I am confused. Can someone clarify

[SamuelTheLamanite]

LDS manual reviewed by the First Presidency teaches, "As you pray for inspiration, you should also confirm your feelings. For example, compare your decisions with the scriptures and the teachings of the living prophets."  In General Conference Elder Andersen taught "True principles are taught frequently and by many. Our doctrine is not difficult to find". The Gospel Topics website states, "Each Gospel Topic includes a brief overview sharing what Latter-day Saints believe about the topic". Right after a "No Death before Fall" talk Gordon B Hinckley confirmed, " The speakers have been inspired, every one of them". I also quoted a Testimony on Mormon.org on "No Death", it probably means many Mormons in the wards have a testimony about it. 

I always confirm my revelations (thoughts or ideas that come to my mind) in the scriptures, general conference, gospel topics, and church manuals, that is the only way it works for me. However, Robert told me "Most people just don't take that approach -- except for evangelical fundamentalist christians, who do not believe in the seeking the Holy Spirit, but who instead believe that they can suss everything out through application of ordinary understanding of mere words spoken or in print."  

 Many here are telling me that some church teachings like The great flood, no death, Book of Mormon historical, traditional marriage could be wrong. If so how am I suppose to know what is inspired and what is not inspired? If many General Conference teachings are wrong then do we even have Conference? Why do we read church manuals and the scriptures? Why do we read the Gospel Topics?

I believe General Conference is inspired by God, so can someone please help me understand how is General Conference a guide if we start to assume that some teachings could be wrong? If some teachings are wrong I don't see how it can be reliable 

 

[ksfisher]

10 minutes ago, SamuelTheLamanite said:

LDS manual reviewed by the First Presidency teaches, "As you pray for inspiration, you should also confirm your feelings. For example, compare your decisions with the scriptures and the teachings of the living prophets."  In General Conference Elder Andersen taught "True principles are taught frequently and by many. Our doctrine is not difficult to find". The Gospel Topics website states, "Each Gospel Topic includes a brief overview sharing what Latter-day Saints believe about the topic". Right after a "No Death before Fall" talk Gordon B Hinckley confirmed, " The speakers have been inspired, every one of them". I also quoted a Testimony on Mormon.org on "No Death", it probably means many Mormons in the wards have a testimony about it. 

I always confirm my revelations (thoughts or ideas that come to my mind) in the scriptures, general conference, gospel topics, and church manuals, that is the only way it works for me. However, Robert told me "Most people just don't take that approach -- except for evangelical fundamentalist christians, who do not believe in the seeking the Holy Spirit, but who instead believe that they can suss everything out through application of ordinary understanding of mere words spoken or in print."  

 Many here are telling me that some church teachings like The great flood, no death, Book of Mormon historical, traditional marriage could be wrong. If so how am I suppose to know what is inspired and what is not inspired? If many General Conference teachings are wrong then do we even have Conference? Why do we read church manuals and the scriptures? Why do we read the Gospel Topics?

I believe General Conference is inspired by God, so can someone please help me understand how is General Conference a guide if we start to assume that some teachings could be wrong? If some teachings are wrong I don't see how it can be reliable 

 

Just to take one thing you've mentioned, but is "No Death Before the Fall" really important to you right now?  Personally I really don't see that it has any real bearing on my life.  Same with the flood and the Tower of Babel.  They are all very far down the list of things that I need to deal with every day.

The things that are important to me are things like my wife and children.  Having a testimony of the priesthood and its sesling power is important.  Understanding the church's teaching on family and marriage helps reinforce my comitment to my family. 

A testimony of Christ's atonment gives me hope.  Hearing our leaders speak and them sharing their testimonies stregthens mine.  Reading the scriptures also helps me strenghten my testimony.  I believe in the historocity of the Book of Mormon, but this is of secondary imprtance to it's power in testifying of Christ. 

I believe in keeping an open mind and being mentally and spiritually flexible.  But at the same time believe in keeping all the commandments to the best of mt ability and understanding.

I believe that the leaders of our church are called of God.  I also believe that they are people who are not perfect.  I sustain them in their callings.  I belive they are doing their very best to lead the church.  

