Category Archives: Prophets

If Mormon missionaries were straightforward about Mormonism…

Though done in a lighthearted manner, this 4-minute video is a fairly accurate depiction of standard Mormon doctrine. It would be nice if Mormon missionaries explained Mormonism as clearly as the characters in this video do, but I imagine that … Continue reading

Posted in Authority and Doctrine, God the Father, Great Apostasy, LDS Church, Mormon Missionaries, Mormon Temple, Prophets, Truth, Honesty, Prayer, and Inquiry | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 25 Comments

When is a Mormon prophet speaking as a prophet? Nobody knows for sure.

Mormon author Jana Riess continues to receive criticism for her public disagreement with certain statements from Mormon prophets and apostles. In analyzing this criticism on her blog, Dr. Riess recently asked, “When is a Mormon prophet speaking as a prophet? … Continue reading

Posted in Authority and Doctrine, LDS Church, Mormon Leaders, Prophets | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 27 Comments

The definition of doctrine

It’s only a short article located in the early pages of the July 2014 Ensign magazine, which is the official monthly organ of the LDS Church. But I believe this piece, titled “We Teach by the Power of the Holy … Continue reading

Posted in Authority and Doctrine, Prophets | Tagged , , , , | 24 Comments

Mormonism’s Prophetic Authority and Selective Disobedience

Mormon blogger Jana Riess writes about “selective obedience” in her April 7th (2014) blog. She’s responding to a comment made by LDS apostle Robert Hales at last weekend’s General Conference. In his address, Mr. Hales contrasted three types of behavior: … Continue reading

Posted in Authority and Doctrine, D&C and Pearl of Great Price, General Conference, LDS Church, Mormon Leaders, Prophets | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

We Thank Thee, O God, for…

Once-official LDS history and doctrine is undergoing some hefty rewrites via the new Gospel Topics essays at LDS.org. As previously little-known information about Mormon history and doctrine has become available online, many Latter-day Saints are experiencing crises of faith when … Continue reading

Posted in Early Mormonism, Mormon Culture, Mormon History, Mormon Leaders, Prophets | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 97 Comments

Mormon Prophet Summoned to British Court

Yesterday (5 February 2014) The Arizona Republic reported: “The leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been ordered to appear before a magistrate in England on fraud charges filed by a disaffected ex-Mormon who disputes fundamental … Continue reading

Posted in LDS Church, Mormon Leaders, Prophets, Truth, Honesty, Prayer, and Inquiry | Tagged , , , , , | 112 Comments

Early Mormon Prophet Led the Church Astray

The Mormon Church very recently posted a new statement on “Race and the Priesthood” at LDS.org in which the blame for the Church’s historic racism is laid squarely at the feet of Brigham Young. According to the statement, the idea … Continue reading

Posted in Authority and Doctrine, Book of Abraham, Brigham Young, Early Mormonism, LDS Church, Mormon History, Mormon Leaders, Mormon Scripture, Mormon Temple, Pearl of Great Price, Prophets | Tagged , , , , , , , | 44 Comments

Mormonism and its “vital revelations flowing in a never-ending stream”

John Taylor, the third prophet of the Mormon Church, explained: “We require a living tree—a living fountain—living intelligence, proceeding from the living priesthood in heaven, through the living priesthood on earth. … And from the time that Adam first received … Continue reading

Posted in Mormon Leaders, Prophets | Tagged , , , , , | 85 Comments

Do Mormon Apostles Believe in the Restoration?

A little over a week ago (on April 6, 2013) Christopher Ralph at the Journey of Loyal Dissent blog posted a controversial memorandum written by author and historian Grant H. Palmer. The memo recounts details from Mr. Palmer’s “Three Meetings … Continue reading

Posted in Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith, Mormon Leaders, Prophets, Truth, Honesty, Prayer, and Inquiry | Tagged , , , , | 87 Comments

Mormons Want People to Ask Questions

In an article published last week in The Tennessean (31 October 2011), the journalist interviewed Latter-day Saint Emily Halverson. Emily told the reporter that in middle Tennessee, far outside the so-called Book of Mormon Belt, people are curious about Mormons … Continue reading

Posted in Jesus Christ, Prophets, Truth, Honesty, Prayer, and Inquiry | Tagged , , | 107 Comments