Highest Authority to Least

[JohnOF123]

I was wondering if someone could list from top to bottom the highest authority to least.

I'm not sure if there even is an order, or if all are considered equal. So maybe this question is invalid.

Beginning with the highest like this...

Book of Mormon

Prophets words

Doctrine and Covenants

Pearl of Great Price

Book of Abraham

etc.

It doesnt have to be an official list, feel free to put what you personally consider too. But it would also be interesting to know the official position as well. Feel free to expound on your answer by saying why too, if you happen to know the reason.

Thx guys!

Edited February 17, 2010 by john doe
Fixed it for you

[john doe]

The Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants, Pearl of Great Price, and Holy Bible are all scriptures. They are the core of the doctrine. The Prophets and Apostles define and give interpretation of the doctrine contained in those scriptures. And just so you know, the Book of Abraham is contained in The Pearl of Great Price.

[pam]

I don't see any of them as more important than another. They are all scripture to us as LDS and we use all of them. They complement each other.

[Honor]

I don't see any of them as more important than another. They are all scripture to us as LDS and we use all of them. They complement each other.

As far as they are translated correctly....

Edited February 17, 2010 by Honor

[ferretrunner]

How do things like teachings by the General Authorites during Conference fit in? I was told once that their writings are considered like scripture- divinely inspired. This always confused me.

[bytebear]

As far as they are translated correctly....

Would you prefer we follow mistranslated texts?

[rameumptom]

Modern prophets doctrinal statements

The scriptures

Statements from other Church leaders that are expressed doctrinally

Other statements from Church leaders that are opinion

[JohnOF123]

Would you prefer we follow mistranslated texts?

I started a thread on this. I'd be interested in your thoughts.

http://www.lds.net/forums/general-discussion/30406-word-god-far-translated-correctly.html

[gabelpa]

Revelation from living Prophet/Apostles

Personal Revelation (needs to temper following item)

Revelation from to deceased Prophets and Apostles

If it's not been received as Revelation, it is not doctrine. Opinions of Prophets and Apostles don't count.

That's my take on things.

[beefche]

How do things like teachings by the General Authorites during Conference fit in? I was told once that their writings are considered like scripture- divinely inspired. This always confused me.

That's a good question, ferret. And it is confusing. President Benson used to say that General Conference was "TNT"--Today's News Today.

We have to remember that we have modern day prophets for a reason. Noah's instructions on flood preparation are not necessarily relevant today. However, Pres Monson telling us to control our anger is more needed by us, as a church.

I think one problem is that many members will listen to conference and then use that as a yard stick to beat others into their mold of "righteous" behavior. Take Pres Hinckley's counsel to only one set of earrings. Is that doctrinal? Probably not. But, some people take that as gospel and use it to mock and judge others. My personal thoughts on this is that I've wanted more than one set of earrings. But, if a prophet said not to, does it really hurt me to comply? Doesn't it show my willingness to obey? So, I chose to put aside my personal desires and keep only one set of earrings. I don't freak or point fingers when I see others with more than one set of earnings (or tattoos, etc). But I choose to obey the prophet on this as a matter of personal integrity.

So, a short answer after dissertation is yes, it can be scripture, but we shouldn't use it to judge others. We should regard it as counsel from a man ordained by God to lead us as Heavenly Father wants us to be led.

[CrimsonKairos]

Modern prophets doctrinal statements

The scriptures

Statements from other Church leaders that are expressed doctrinally

Other statements from Church leaders that are opinion

You have the first two on the list in the incorrect order. It should be scriptures, then prophets doctrinal statements. See my explanation in this other thread.

[JohnOF123]

We have to remember that we have modern day prophets for a reason. Noah's instructions on flood preparation are not necessarily relevant today. However, Pres Monson telling us to control our anger is more needed by us, as a church.

I'm just curious, and I'm only asking because I don't know. But what are some of the modern day prophecies (events) which the LDS prophets today fortell? (or recently)

Thx...

[NeuroTypical]

I'm just curious, and I'm only asking because I don't know. But what are some of the modern day prophecies (events) which the LDS prophets today fortell? (or recently)

Here you go:

"We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets."