There are alot of negative voices on this discusion board.  Some of those voices are clothed in very fine sheeps clothing.  Don't let them get you down.  Your testimony is yours.  It is a gift from the Spirtit.  Hold onto it.  Guard it with all your might.  But don't base that testimony on things that don't matter.  Base it on Christ.

 

[The Nehor]

I think I am one of those you complain of and I love General Conference. It is a feast and when I go jogging I often listen again to the messages.

As to certainty, I do not worry as much about it as I used to. I do not know about the Flood or how the Garden worked without death or many other things and I am okay with that.

The greatest gospel teacher I ever knew once made the comment that the class should have heard him teach in his 20s and 30s when he had all the answers. He said now he knows about Christ and the atonement and the basic principles of the gospel but is less certain of the rest.

Most people reach a point in gospel progression where this starts to happen. You still crave knowledge but tidbits about the flood and historical facts start to lose their luster and certainty. I still remember what I knew when I wrote Bible timelines and calculated the date of the Second Coming but all that pales compared to the basic revelation and knowledge I need to navigate to the end of my life.

Maybe that will not happen for you. It is not part of the General gospel plan. I can tell you I am not an apostate. The struggles and trials I endure continue to refine me. Not saying that is the case with everyone. To some doubting certainties is the way out. They are not being guided by the Spirit.

If you are receiving revelation and growing do not worry whether your fellow saints accept that death may not have started in the world 6000 years ago or believe the flood flood was limited or whatever. No one was ever damned for doing so. And you should be fine. Joseph Smith taught no one was ever damned for believing too much either. Just do not become dogmatic. That is the surest way I know to limit revelation.

[JulieM]

Samuel, I think everything you're doing and reading and listening to is great.  Our church leaders are inspired and we can learn much from them.  Just remember that you can also receive inspiration for yourself and for your own life.  Also don't put leaders up on such a high pedestal that you fall when they make mistakes (which they admit the do and they never claim to be infallible or perfect).  Just study and pray and learn on your own too.

Edited August 31, 2017 by JulieM

[mfbukowski]

1 hour ago, SamuelTheLamanite said:

LDS manual reviewed by the First Presidency teaches, "As you pray for inspiration, you should also confirm your feelings. For example, compare your decisions with the scriptures and the teachings of the living prophets."  In General Conference Elder Andersen taught "True principles are taught frequently and by many. Our doctrine is not difficult to find". The Gospel Topics website states, "Each Gospel Topic includes a brief overview sharing what Latter-day Saints believe about the topic". Right after a "No Death before Fall" talk Gordon B Hinckley confirmed, " The speakers have been inspired, every one of them". I also quoted a Testimony on Mormon.org on "No Death", it probably means many Mormons in the wards have a testimony about it. 

I always confirm my revelations (thoughts or ideas that come to my mind) in the scriptures, general conference, gospel topics, and church manuals, that is the only way it works for me. However, Robert told me "Most people just don't take that approach -- except for evangelical fundamentalist christians, who do not believe in the seeking the Holy Spirit, but who instead believe that they can suss everything out through application of ordinary understanding of mere words spoken or in print."  

 Many here are telling me that some church teachings like The great flood, no death, Book of Mormon historical, traditional marriage could be wrong. If so how am I suppose to know what is inspired and what is not inspired? If many General Conference teachings are wrong then do we even have Conference? Why do we read church manuals and the scriptures? Why do we read the Gospel Topics?

I believe General Conference is inspired by God, so can someone please help me understand how is General Conference a guide if we start to assume that some teachings could be wrong? If some teachings are wrong I don't see how it can be reliable 

 

You can only rely on the spirit within you to confirm things.  You need to use the mind God gave you, not what humans tell you.  Go to God for answers- that is what it says in Moroni 10:4- James 1:5 and other places

What if Joseph only believed what others told him?

He restored personal revelation.  Use it.  If you already have a testimony of General Conference, then you have no problem.

Edited August 31, 2017 by mfbukowski

[stemelbow]

9 hours ago, SamuelTheLamanite said:

If so how am I suppose to know what is inspired and what is not inspired?

 

Living by faith means we don't know.  We guess and hope for the best, in some cases.  On other cases we rely on what we think we know and pretend it means we know and our objective enough to know. 

