Questions
For the past few days I have really contemplated the place of prophets and apostles in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints of which I am a member. Our church believes that anything that one of these men states while under the influence of the Holy Ghost is scripture. I understand and argue wholeheartedly with this principle. What I start to question at times is the matter of personal opinions among the brethren--especially when these opinions sometimes contradict each other. I don't want to assume that inspiration is a rare thing among these great and good men. I believe that they hold a vibrant and dynamic relationship with our Heavenly Father. But how can I account for opinion?I think the answer can be found in a quote from President J. Reuben Clark, a former member of the First Presidency in a talk he gave in 1954. The scriptures explain that good doctrine tastes good, and this statement tastes like good doctrine to me. President Clark said, "How shall we know when the things they have spoken were said as they were 'moved upon by the Holy Ghost?' I have given some thought to this question, and the answer thereto so far as I can determine, is: We can tell when the speakers are 'moved upon by the Holy Ghost' only when we, ourselves, are 'moved upon by the Holy Ghost.' In a way, this completely shifts the responsibility from them to us to determine when they so speak." (When are the Writings of Church Leaders Entitled to the Claim of Scripture?, 7 July, 1954)
I don't find perfect comfort in these words only because I know I don't always walk completely with the spirit and neither do most people, but it does give me a solid gauge to understand and evaluate the words of the prophets and apostles. It also motivates me to be more worthy of the companionship of the Holy Ghost in order to know and feel truth within the gospel.
posted by Joel @ 11:36 PM
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