For Members: Do You Feel Your Doctrinal Beliefs Are Pretty Standard?

[JLHPROF]

I am consistently in awe (I used to be surprised but that has long since passed) at how many varying viewpoints on doctrine there are among the rank and file members.  This board makes that very clear on a daily basis.  This is both good and fascinating.

However:

I am curious how people see their differing viewpoints.

For example in the last few pages firm members of the Church have debated vehemently -

 

The Flood

Polygamy

Polyandry

Eternal Progression

Women & The Priesthood

Sealing/Marriage

Dissenting Opinion

Excommunication

and on and on

 

While I certainly don't expect "groupthink" among a Church as diverse as ours, how do you feel you fit into the "standard teachings"?

Edited July 7, 2014 by JLHPROF

[rameumptom]

I believe there are cored doctrines that must be believed in order to be LDS in good standing: just take a look at the baptism or temple questions for the basics.

 

However, once you get beyond the very basics, we move into a gray area where we all try to understand things, looking through a glass darkly (as Paul put it).  We don't know exactly how the atonement happened, we just know it did. We have very basic concepts of the Creation, which differ in the various accounts we have, but we know there was a Creation.  Anytime we step outside of the very basic concept, we are going into contested land. That's why we can have discussions on polygamy, creation, evolution, etc.  The jury is still out, as the Lord has left the possibilities open.

 

We do not have a theology, as we have an open canon and teachings. What we believe today can change tomorrow on many things, except the very core concepts.

 

So, I can agree with the prophets on all the important stuff, and still be very different on the things that get down into the weeds.

[CV75]

"Other"

 

Doctrinally, I pretty much agree with the manual on everything and take the scriptures both literally and/or figuratively, depending on the message.

 

I think the doctrine (at any layer) serves as a springboard for deeper spiritual understanding and meaning as I live my life according to the light that I possess.

[longview]

"Other"

 

Doctrinally, I pretty much agree with the manual on everything and take the scriptures both literally and/or figuratively, depending on the message.

 

I think the doctrine (at any layer) serves as a springboard for deeper spiritual understanding and meaning as I live my life according to the light that I possess.

I voted "other" too.  There is a serious personal responsibility for "searching" the scriptures (as commanded by Jesus).  Jacob (Israel) wrestled.  Job (even though a "perfect" person) needed further struggles.  In addition to personal study, we definitely need to have communion with our fellow saints at Church.

[BCSpace]

I agree wth the Church that everything it officially publishes is official doctrine.  I agree with most of the Church's doctrines.  The are some (hopefully) minor doctrines I disagree with, possibly because of more than one or two of my pet theories.  So I think the second selection is closest to my pov though perhaps not nuanced enough for me to select it.

[Garden Girl]

I have a few things that I question... but the core doctrines are true and correct... the things that I do have questions about do not affect my "salvation" so to speak.  Hopefully my understanding can be enhanced via study and prayer.

 

GG

[mnn727]

A good example of setting up a poll to get your desire answers

[JLHPROF]

A good example of setting up a poll to get your desire answers

 

That's your opinion and you are welcome to it.  Other posters seem to have no issues approximating how in line with standard teachings they fall.  I thought I gave a good spectrum of options.

[The Nehor]

So do you think welfare is an evil subsidizing the lazy who want to eat the bread of hardworking Americans while doing nothing or that people who are against it are gleeful about children and the poor starving to death and are immoral monsters?

[mnn727]

That's your opinion and you are welcome to it.  Other posters seem to have no issues approximating how in line with standard teachings they fall.  I thought I gave a good spectrum of options.

Its the way you phrased the choices that prejudices your poll towards certain answers.

 

(except my one or two pet ideas)

because academia tells me different

but think that many well established "doctrines" aren't true, just opinion.

 unnecessary or simply wrong

[Tacenda]

I am consistently in awe (I used to be surprised but that has long since passed) at how many varying viewpoints on doctrine there are among the rank and file members. This board makes that very clear on a daily basis. This is both good and fascinating.

However:

I am curious how people see their differing viewpoints.

For example in the last few pages firm members of the Church have debated vehemently -

The Flood

Polygamy

Polyandry

Eternal Progression

Women & The Priesthood

Sealing/Marriage

Dissenting Opinion

Excommunication

and on and on

While I certainly don't expect "groupthink" among a Church as diverse as ours, how do you feel you fit into the "standard teachings"?

I think following the brethren is our doctrine, and I think there is "groupthink". From your list, we've had many doctrines go away as if they never existed, so just whatever the brethren teach at the time, or un teach.

[JLHPROF]

Its the way you phrased the choices that prejudices your poll towards certain answers.