- The First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, September 23, 1995

LM

[beefche]

I'm just curious, and I'm only asking because I don't know. But what are some of the modern day prophecies (events) which the LDS prophets today fortell? (or recently)

Thx...

Here is the most recent General Conference we had (it was held in October 2009, but the print version is had in November 2009). You can see what our prophets discuss with the general membership of the church.

[JohnOF123]

Here you go:

"We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets."

- The First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, September 23, 1995

LM

I was asking about events, you know, like the prophets of old. Things that happen on Earth. Kingdoms, rulers being de-reigned, countries being destroyed, prophecies about specific people groups for specific actions, disasters... stuff like that.

Trying to be courteous here but this is a moral warning. Everyone already agrees that if you do wrong, you will stand accountable before God. And that immoral countries are judged on earth.

I am not trying to say that these prophets are saying something wrong, I am trying to find out what future events (on earth) they have prophesied about recently only because I was curious and it would be interesting.

Edited February 18, 2010 by JohnOF123

[Moksha]

As far as they are translated correctly....

This seems like a great caveat for the Journal of Discourses and McConkie's Doctrine.

[Blackmarch]

I was wondering if someone could list from top to bottom the highest authority to least.

I'm not sure if there even is an order, or if all are considered equal. So maybe this question is invalid.

Beginning with the highest like this...

Book of Mormon

Prophets words

Doctrine and Covenants

Pearl of Great Price

Book of Abraham

etc.

It doesnt have to be an official list, feel free to put what you personally consider too. But it would also be interesting to know the official position as well. Feel free to expound on your answer by saying why too, if you happen to know the reason.

Thx guys!

for the most part they are considered equal, all of them have doctrines that overlay and witness for the others, and each also has new things that help bring new understandings about God's will for man.

Altho if someone wants to know what is the letter of the matter it is almost always the scriptures that are used.

[rameumptom]

You have the first two on the list in the incorrect order. It should be scriptures, then prophets doctrinal statements. See my explanation in this other thread.

It isn't correct. In the early Church days, a brother was speaking to a congregation, laying out that the scriptures were the most important over anything else of doctrine.

Joseph Smith then got up and asked Brigham Young to share his thoughts on the topic. Brigham Young arose, showed each tome of scripture one at a time. Then he sat them down and said that he wouldn't give one fig for all of them, compared to the words of the living prophet. He definitely showed that the living prophet trumps the scriptures.

And we have seen that. The Mosaic Law had circumcision and animal sacrifice as eternal covenants with God. Jesus Christ stopped it. The Old Testament and Christ insisted that Gentiles were not to be actively preached to, but a revelation to Peter changed all that.

Imagine all the changes that occurred because of the revelations Joseph Smith had! If the scriptures came first, then many of Joseph's revelations would not work.

Living prophets' doctrines always trump the writings of dead prophets (scriptures).

[rameumptom]

John OF 123,

In the 1950s, President David O. McKay established the Family Home Evening program, which did not make sense then, but in a day of television and so many distractions tearing families apart, makes perfect sense in our day to hold families together.

In 1978, President Spencer W. Kimball received the revelation on the priesthood (Official Declaration 2). 10 of the apostles were present, as well as his two counselors. One apostle later stated that it was a stronger revelation than that of the Son of Man.

In the late 1990s, President Gordon B. Hinckley warned of an upcoming severe economic downturn. He discussed the dreams of Pharaoh to Joseph, with 7 years of famine following 7 years of good harvests. He used the term "Depression", though he did not state it would necessarily happen, we would have at least a severe recession.

He stated this while the country was relatively strong, no 9/11, no housing crisis.

He told them members to get out of debt, get their food storage, pay off their mortgages, and prepare for hard times.

Those that listened were well prepared for the current economic struggles.

There are many other revelations which they receive. Most today are geared towards running the Church, and leaving local leaders to receive much of the revelation for their own locations.

Edited February 20, 2010 by rameumptom

[CrimsonKairos]

It isn't correct.

You didn't read those quotes by our modern prophets then, I guess?

In the early Church days, a brother was speaking to a congregation, laying out that the scriptures were the most important over anything else of doctrine.

