1886

E.  CONFLICT, DOCTRINAL/THEOLOGICAL DISPUTES, PLURALISM/DIVERSITY, RECONCILIATION [308]

[308] April 9, 1886 Doctrines, Commandments, and Opinions

(1) That the presentation of individual opinions by elders, or others of the body, such opinions not having been affirmed by the body as a rule of faith or practice, does not make them a part of the faith or belief of the body; but relate to us individually upon the issue of toleration, which toleration, we believe as was manifested in the action of Jesus while dealing with men here in his ministry, should be so broad as to make no occasion for persons to wish to withdraw from the body by reason of these individual differences of opinion. 

(2) That we know of no temple building, except as edifices wherein to worship God, and no endowment except the endowment of the Holy Spirit of the kind experienced by the early saints on Pentecost Day. 

(3) That "baptism for the dead" belongs to those local questions of which the body has said by resolution: "That the commandments of a local character, given to the first organization of the church, are binding on the Reorganization only so far as they are either reiterated or referred to as binding by commandments to this church." And that principle has neither been reiterated nor referred to as a commandment. 

(4) That tithing is a law applicable to the church in the sense set forth by the Savior in the sixteenth chapter of the Gospel recorded by Luke, that we are stewards of our heavenly Father so far as the riches of this world are concerned, and that as such we should render an account of our stewardship here; the rendition is in all cases, however, necessarily voluntary on the part of the member complying with the law. 

(5) That we know of no "consecration" by which individuals are made legal heirs to the kingdom of God, or church of Christ, when the rewards are apportioned; except that of a life consecrated to the service of the Master as ordained in his word together with the consecration of properties for the aid of the poor, preaching of the gospel and establishment of the said kingdom, as a member of the same has so to impart. 

(6) That the sole mouthpiece of the church is Jesus Christ. We are to receive commandments as a church only as Christ communicates the same; and we are entitled, as a church, to be first satisfied that Christ did give any commandment purporting to come from him, before accepting, or receiving, the same. 

(7) That "plenary inspiration" has never been affirmed by the church; but we believe in the so named "authorized" books of the church as true and proper standards of evidence in the determination of all controverted doctrines in theology. 

(8) That the doctrine of "cursing" and "avenging enemies," we accept only as explained in paragraph 3 and 4 of Section 102, Doctrine and Covenants, the section referred to by the brethren, wherein the Lord is made the sole executor in behalf of the children of Zion as follows . . . 

(9) That we believe in an "imperial dynasty" only, wherein Christ is to be King, and the reigning of such of his servants who keep the faith here with him when he shall come with his rewards. . . .