Lord reveals his mind and will, it is to be received, "whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same," but we are not to be judged by unauthorized sayings or deeds.
Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p.137-138
We are admonished to "seek out of the best books words of wisdom" (D&C 88:118). Surely these books must include the scriptures. Alongside them must be the words of the Presidents of the Church. The Lord said of the President of the Church, "His word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth" (D&C 21:5). These books make up what has been referred to as "the Lord's library"—namely the standard works and the various volumes that contain the words of the different Presidents of the Church. Of the latter volumes, that which would be of greatest importance to you would be the words of the current President of the Church, for his words are directed to our day and our needs. ("In His Steps," in 1979 Devotional Speeches of the Year [Provo, Utah: BYU Press, 1980], p. 61.)
Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p.333
For the next six months your conference edition of the Ensign should stand next to your standard works and be referred to frequently. As my dear friend and brother Harold B. Lee said, we should let these conference addresses "be the guide to [our] walk and talk during the next six months. These are the important matters the Lord sees fit to reveal to this people in this day." (CR April 1946, p. 68.) (CR April 1988, Ensign 18 [May 1988]: 84.)
Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p.404-405
We know that Satan has great power to deceive, and because of this, we must be aware. The safeguard against his sophistry and deception has been specified by revelation. We are to give heed to the words of eternal life. In other words, we must understand and live by the revelations the Lord has granted to His prophets. These are contained in the four standard works and the written and public declarations of our current prophet. ("Three Imperative Responsibilities," London England Area Conference, 19-20 June 1976.)
James R. Clark, Messages of the First Presidency, Vol.6, p.209
"These four constitute the 'Standard Works of the Church' and are the ultimate authority on all matters of doctrine, save where the Lord shall have given or shall give further revelation through the prescribed source for such, the President of the Church.
Bruce R. McConkie, A New Witness for the Articles of Faith, p.405
We speak of the Bible as being a canon of scripture, meaning it consists of books that are recognized as authoritative guides in matters of faith, doctrine, and conduct. A canon is a standard, or principle, or rule of doctrine and faith by which all else is measured. It is common among Latter-day Saints to speak of their four volumes of scripture as the standard works. Thus the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price, as well as the Bible, are canonical books.
Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol.3, SCRIPTURE
The more restrictive view of what constitutes scripture would include only what is called "the scriptures"—that is, the four standard works: the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. These constitute the canonized, authoritative corpus of revealed writings against which all else is measured. President Joseph Fielding Smith taught, "My words, and the teachings of any other member of the Church, high or low, if they do not square with the revelations, we need not accept them…. We have accepted the four standard works as the measuring yardsticks, or balances, by which we measure every man's doctrine" (DS 3:203).
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
The False Gods We Worship
by Spencer W. Kimball, Ensign, June 1976
http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=9341fd758096b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1
This message, which President Kimball composed for the Ensign on no less solemn an occasion than the bicentennial of the United States, remains one of the most vivid and sobering prophetic declarations in the history of the Church.
http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=9341fd758096b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1
This message, which President Kimball composed for the Ensign on no less solemn an occasion than the bicentennial of the United States, remains one of the most vivid and sobering prophetic declarations in the history of the Church.
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