Doctrinal Essays

Dear Brothers and Sisters, For years I have believed a day of division in our church was coming, but I have always supposed it would be over some controversial political issue, like some of those we have seen in the recent past. Perhaps those issues have caused some division, but I believe there is another division taking place that is closer to the heart of the gospel than those issues. It tugs at the heart and soul of the latter-day church, and the experience of a young boy who knew he could receive divine guidance if he asked for it. Following his miraculous vision, he told his experience to his minister and got the following reaction: "he treated my communication not only lightly, but with great contempt, saying it was all of the devil, that there were no such things as visions or revelations in these days; that all such things had ceased with the apostles, and that there would never be any more of them." ( Joseph Smith - History 1:21 ) I believe in a ch...

The teaching of Jesus concerning False Prophets in Matthew chapter 7 is intriguing. I have often wondered why he taught this peculiar doctrine. The dissenting votes of several of the past General Conferences shed some light on why. Clearly the movement to challenge the legitimacy of the Lord's ordained servants is increasing. But it isn't just dissenting votes of church leaders that compels me. In the last few years I've noticed a number of other warning voices. Many of these voices claim divine manifestations through dreams and visions, and the spirit of prophecy. Unfortunately, the vast majority of church members disregard these 'warners' as false prophets , even though their messages are consistent with core gospel doctrines. The disregard of these warners is an indication to me of a lack of basic doctrinal understanding in the minds and hearts of members, and particularly the doctrine of Prophets and Revelation  (see  9 Basic Doctrines of the Church ). I be...