[jkwilliams]

9 hours ago, SamuelTheLamanite said:

Many here are telling me that some church teachings like The great flood, no death, Book of Mormon historical, traditional marriage could be wrong. If so how am I suppose to know what is inspired and what is not inspired? If many General Conference teachings are wrong then do we even have Conference? Why do we read church manuals and the scriptures? Why do we read the Gospel Topics?

I believe General Conference is inspired by God, so can someone please help me understand how is General Conference a guide if we start to assume that some teachings could be wrong? If some teachings are wrong I don't see how it can be reliable 

I doubt anyone here (well, maybe us apostates) is telling you that church teachings could be wrong. The issue is whether we have a proper understanding of those teachings. Some people are hyperliteral and say, If the scriptures say there was no death before the Fall, then there was no death, and therefore evolution is false. Others realize that the evidence is overwhelming that all living things, including humans, have evolved from earlier life forms, so they decide that perhaps the hyperliteral understanding of the scriptures is wrong. I know plenty of people who believe in the scriptures and the doctrines of the church and believe in the things you say are opposed to church doctrine.

[CV75]

10 hours ago, SamuelTheLamanite said:

LDS manual reviewed by the First Presidency teaches, "As you pray for inspiration, you should also confirm your feelings. For example, compare your decisions with the scriptures and the teachings of the living prophets."  In General Conference Elder Andersen taught "True principles are taught frequently and by many. Our doctrine is not difficult to find". The Gospel Topics website states, "Each Gospel Topic includes a brief overview sharing what Latter-day Saints believe about the topic". Right after a "No Death before Fall" talk Gordon B Hinckley confirmed, " The speakers have been inspired, every one of them". I also quoted a Testimony on Mormon.org on "No Death", it probably means many Mormons in the wards have a testimony about it. 

I always confirm my revelations (thoughts or ideas that come to my mind) in the scriptures, general conference, gospel topics, and church manuals, that is the only way it works for me. However, Robert told me "Most people just don't take that approach -- except for evangelical fundamentalist christians, who do not believe in the seeking the Holy Spirit, but who instead believe that they can suss everything out through application of ordinary understanding of mere words spoken or in print."  

 Many here are telling me that some church teachings like The great flood, no death, Book of Mormon historical, traditional marriage could be wrong. If so how am I suppose to know what is inspired and what is not inspired? If many General Conference teachings are wrong then do we even have Conference? Why do we read church manuals and the scriptures? Why do we read the Gospel Topics?

I believe General Conference is inspired by God, so can someone please help me understand how is General Conference a guide if we start to assume that some teachings could be wrong? If some teachings are wrong I don't see how it can be reliable

I think so few things are so completely literally or so completely figuratively correct that it matters. When we pray, the matter at hand is correct enough for our salvation, whether it is actual or symbolic. “The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it.” (Joseph Smith) I take my spiritual witness concerning Jesus Christ as both actual and literal. The appendages have all sorts of nuances we can take with a grain of salt and still do the works of Jesus. But overall, the Restoration occurred and is still occurring, the Book of Mormon is true, the Church is true, etc.

[clarkgoble]

11 hours ago, SamuelTheLamanite said:

I believe General Conference is inspired by God, so can someone please help me understand how is General Conference a guide if we start to assume that some teachings could be wrong? If some teachings are wrong I don't see how it can be reliable 

How accurate in details does something have to be to be reliable? If something isn't the focus on a talk but gets mentioned in passing, does it matter if there's a minor mistake? (I don't think so) If conference is 95% accurate that would be more accurate than scientific papers (which rarely get to 20% replication). 

More or less I suspect your question isn't really about conference or the Brethren but how things that aren't infallible can be reliable. Yet I imagine the majority of things you depend upon day to day as reliable aren't nearly so reliable.

[Tacenda]

11 hours ago, SamuelTheLamanite said:

LDS manual reviewed by the First Presidency teaches, "As you pray for inspiration, you should also confirm your feelings. For example, compare your decisions with the scriptures and the teachings of the living prophets."  In General Conference Elder Andersen taught "True principles are taught frequently and by many. Our doctrine is not difficult to find". The Gospel Topics website states, "Each Gospel Topic includes a brief overview sharing what Latter-day Saints believe about the topic". Right after a "No Death before Fall" talk Gordon B Hinckley confirmed, " The speakers have been inspired, every one of them". I also quoted a Testimony on Mormon.org on "No Death", it probably means many Mormons in the wards have a testimony about it. 

