5 Comments

  1. RWW

    While Peter Danzig’s motivation and understanding of the Gospel seem to be questionable at best, the reaction of many members of the Church reveals a deeper misunderstanding. One of Brigham Young’s prophetic fears seems to be coming to fruition —
    “What a pity it would be if we were led by one man to utter destruction! Are you afraid of this? 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 they settle down in a state of blind self-security, trusting their eternal destiny in the hands of their leaders…” (JD 9)

    Joseph Smith warned of leaders who teach this false doctrine —
    “Others, in the extreme exercise of their almighty authority, have taught… that no matter what the saints were told do by their presidents, they should do it without any questions. When Elders of Israel will so far indulge in these extreme notions of obedience as to teach them to the people, it is generally because they have it in their hearts to do wrong themselves.” (MS 14)

  2. Thanks for your comment.

    Are you suggesting from the quotes of Brigham Young and Joseph Smith that we might disregard the counsel of our leaders as false, that we might be afraid that they could lead us astray? I don’t think that is what they were saying. I believe that we are to use our heads and have faith and question doctrines and pray about them and seek for deeper and deeper understanding, but I do not agree with open opposition to the leaders of the Church because I might think they are mistaken.

    We do not believe in blind obedience. But we do believe in having faith. We don’t obey because we are blind; we obey because we can see. We understand and have testimony that God has called these men by His Almighty hand to lead and direct His Church on the earth today. Are they imperfect? Yes. That is why we need to have faith and seek confirmation by the spirit. Might they say something that is incorrect or false? Yes. But those things will work themselves out on their own. They have in every case of the Church in the past.

    Of course we do not obey without asking questions and seeking confirmation in all we do. That is what Brigham Young and Joseph Smith were teaching. We need to have the spirit in our lives such that we know that the brethren are speaking the truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I don’t think they were teaching that we need be fearful of apostasy in the leadership of the Church, and that I may of my own free will oppose them if I am in disagreement. We need to be very careful how we interpret what these prophets said, or we might find ourselves in a paradox where even these statements themselves can be disregarded as untruths from the Lord’s anointed.

  3. RWW

    As a short answer, I do not advocate open opposition, since, at the very least, the temple keys are in the possession of the LDS Church and I greatly value the temple.

  4. nancy thigpen

    remember when nephi heard words from his father that his brothers voiced doubts on, he inquired of the lord for himself. we may always seek heavenly fathers confirmation of what the prophet tells us. when the lords guidance is given it is based in a whole and complete knowlege that we don’t have.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.