Are General Conference talks scripture?

[OneEternalSonata]

In many discussions on this forum, which materials are doctrine and which are not is up for debate. I'd like to clarify this in my mind. As I understand it, our LDS doctrine is contained in our Standard Works, the Bible, BoM, D&C, and the POGP. So, would this make GC talks the interpretation of doctrine, or doctrine themselves as they become scripture? Are GC talks just as authoritative as verses from the Standard Works?

If so, what of the General Conference talks in the JoD? (I realize that the GC talks extant in the JoD may be quoted by a source without authority recognized by the Church. Church leaders have pointed out inaccuracies that have led to heresies. My notes taken during GC with good intent wouldn't be official doctrine or authoritative for that same reason, as it is my limited interpretation which has flaws because of said limitations.)

[bytebear]

Their guidance is scripture but only until the next conference when new guidance comes. Any doctrinal proclamation however, must be sustained by the church in an official capacity before it becomes canon.

The JOD are not necessarily the same as conference talks. They were written by second hand witnesses, and not by the speaker. Nor were they approved or edited by the apostles, and they were never sustained or approved by the body of the church. So, they are useful from a historic standpoint, but are in no way considered declarations of truth, as the Ensign transcripts are.

[OneEternalSonata]

The JOD are not necessarily the same as conference talks. They were written by second hand witnesses, and not by the speaker. Nor were they approved or edited by the apostles, and they were never sustained or approved by the body of the church.

Exactly my thinking.

[tubaloth]

The LDS doctrine isn't as cut and drive as we would like it. Honestly the easyer answer to what is doctrine actually I feel comes more down to the spirit. If the spirit testifies of this doctrine/true then its binding on ME. So for this reason things can be confusing.

In theory Conference talks SHOULD be scripture if they are prepared (and delivered) by the spirit. (2 Nephi 33:1). I don't know if there really is much difference between the interpretation of doctrine and doctrine. I mean if there is a new way view a doctrine, is that new doctrine?

So what this does mean is in theory Doctrine can come anywhere. If my stake president gets up and talks, he is teaching me and its scripture for me and my stake. But that doesn't mean its scripture for the rest of the church.

This is where the Journal Of Discourse comes in. There are times where the discourse was to whole church, other times it was some local meeting (and then the worst sent to the world).

The key I feel in the end is the Spirit! Thats why we have it!

J. Reuben Clark Jr. gave a talk titled "When are Church Leaders' Words Entitled to the Claim of Scripture" Its a great talk! The problem is it was given to Semenary and Instatute teachers. (so kind of hard to find). But a google search brought this

http://emp.byui.edu/MARROTTR/ClarkWhenAreWritings.pdf

[OneEternalSonata]

Agreed, tubaloth. The Spirit reveals doctrine. Thus, confirmation is so important.

I mean if there is a new way view a doctrine, is that new doctrine?

At times, it is a continuation of doctrine, unless man could get a view of the doctrine that Heavenly Father couldn't. (Absurd, I know.) To me, some doctrinal statements seem to expire, so to speak. Meaning God may reveal something that is prudent for a time, then revoke, replace, or fulfill it later. (eg: The Mosaic Law) Whereas, we know that the Atonement will stand forever, that God won't suddenly revoke or replace it. I may be thinking incorrectly here, I readily admit my statements could be wrong. Edited December 13, 2009 by OneEternalSonata

[Justice]

My short answer is yes.

[OneEternalSonata]

Justice, I appreciate the depth of your posts, would you be willing to give your long answer?

[Flyonthewall]

Scripture is derived from the words of the prophets. Though they are not part of our canon, they are still words of the prophets.

[Vanhin]

Vanhin's long answer, is that if what any member teaches, anywhere, is in harmony with the official doctrine of the Church, as found in the Standard Works, they constitute scripture to us, and we should heed them as such. That is what I believe the Spirit will instruct them to teach.

If someone, for instance, teaches doctrine that goes beyond the official doctrine, it is not scripture. An exception to this, would be if the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve were presenting additions or changes to the standard works, they would present it to us in conference for our sustaining vote. Those additions or changes would then be added to the official canon of scripture.

Regards,

Vanhin

[Justice]

I derive my interpretation from this scripture:

D&C 1:

38 What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.

I have yet to hear something in General Conference where I say, "You know, it's probably best if I don't follow that counsel."

[NeuroTypical]

You'd think that if everything that came out of the mouths of speakers of General Conference was 'thus saith the Lord' scripture, some of these comments might have been a bit more, well, strongly worded:

We hope that you will use the May edition of the Church magazines as a text for your family home evenings, to review that which has been spoken in this conference. What has been said by each of the speakers represents his or her prayerful attempt to impart knowledge that will inspire and cause all who have heard it to stand a little taller and be a little better.

Gordon B. Hinckley, “Closing Remarks,” April 2007

--

All of the proceedings of this conference will appear in a subsequent issue of the Ensign and Liahona. We encourage you again to read the talks in your family home evenings and discuss them together as families. They are the products of much prayer and meditation and are well worthy of careful consideration.

Gordon B. Hinckley, “Closing Remarks,” October 2007

--

I’ve been attending conference for a long time. But I think I’ve never felt quite as richly blessed as during this session. We’ve had rapid-fire messages from a lot of speakers, but every one touched on a very important subject. We’ve had a smorgasbord today of faith, of love, and of counsel. Let’s incorporate these things in our lives.

Thomas S. Monson, “Abundantly Blessed,” April 2008

[sleepless3977]

D&C 1:38 What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my aword shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.

[Justice]

D&C 1:38 What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my aword shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.

Gee, that sounds familiar!

(See bottom of 1st page)

GMTA

[sleepless3977]

yeah i just did, my connection went slow and took forever to load it hahahaha

also helps if i read the whole thread first huh?

[Carl62]

D&C 1:38 What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my aword shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.

But isn't this where we start to run into problems? How can we use that quote and yet avoid some of Brigham Young's sermons?

[hordak]

The Spirit reveals doctrine. Thus, confirmation is so important.

.

Brigham young emphasis the importance of that.

I am more afraid that this people have so much confidence in their leaders that they will not inquire for themselves of God whether they are led by him. I am fearful that they settle down in a state of blind self security, trusting their eternal destiny in the hands of their leaders with a reckless confidence that in itself would thwart the purpose of God in their salvation. . . Let every man and woman know, by the whispering of the Spirit of God to themselves, whether their leaders are walking in the path the Lord dictates, or not..

Then again this come from the JOD so it's not really Doctrine;)

[OneEternalSonata]

But isn't this where we start to run into problems? How can we use that quote and yet avoid some of Brigham Young's sermons?

Well, Heavenly Father is always working in His capacity as God. However, Brigham Young wasn't always working in his capacity as a servant, or in other words, his words were not always uttered by the power of the Holy Ghost.

[RanMan]

As I understand it, we have Official Doctrine that is contained in the four standard works and anything that has been presented by the First Presidency as the First Presidency, such as the Family Proclamation. Basically, our scripture. Then there is Unofficial Doctrine which is contained in conferrence talks and our teaching manuals that are published by the Church.

:)