 

(except my one or two pet ideas)

because academia tells me different

but think that many well established "doctrines" aren't true, just opinion.

 unnecessary or simply wrong

 

This is why I provided the "other" category.  Some people are so paranoid about being labelled.  If you don't like those options choose other and explain how you think you fit with the standard teachings of the Church.

[thesometimesaint]

Other.

 

Actual doctrines...no problem

Some interpretations, by members...not so much.

[Ahab]

You forgot an option:

I agree with everything the prophets of God teach and have taught as standard (canonized) doctrine of the Church.

I just also accept a lot of their teachings which have not been accepted as standard (or canon).

[JLHPROF]

You forgot an option:

I agree with everything the prophets of God teach and have taught as standard (canonized) doctrine of the Church.

I just also accept a lot of their teachings which have not been accepted as standard (or canon).

 

Maybe - I think that's just the flip side of "I believe in some doctrines, but think that many well established "doctrines" aren't true, just opinion."

[Ahab]

Maybe - I think that's just the flip side of "I believe in some doctrines, but think that many well established "doctrines" aren't true, just opinion."

You mean flip side as in opposite?

There are many well established doctrines in the world which aren't true, but I was talking about teachings from prophets of God, which are always true, otherwise those men would not be speaking as prophets of God.

You do realize a prophet of God is always right, and always telling the truth, don't you?

If you don't then you don't realize what it means to be a prophet of God.

[USU78]

There are not enough hours in the day or time available to me prior to retirement to give an exhaustive answer to why none of the choices is remotely close to my position.

[JLHPROF]

There are not enough hours in the day or time available to me prior to retirement to give an exhaustive answer to why none of the choices is remotely close to my position.

 

Well, does that put you in line with the average member's beliefs or are you a follower of your own ideas?

[thesometimesaint]

You mean flip side as in opposite?

There are many well established doctrines in the world which aren't true, but I was talking about teachings from prophets of God, which are always true, otherwise those men would not be speaking as prophets of God.

You do realize a prophet of God is always right, and always telling the truth, don't you?

If you don't then you don't realize what it means to be a prophet of God.

 

A prophet is only a prophet when acting as such.

Joseph Smith

[Ahab]

There are not enough hours in the day or time available to me prior to retirement to give an exhaustive answer to why none of the choices is remotely close to my position.

How about just a hint? No need for you to be exhausting.

[Ahab]

A prophet is only a prophet when acting as such.

Joseph Smith

Yes, and every time a prophet is acting as a prophet everything he is saying is right and true, otherwise he isn't acting as a prophet and thus is not a prophet of God at that time.

[3DOP]

This is why I provided the "other" category.  Some people are so paranoid about being labelled.  If you don't like those options choose other and explain how you think you fit with the standard teachings of the Church.

 

I think you have made a thoughtful poll. As a non-LDS I am impressed with the wide range of how people view themselves. I also appreciate that it is a public poll so that I can see more clearly how those with whom I interact see themselves individually.

[thesometimesaint]

Yes, and every time a prophet is acting as a prophet everything he is saying is right and true, otherwise he isn't acting as a prophet and thus is not a prophet of God at that time.

 

The question then become when is he or when is he not acting as a prophet? In the Church we have a well established method for doing that. His mere saying it doesn't make it so.

Edited July 10, 2014 by thesometimesaint

[CV75]

A prophet is only a prophet when acting as such.

Joseph Smith

 

Yes, and every time a prophet is acting as a prophet everything he is saying is right and true, otherwise he isn't acting as a prophet and thus is not a prophet of God at that time.

I think that being truly “right” is about receiving (or sustaining) the proper revelation within the proper scope and application at the proper time and through the proper keys. The prophets are right when all these factors align.

 

I think the prophets sometimes operate by their own genius and by the light of their own understanding (or that of their trusted experts)—part of the necessary step of studying it out in their minds in preparation to receive legitimate revelation. But they do it in good faith and with the edifying spirit with which we are to care for each other. In this sense they are still acting as prophets and are also “right” with the Lord even if not having yet received a revelation on a matter they are pondering.

 

But we are only right when we sustain them in either endeavor!

 

So I don’t think it is a problem for the brethren to use their personal wherewithal to state their good-faith position on issues. It isn’t a problem that they sometimes solicit input from experts. It isn’t a problem for an expert (or anyone) to come up with a position or a conclusion on what to do. The problem is in asserting that someone is right when the all the criteria for righteous are not being met.

Edited July 10, 2014 by CV75

[thesometimesaint]

I believe the prophets do act in good faith. and often seek out the best advice possible. I ascribe infallibility to no mortal, and must find out for myself whether what is said is of God or the just their opinion on any given subject. I've never been a big fan of Ezra Taft Benson, but fully supported him in his calling as President and Prophet of the Church.