Will you post the reference for source material you are summarizing here? I have heard variations of this story and I'd like to know which one you are quoting.

Imagine all the changes that occurred because of the revelations Joseph Smith had! If the scriptures came first, then many of Joseph's revelations would not work.

Living prophets' doctrines always trump the writings of dead prophets (scriptures).

You clearly did not understand what I was saying, then.

What our profits today have taught is that if any man or woman teaches anything contrary to the scriptures, we are not bound by it.

Joseph Fielding Smith (10th prophet) said it very clearly: "If Joseph Fielding Smith writes something which is out of harmony with the revelations, then every member of the Church is duty bound to reject it. If he writes that which is in perfect harmony with the revealed word of the Lord, then it should be accepted." (Doctrines of Salvation, 3:203-4, emphasis mine).

You are using examples that involve policy (who will we teach the gospel to and when, etc) not doctrine. Doctrine is a statement of eternal truth, not merely a protocol or practice. Example:

Doctrine: God the Father has a body of flesh and bones (D&C 130)

Policy: We use bread and water for sacrament instead of bread and wine.

Can there be 14 apostles instead of 12? If God wants there to be, sure.

Can we only use 7-UP and pizza for sacrament? If God wants us to be so limited, sure.

Can we find forgiveness in any other way than repentance and covenanting with God? No.

The way we covenant may change (circumcision, ritual purification, baptism, sacrament, etc) but the covenant doesn't change (repent, have faith in God, obey the prophets, etc).

There is a clear difference between doctrine and policy/practice. No prophet or inspired man or woman of God will ever contradict the eternal truths in the scriptures (nature of God, who our Savior is, need for repentance, etc). That is why they are the standard works: their doctrines are standard and will not be deviated from.

That is, if you believe President Joseph Fielding Smith or other General Authorities in our day.

"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 [speak] and write. Now you keep that in mind. 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 (I think that is why we call them `standard'—it is the standard measure of all that men teach), you may know by that same token that it is false, regardless of the position of the man who says it." ("Place of the Living Prophet, Seer and Revelator," 14).

If there is ever a question in our minds, that is where the Gift of the Holy Ghost comes in along with personal revelation. God delivers truth to those who seek it.

Edited February 20, 2010 by CrimsonKairos

[marts1]

Joseph Smith said the Book of Mormon will bring you closer to God then any other book. I remember the former prophet counciling the church to read the BOM more then once. Yes we are told to read all scripture but the BOM was seperately mentioned more then once that I have heard. I have never heard anyother standard work stressed in the same manner. I read about an hour of scripture daily and have felt the Spirit stronger when I read from the BOM. Can you hazard a guess which I would place first?

[CrimsonKairos]

Apocrypha?

Just kidding. There is clarity and power in The Book of Mormon that is hard to find in some other areas of the standard works (plus you can just read straight through unlike the Old Testament and New Testament where at the start of every chapter I scan the footnotes to see if there are any JST's to make sure I get the proper meaning and context of the chapter before I read through it).

Then again, besides the New Testament account of Christ giving his life for his sheep (of which I hope I am one), no other book of scripture persuades me of God's boundless love, mercy and patience more than the Old Testament does. Almost every other chapter involves some new apostasy du jour, yet God always sent prophets and always forgave those who repented. Gives me hope.

The D&C is the double-fudge-doctrinal-brownie dessert. Where do you even start with all the nuggets of gold in those pages?

I sure am glad we get all of the standard works and not just one or two books!

[marts1]

Never will cease to impress me the way some people can tackle the bible, let alone the Old Testament.

[JohnOF123]

Never will cease to impress me the way some people can tackle the bible, let alone the Old Testament.

Yes, Genesis is a very long book. As is the Old Testament. I have an mp3 Bible if you ever would like to listen instead. It seems that I can develop an attention disorder when I have to read something very long, lol. I'm always thinking, and it can distract me from what I'm reading.

I have a KJV, NIV and others I think. Great for the car, stereo, PC or mp3 player!

[marts1]

lol reminds of how it can sometimes take me 10 minutes to read 2 verses.