Modern Revelation

[ElizabethJ25]

I have a question on modern revelation. Where did Joseph Smith discuss the concept of Modern Revelation? And what exactly did he say? I just found out that the FLDS church is allowed to drink wine, because the original word of wisdom stated "no hard liquor," and it wasn't until more recently that one of the prophets stated no beer or wine either. Is this true? Why do we follow modern revelation?

[bytebear]

Is your issue with modern revelation? or is it with drinking? Sounds like you are looking to excuse one to justify the other.

[ElizabethJ25]

No, I don't have an issue with either! I am just curious more-so about modern revelation. I am new to the church, so still learning a lot! I don't drink obviously.

[estradling75]

Joseph Smith taught the principal of modern revelation with the First Vision, the various instructions that came with translating the Book of Mormon, the Book of Mormon itself, the various commandment and instructions that came to him in setting up the church, and the rest of the stuff found in the D&C (including the Word of Wisdom), the Translations that make up the Pearl of Great Price, and the translation he did of the bible.

And those are just the ones off the top of my head at the moment.

[Connie]

LDS.org - Melchizedek Priesthood Chapter Detail - Revelation and the Living Prophet (this is from the manual called Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith)

Gospel Principles Chapter 29: The Lord’s Law of Health

Gospel Principles Chapter 9: Prophets of God

Hope that helps.

Edited May 28, 2011 by Connie

[Vort]

I have a question on modern revelation. Where did Joseph Smith discuss the concept of Modern Revelation? And what exactly did he say? I just found out that the FLDS church is allowed to drink wine, because the original word of wisdom stated "no hard liquor," and it wasn't until more recently that one of the prophets stated no beer or wine either. Is this true? Why do we follow modern revelation?

The FLDS Church is "allowed" to do whatever it wants. How it chooses to interpret revelation is of absolutely no moment to us.

We follow modern revelation because God is a living God. Human society changes, but God's overall plan and commandments do not. But a merciful God explains his commandments in a way that makes sense to his children today, which may not accord with the explanation three decades (or three centuries, or three millennia) ago.

Joseph Smith lived in a time when teens and young adults were not enticed over mass media by scantily clad women to get drunk so they could fornicate. The social situation has changed somewhat; many of the dangers we face today are not the same ones faced by our parents or grandparents. We have modern revelation so we can have guidance in the modern world.