I always confirm my revelations (thoughts or ideas that come to my mind) in the scriptures, general conference, gospel topics, and church manuals, that is the only way it works for me. However, Robert told me "Most people just don't take that approach -- except for evangelical fundamentalist christians, who do not believe in the seeking the Holy Spirit, but who instead believe that they can suss everything out through application of ordinary understanding of mere words spoken or in print."  

 Many here are telling me that some church teachings like The great flood, no death, Book of Mormon historical, traditional marriage could be wrong. If so how am I suppose to know what is inspired and what is not inspired? If many General Conference teachings are wrong then do we even have Conference? Why do we read church manuals and the scriptures? Why do we read the Gospel Topics?

I believe General Conference is inspired by God, so can someone please help me understand how is General Conference a guide if we start to assume that some teachings could be wrong? If some teachings are wrong I don't see how it can be reliable 

 

Watch out for the rabbit hole.

[smac97]

11 hours ago, SamuelTheLamanite said:

LDS manual reviewed by the First Presidency teaches, "As you pray for inspiration, you should also confirm your feelings. For example, compare your decisions with the scriptures and the teachings of the living prophets."  In General Conference Elder Andersen taught "True principles are taught frequently and by many. Our doctrine is not difficult to find". The Gospel Topics website states, "Each Gospel Topic includes a brief overview sharing what Latter-day Saints believe about the topic".

Yes and yes.

11 hours ago, SamuelTheLamanite said:

Right after a "No Death before Fall" talk Gordon B Hinckley confirmed, " The speakers have been inspired, every one of them".

Generally?  Yes.  Perfectly and infallibly in every word, phrase, and connotation?  Not quite.

11 hours ago, SamuelTheLamanite said:

I also quoted a Testimony on Mormon.org on "No Death", it probably means many Mormons in the wards have a testimony about it. 

And many, I suspect, do not.

11 hours ago, SamuelTheLamanite said:

I always confirm my revelations (thoughts or ideas that come to my mind) in the scriptures, general conference, gospel topics, and church manuals, that is the only way it works for me.

I think many of us try to do that.  And yet we will still, to some extent, "see through a glass, darkly" (1 Cor. 13:12).  We do not have a perfect understanding of the Gospel.  Not now, probably not ever in this life.  This is why we must rely upon God "giving line upon line, precept upon precept; here a little, and there a little" (D&C 128:21), why "he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day."  (D&C 50:24).

11 hours ago, SamuelTheLamanite said:

However, Robert told me "Most people just don't take that approach -- except for evangelical fundamentalist christians, who do not believe in the seeking the Holy Spirit, but who instead believe that they can suss everything out through application of ordinary understanding of mere words spoken or in print."  

I'll let Robert respond, but I strongly suspect he did not mean to criticize the "approach" of using scriptures, general conference talks, church manuals, etc. and personal revelation.

Consider these remarks by Michael Ash:

Quote

In a previous installment I explained that Roman Catholics take a three-legged tripod-like approach to determining truth—Scripture, Tradition, and the Pope. I believe that we Latter-day Saints are asked to take a four-legged approach to truth, like the four legs of a stool. These would include: Scripture, Prophets, Personal Revelation, and Reason. By utilizing the methodologies for all four of these tools, we have a better chance of accurately determining what is true.

That sounds about right.

11 hours ago, SamuelTheLamanite said:

 Many here are telling me that some church teachings like The great flood, no death, Book of Mormon historical, traditional marriage could be wrong.

I'm not sure what "could be wrong" means.

11 hours ago, SamuelTheLamanite said:

If so how am I suppose to know what is inspired and what is not inspired?

Mike Ash's recommendation above seems to work.  Also, "knowing" is a tricky concept.  "For we walk by faith not by sight."  (2 Cor. 5:7).  "Now I ask, is this faith? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for if a man knoweth a thing he hath no cause to believe, for he knoweth it."  (1 Nephi 32:18).

I think we need to be firm in the fundamentals, but have some flexibility in the appendages.

11 hours ago, SamuelTheLamanite said:

If many General Conference teachings are wrong then do we even have Conference?

Who said "many?"  And what do you mean by "wrong?"

