Why is the prophet Ezra Taft Benson often deemed controversial?


dorave
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I find it rather humorous when anti-LDS individuals such as yourself pull talking points from various sources without understanding.

Did you know, by asserting that was a false prophecy, that you are asserting that one of Jesus the Christ’s prophecies in the NT is also false?

Really, the fact that Joseph Smith was able to prophecy that it would be during the same "this generation" as the Savior was referencing, speaks more to Joseph's calling as a prophet than against it.

Joseph Smith prophesied, it did not come true. He then said that 'not all revelations are from God' after he asked God why it failed. Unless of course you also want to impugn the reputation of David Whitmer (one of the three witnesses) and say that Whitmer was part of some conspiracy that I'm unaware of.

So which is it? Was Whitmer (one of the three witnesses) trying to discredit Joseph Smith even though he stated that [his failed prophecy] it did not make Smith any less of a Prophet? Or was Whitmer simply reporting what Smith had said?

Now, please Intrigued, back to the topic at hand rather than trying to insert irrelevant and untrue anti-lds discussion in various threads. If you have something to contribute that is good, praiseworthy, and relevant, it's greatly welcomed.

I said nothing even remotely anti-LDS. You're jumping at shadows. Does my signature offend you or something? Try not to read to much into it.. it simply means that I do not believe in any omnipotent God.

Edited by Intrigued
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You're missing the point (purposely?) The point AGAIN is that just because someone is a General Authority and speaks on General Conference does NOT mean everything said is inspired or doctrinal. That's the point.

Nope...not missing the point at all...I for one choose not to slag, our general authorities...

Be they living or dead...

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It seems like we're now saying Prophets and Apostles are infallible. Is it part of our doctrine?

NOT AT ALL...that's what you're claiming...kinda like that line on my favorite NPR quiz show..."says you"...

BTW, one of the favorite lines of the September Six was to claim that our leaders aren't infallible...even if no one ever brought that issue up...

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Nope...not missing the point at all...I for one choose not to slag, our general authorities...

Be they living or dead...

I think you're definitely missing the point. I'm going to ask you a question and I would like you to answer with a yes or no, if it's not to difficult. Did the man you are speaking about fabricate a story during General Conference? Yes or no, please.

It's pretty clear that Suzie is not saying their statements should be taken with a grain of salt.. and is simply saying that they are human beings like you and I.

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The Brethren do not claim infallibility. But I would trust their words over anyone on a this forum or in the world. ;)

Amen and Amen...Clearly there are those here, who seem to know the will of our Lord and Savior better than those who have been called by our Lord and Savior????

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Amen and Amen...Clearly there are those here, who seem to know the will of our Lord and Savior better than those who have been called by our Lord and Savior????

Typical witch hunt if you ask me. Take a look back on page 8 (post #77) and you can see how many people thanked Suzies original comment. Then take a look to see how many people thanked rosabella and your comments.

The discrepancy is pretty impressive. It appears that the masses side with Suzie.

Edited by Intrigued
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Typical witch hunt if you ask me. Take a look back on page 8 (post #77) and you can see how many people thanked Suzies original comment. Then take a look to see how many people thanked rosabella and your comments.

The discrepancy is pretty impressive. It appears that the masses side with Suzie.

So what?? popular opinion isnt always right or holds more truth. If you go by events in the Book of Mormon popular opinion on many things was nearly always incorrect.

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Can a moderator decide if this thread has run its course yet? It's devolved into "I'm right!" "No, I'm right!" "No, I'm right!" "No, I'm right!"

No it devolved to "I am right" versus "The Prophet and Apostles are Right" :lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:;):D

Sorry I could not help that one ;)

I think everyone needs to take a big breath and relax. If one does not want to believe all that they Prophets and Apostles say that is their right. If one wants to believe all that the Prophets and Apostles say that is their right also. That is the beauty of free agency. Who is right and who is wrong will be up to God to decide not us.

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Wow.

I just wanted to say that this is not a competition for me but I just wanted to make the point (and hoped others could see it by giving an example) that general authorities are humans just like us (no better or worst but people having challenges and trying their best like most of us) and that not everything said in GC by them is necessarily doctrinal. They DO share their opinion and that's okay. Also I can understand why people who aren't members think sometimes we're a cult because unfortunately, we assume that just because someone happens to be a GA, suddenly everything they said is inspired and again, that's not necessarily the case. It worries me when I read that people have complete "faith" in the Brethren. That's huge. There is only ONE person we should have complete "Faith" on and who will never disappoint because he IS perfect and that's the Lord.

I just wanted to say that and I will leave this thread alone since the purpose is not to cause contention. Peace.

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So what?? popular opinion isnt always right or holds more truth. If you go by events in the Book of Mormon popular opinion on many things was nearly always incorrect.

This isn't the case in this situation. The popular opinion isn't always right, true.. but in this case -- it clearly is. This thread is dead, it was fun.. goodnight guys.

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Can a moderator decide if this thread has run its course yet? It's devolved into "I'm right!" "No, I'm right!" "No, I'm right!" "No, I'm right!"

I'm going with a yes.

Edit: Just to clarify I've closed the thread.

Edited by Dravin
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Although I am a moderator, I don't feel it appropriate for me to close the thread. It does seem that all the points have been made. So, if you'll indulge me, as a non-member, making some observations:

1. I discern that all the LDS posters on this string love the GAs, the Prophets, and President Benson, in particular.

2. Some very much want to emphasize the overall authority of the prophets.

3. Others want to remind everyone--perhaps especially us non-LDS--that prophets are not infallible, and that when they utter their own opinions those do not carry the weight of official church doctrine.

4. And then of course, there are the innuendos about who's on a witch hunt, and who the cultural Mormons are...somewhat disappointing, but not atypical of sensitive discussions of faith amongst the believers.

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My actual question is...MUST Moksha say that he is grateful for those words of wisdom? Is ideological/political compliance with GA's a requirement of faithful membership?

Members were not "forced" to accept the First Presidency's stand on ERA. Sonia Johnson was a leader for the ERA, and was not chastened by the Church until she encouraged people to stop allowing missionaries into their homes until the Church changed its stance on ERA. Suddenly, it went from a political arena into an attack on the Church's main mission of preaching the gospel.

The Church does not discipline members who are proponents for gay marriage, or etc., as long as the person is keeping the commandments and is not attacking the Church in his views.

I suppose that the Church may have an issue with someone being a proponent for pornography, as that is definitely viewed as a sinful act.

We are encouraged to take the statements of the Church and prayerfully consider them. We are allowed our personal beliefs on most issues, though are not necessarily going to be allowed to be a forceful public voice against the Church's program. But that is probably true of any Church. I would imagine that if someone in PC's congregation were to publicly oppose major teachings of his church, there would potentially be action considered against the person, as well.

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