1879

E.  CONFLICT, DOCTRINAL/THEOLOGICAL DISPUTES, PLURALISM/DIVERSITY, RECONCILIATION [222]

[222] September 29, 1879 Standard of Authority

That the free rendering and meaning of the resolution passed at the semiannual session of 1878 (215) is that: 

Whereas, Certain rumors had obtained currency that the church had not any time so attested the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, and the later revelations given to the church, by vote and affirmation, that they should form with the Bible and Book of Mormon, a standard of reference in case of controversy and difference of opinion upon questions of doctrine and practice in the church; therefore to remedy this defect, if it existed, the resolution referred to was introduced and passed. 

Further, it is not the intent and meaning of the said resolution to make a belief in the revelations in the Book of Covenants, or the abstract doctrines possibly contained in it, a test of reception and fellowship in the church; but that the things therein contained relating to the doctrine, rules of procedure and practice in the church should govern the ministry and elders as representatives of the church. 

And further, while it is not intended or indeed practicable to bind, or proscribe the liberty of conscience, whereby violence is done to the honest and integrity of people by prescribing dogmas and tenets other than the plain provisions of the gospel, as affirmed in the New Testament, Book of Mormon, and Doctrine and Covenants, and set forth in the Epitome of Faith and Doctrine; it is clear to us that it is destructive to the faith of the church, and inconsistent with the calling and dignity of the ministry, to decry, disclaim, preach, or teach contrary to the revelations in said Book of Covenants, or to arraign them in such a way that the faith of the people of the church is weakened and they thereby distressed. 

The elders should confine their teaching to such doctrines and tenets, church articles and practices, a knowledge of which is necessary to obedience and salvation; and that in all questions upon which there is much controversy, and upon which the church has not clearly declared, and which are not unmistakably essential to salvation, the elders should refrain from teaching; or if called upon in defense of the church, or when wisdom should dictate, they should so clearly discriminate in their teaching between their own views and opinions, and the affirmations and defined declarations of the church that they shall not be found antagonizing their own and others' views as a conflict in teaching upon the part of the church. 

The advancing of speculative theories upon abstruse questions, a belief or disbelief in which cannot affect the salvation of the hearers, is a reprehensible practice and should not be indulged in by the elders; especially should this not be done in those branches where personal antagonisms must inevitably arise, to the hindering of the work of grace; and should be reserved for the schools of inquiry among the elders themselves. 

Until such time as vexed questions now pending are definitely settled by the competent quorums of the church, the discussion of them should be avoided in all places where the elders labor, in the world and in the branches, and should only be had in solemn conclave when necessary to examine them for settlement, under proper rules of restraint.