11 hours ago, SamuelTheLamanite said:

Why do we read church manuals and the scriptures? Why do we read the Gospel Topics?

To gain light and knowledge, which is more a journey/process than an destination/event.

11 hours ago, SamuelTheLamanite said:

I believe General Conference is inspired by God, so can someone please help me understand how is General Conference a guide if we start to assume that some teachings could be wrong? If some teachings are wrong I don't see how it can be reliable 

Who is assuming this?

Also, what are your thoughts about infallibility?  Do you think the Brethren are infallible?

Thanks,

-Smac

[hope_for_things]

11 hours ago, SamuelTheLamanite said:

LDS manual reviewed by the First Presidency teaches, "As you pray for inspiration, you should also confirm your feelings. For example, compare your decisions with the scriptures and the teachings of the living prophets."  In General Conference Elder Andersen taught "True principles are taught frequently and by many. Our doctrine is not difficult to find". The Gospel Topics website states, "Each Gospel Topic includes a brief overview sharing what Latter-day Saints believe about the topic". Right after a "No Death before Fall" talk Gordon B Hinckley confirmed, " The speakers have been inspired, every one of them". I also quoted a Testimony on Mormon.org on "No Death", it probably means many Mormons in the wards have a testimony about it. 

I always confirm my revelations (thoughts or ideas that come to my mind) in the scriptures, general conference, gospel topics, and church manuals, that is the only way it works for me. However, Robert told me "Most people just don't take that approach -- except for evangelical fundamentalist christians, who do not believe in the seeking the Holy Spirit, but who instead believe that they can suss everything out through application of ordinary understanding of mere words spoken or in print."  

 Many here are telling me that some church teachings like The great flood, no death, Book of Mormon historical, traditional marriage could be wrong. If so how am I suppose to know what is inspired and what is not inspired? If many General Conference teachings are wrong then do we even have Conference? Why do we read church manuals and the scriptures? Why do we read the Gospel Topics?

I believe General Conference is inspired by God, so can someone please help me understand how is General Conference a guide if we start to assume that some teachings could be wrong? If some teachings are wrong I don't see how it can be reliable 

Nice post, you are beginning to see complexity in what you earlier thought was very clear and straightforward.  Congratulations, this is one step on the path of adult development.  Yet its a scary and difficult step to take.  You may feel strong emotions and a desire to cling to the safety of teachings you felt were secure in the past.  But that secure feeling is also in question because of new information you have that places those earlier paradigms in question.  Here is advice I received from a member of my stake presidency as I started down this path a few years back and as I was feeling great anxiety and even some guilt over exploring these questions.

Take things slowly and research deeply.  Don't just expect that some new information provides an easy answer.  As you dig further into any of these questions you will find more complexity at first, I encourage you to continue that exploration.  Also, go easy on yourself, if you're feeling guilt or shame or a sense you are doubting in a negative way, just recognize that you're growing, and God loves you and may very well be calling you to take this path for purposes that you can't possibly understand at this time in your journey.  Trust in the journey, all these things will be for your experience and good.  

[HappyJackWagon]

2 hours ago, jkwilliams said:

I doubt anyone here (well, maybe us apostates) is telling you that church teachings could be wrong. The issue is whether we have a proper understanding of those teachings. Some people are hyperliteral and say, If the scriptures say there was no death before the Fall, then there was no death, and therefore evolution is false. Others realize that the evidence is overwhelming that all living things, including humans, have evolved from earlier life forms, so they decide that perhaps the hyperliteral understanding of the scriptures is wrong. I know plenty of people who believe in the scriptures and the doctrines of the church and believe in the things you say are opposed to church doctrine.

The problem is that it often becomes the case that an individual must privilege the teachings of one prophet over another. So Samuel the Lamanite's question is good. How can he know who to believe when prophets and teachings are not in harmony with each other. When it becomes apparent that there is disharmony about things which were once proclaimed by the prophet as doctrine, only to have a modern prophet disavow the "theory" then things get super messy and people are left to wonder and lose trust in the leader that is more fallible than they previously supposed.

So it's not just "apostates" who are recognizing the church teachings could be, and have been wrong. 

 

BTW- haven't seen you here for a while. Welcome back.

