I said it ‘could potentially’ . Hence my ‘Laugh a little’ comment.

Just a toss out there. Laugh a little.

“What ever you do, don’t tell anyone you disagree. That’s very bad. There’s probably something wrong with you.” How can that be considered a correct paraphrase of, “When you get a different answer, you don’t publish to the world how you’re right and the church is wrong (which then puts you on the road to apostasy); but, you must also wonder if yours was from a different source, and then which is right, and why. Also, were you open to the possibility of getting a different answer that you might not have wanted?”

I agree that it is your paraphrasing, but the meaning and intent of my statement has been distorted to mean something quite different. If you can’t see that, perhaps you should take this to a competent English teacher to get another opinion on how accurately you summarized what I said.

Your paraphrasing of my other statements likewise distorts what I said–only you know for sure how intentional your efforts were. I feel like I’d have gotten a more accurate reply to my post if I’d have talked to a wall.

First, Does it line up with the Bible because there are many false prophet preaching for profit out there. So, the message would in fact have to line up with the Word of God 100%. Now, saying that it is a legit request from a God Called Prophet, and it does line up with the Bible, then you have the spirit of discernment to help you decide if what is being said is truly from God, and if I felt that it was then yes I would do what was requested.

Regarding that which I accept: for the most part none of it since I am not a member.

Speaking to your second post, the whole message is mixed.

My paraphrasing (feel free to correct me if I’m wrong).

You need to resolve to accept the revelation before your hear it (i.e. Obey without consideration).
Unless you haven’t received a personal confirmation for yourself.

If you don’t get confirmation, or you get a conflicting answer, you may be doing it wrong.
What ever you do, don’t tell anyone you disagree. That’s very bad. There’s probably something wrong with you. Maybe start over from the first step.

That kind of processing of revelation sounds a lot more like blind obedience to me, but your mileage may vary.

To all of you who have concerns about the statements made by the Prophet and/or General Authorities I offer my opinion. Go talk to your Bishop and Stake President. They probably have the same concerns. During the last 20 years I’ve lived in about 15 different Wards, in various parts of the United States and have discovered that the vast majority of my Bishops and Stake Presidents have concerns with statements and policies coming from the General Authorities. I personally feel that these local leaders have been put in their positions because the Lord is very aware of the concerns facing most members of His church and He needs leaders who can relate to those they are trying to lead. I don’t think your Bishop or Stake President will condemn you for your concerns. So, go talk to them. Let them know about your concerns with what the Prophet and/or General Authorities say. Work together in finding solutions to those concerns.

“When we prepare ourselves, we are ready to do what is necessary – if we learn that it is. In essence, we commit ourselves ahead of time. If we can’t make that commitment, we may not be ready to receive the knowledge we think we want. If doing what is right would cost us more than we are willing to give, we may never learn what is right. One example of this is in testing the counsel of the leaders of the Church. As true latter-day saints, we must seek individual spiritual confirmation of every instruction we receive. To fully prepare for that, we must acknowledge the possibility that such a confirmation might not be given.”

When you get a different answer, you don’t publish to the world how you’re right and the church is wrong (which then puts you on the road to apostasy); but, you must also wonder if yours was from a different source, and then which is right, and why. Also, were you open to the possibility of getting a different answer that you might not have wanted?

I remember about 40 years ago when Elder Benson said not to buy all this expensive food storage stuff, which upset me–I was not in the business. I didn’t come out against him, but just let is be; and, several months later I understood what he’d said, and then agreed with him.

I understand what Canon is, and figured you did, too, but was wanting Rick’s definition, since he appears to question so many things that are said by the church, and I am still wondering what he accepts, and why–if anything.

I have held, and now hold, high enough positions in the church that I am supposed to understand what doctrine is. I don’t bring it up specifically, as that doesn’t make an argument’s point stronger; but, at times I have been in on some information the normal church members don’t receive–which also doesn’t make anything I say correct–so I have a different understanding of some things that are questioned. I also cause controversy in Gospel Doctrine class since I’m tired of kindergarten level answers which are frequently given because it’s easier than thinking a bit.

I also believe that I’m still around because my shoveling-coal position is currently occupied.