 

Edited August 31, 2017 by HappyJackWagon

[ALarson]

6 minutes ago, HappyJackWagon said:

The problem is that it often becomes the case that an individual must privilege the teachings of one prophet over another. So Samuel the Lamanite's question is good. How can he know who to believe when prophets and teachings are not in harmony with each other. When it becomes apparent that there is disharmony about things which were once proclaimed by the prophet as doctrine, only to have a modern prophet disavow the "theory" then things get super messy and people are left to wonder and lose trust in the leader that is more fallible than they previously supposed.

So it's not just "apostates" who are recognizing the church teachings could be, and have been wrong. 

I agree and I think this is what Samuel is struggling with (to the point of accusing Satan of changing church records rather than admitting a past Prophet was wrong regarding the doctrine they were teaching).

Part of the problem too is that some absolutely will not acknowledge that some doctrine has evolved or changed and he's probably read this.

Overall, I think he's been given some good advise here on this thread.

[ALarson]

12 hours ago, SamuelTheLamanite said:

LDS manual reviewed by the First Presidency teaches, "As you pray for inspiration, you should also confirm your feelings. For example, compare your decisions with the scriptures and the teachings of the living prophets."  In General Conference Elder Andersen taught "True principles are taught frequently and by many. Our doctrine is not difficult to find". The Gospel Topics website states, "Each Gospel Topic includes a brief overview sharing what Latter-day Saints believe about the topic". Right after a "No Death before Fall" talk Gordon B Hinckley confirmed, " The speakers have been inspired, every one of them". I also quoted a Testimony on Mormon.org on "No Death", it probably means many Mormons in the wards have a testimony about it. 

I always confirm my revelations (thoughts or ideas that come to my mind) in the scriptures, general conference, gospel topics, and church manuals, that is the only way it works for me. However, Robert told me "Most people just don't take that approach -- except for evangelical fundamentalist christians, who do not believe in the seeking the Holy Spirit, but who instead believe that they can suss everything out through application of ordinary understanding of mere words spoken or in print."  

 Many here are telling me that some church teachings like The great flood, no death, Book of Mormon historical, traditional marriage could be wrong. If so how am I suppose to know what is inspired and what is not inspired? If many General Conference teachings are wrong then do we even have Conference? Why do we read church manuals and the scriptures? Why do we read the Gospel Topics?

I believe General Conference is inspired by God, so can someone please help me understand how is General Conference a guide if we start to assume that some teachings could be wrong? If some teachings are wrong I don't see how it can be reliable 

 

All of this that you're doing is good, Samuel.  But you maybe should start to adjust to the fact that past leaders and Prophets have been wrong about some of their teachings.  Remember that they are fallible.  The Adam God Doctrine taught by BY is a good example of this.

Also, I wouldn't look to GC talks for any sort of deep doctrine or any discussion of many of the difficult historical issues (Joseph's polygamy for example).  You will need to start doing some of your own research and reading if you want to find information on those and then like others have stated, pray about them and receive your own inspiration and guidance regarding what is the truth.

Edited August 31, 2017 by ALarson

[jkwilliams]

13 minutes ago, HappyJackWagon said:

The problem is that it often becomes the case that an individual must privilege the teachings of one prophet over another. So Samuel the Lamanite's question is good. How can he know who to believe when prophets and teachings are not in harmony with each other. When it becomes apparent that there is disharmony about things which were once proclaimed by the prophet as doctrine, only to have a modern prophet disavow the "theory" then things get super messy and people are left to wonder and lose trust in the leader that is more fallible than they previously supposed.

So it's not just "apostates" who are recognizing the church teachings could be, and have been wrong. 

BTW- haven't seen you here for a while. Welcome back.

I totally understand that. Again, I think it's a hyperliteral reading not only of scripture but of the teachings of church leaders that is the problem. The only way their words would never been in conflict is if they were infallible, which is clearly not the case, so you have to go in with the understanding that they aren't always inspired, that they are humans who make mistakes. So, again, the church teaches that it's up to the member to sort out what is inspired or not, with the help of the spirit, of course. 

[JLHPROF]

12 hours ago, SamuelTheLamanite said:

LDS manual reviewed by the First Presidency teaches, "As you pray for inspiration, you should also confirm your feelings. For example, compare your decisions with the scriptures and the teachings of the living prophets."  In General Conference Elder Andersen taught "True principles are taught frequently and by many. Our doctrine is not difficult to find". The Gospel Topics website states, "Each Gospel Topic includes a brief overview sharing what Latter-day Saints believe about the topic". Right after a "No Death before Fall" talk Gordon B Hinckley confirmed, " The speakers have been inspired, every one of them". I also quoted a Testimony on Mormon.org on "No Death", it probably means many Mormons in the wards have a testimony about it. 

I always confirm my revelations (thoughts or ideas that come to my mind) in the scriptures, general conference, gospel topics, and church manuals, that is the only way it works for me. However, Robert told me "Most people just don't take that approach -- except for evangelical fundamentalist christians, who do not believe in the seeking the Holy Spirit, but who instead believe that they can suss everything out through application of ordinary understanding of mere words spoken or in print."  

 Many here are telling me that some church teachings like The great flood, no death, Book of Mormon historical, traditional marriage could be wrong. If so how am I suppose to know what is inspired and what is not inspired? If many General Conference teachings are wrong then do we even have Conference? Why do we read church manuals and the scriptures? Why do we read the Gospel Topics?

I believe General Conference is inspired by God, so can someone please help me understand how is General Conference a guide if we start to assume that some teachings could be wrong? If some teachings are wrong I don't see how it can be reliable 

 

We've set ourselves up for these doubts.
Many things taught in previous General Conferences are no longer accepted by our current leaders.
This gives us pause to question whether those things taught in current General Conferences may be considered false by future leaders in a future General Conference.

I believe something is either true or not.  Whether or not it is the currently accepted teaching should be irrelevant.

[JAHS]

12 hours ago, SamuelTheLamanite said:

Many here are telling me that some church teachings like The great flood, no death, Book of Mormon historical, traditional marriage could be wrong.

Don't trust everything you read on this board; it's not all official doctrine or policy. Stick to what you are already doing.

[clarkgoble]

1 hour ago, HappyJackWagon said:

So it's not just "apostates" who are recognizing the church teachings could be, and have been wrong. 

Prophets have stated rather regularly we have no doctrine of infallibility.

[jkwilliams]

24 minutes ago, clarkgoble said:

Prophets have stated rather regularly we have no doctrine of infallibility.

My dad used to say, "We don't believe in prophetic infallibility. We just act like we do."

[hope_for_things]

39 minutes ago, clarkgoble said:

Prophets have stated rather regularly we have no doctrine of infallibility.

Yeah, but they want to have it both ways.  Trust us, we won't lead you astray.  Oh, and we're fallible too.  

[HappyJackWagon]

1 hour ago, clarkgoble said:

Prophets have stated rather regularly we have no doctrine of infallibility.

True. But that only works if you're claiming fallibility of a past prophet and the current prophet agrees with you. If you claim fallibility of a current prophet you're an apostate. IOW- leaders and members alike tend to act like the current prophet is infallible.

 

[smac97]

1 hour ago, hope_for_things said:

Yeah, but they want to have it both ways.  Trust us, we won't lead you astray.  Oh, and we're fallible too.  

I think there is a vast and profound difference between leading the Church "astray" and infallibility.

Vast.  Profound.

Thanks,

-Smac

[hope_for_things]

6 minutes ago, smac97 said:

I think there is a vast and profound difference between leading the Church "astray" and infallibility.

Vast.  Profound.

Thanks,

-Smac

All the evidence I've seen throughout my life from church leaders convinces me that many of the leaders value allegiance over independence of thought.  I haven't seen any clear articulations from the church or from its prophets/apostles that distinguish between this profound difference that you say exists.  If you can point me to that evidence I will reconsider.  

But from everything I can think of, the church wants obedience and conformance to leadership first and foremost in a way that essentially is equivalent to an infallibility mentality.  Only in hindsight will the church admit mistakes, never in the present, and generally the admission of a mistake is a very soft admission, never a clear denouncement of the past and the past teachings.  As Elder Oaks recently articulated the word apology doesn't exist in the scriptures and the church doesn't apologize.  The arrogance is palpable.  

[clarkgoble]

2 hours ago, jkwilliams said:

My dad used to say, "We don't believe in prophetic infallibility. We just act like we do."

I think that's overstated. If people believed in infallibility many more people would have food storage and do their home teaching each month.