Five ways Latter-day Saints can detect and avoid doctrinal deception
Published: Thursday, Sept. 19 2013 9:46 a.m. MDT
PROVO — On the final day of BYU Campus Education Week, Robert L. Millett, an author and BYU professor, gave a presentation outlining five points Latter-day Saints can use to avoid doctrinal deception in the church. He said that red flags should go off in members' heads when they encounter things that are not doctrinally sound.
One Saturday morning, Millett said, he received a call from Elder Neal A. Maxwell of the Quorum of the Twelve. Elder Maxwell was concerned about a book that had received a lot of attention and had gained somewhat of a cult following. He asked Millett if he knew about it and what he thought about it. Millett said, "Elder Maxwell, frankly, it has a lot of doctrinal problems."
Elder Maxwell said, "It never ceases to amaze me how gullible the Latter-day Saints can be. Our lack of doctrinal sophistication makes us an easy prey for such fads." Millett then explained that Latter-day Saints ought to pore over the scriptures constantly to learn the doctrines, lest they be deceived.
Sooner or later someone comes along claiming a new revelation, a new doctrine, or some new way of life, said Millett. He asked how members can determine if something is from God. He proposed five questions that a person might ask to determine if something is false.
1. Is the person claiming the revelation acting within the bounds of his or her respective stewardship?
There is a specific pattern that the Lord uses for revelation, Millett said. He asked the audience if they could imagine if everyone received revelation for any part of the church. It would be total chaos, he said. He then quoted Joseph Smith: "It is contrary to the economy of God for any member of the church, or any one, to receive instructions for those in authority, higher than themselves."
2. Is the person receiving the revelation worthy to receive such?
As a reference Millett cited Doctrine and Covenants 52:14-15: "And again, I will give unto you a pattern in all things, that ye may not be deceived; for Satan is abroad in the land, and he goeth forth deceiving the nations — wherefore he that prayeth, whose spirit is contrite, the same is accepted of me if he obey mine ordinances."
3. Is the communication in harmony with the standard works and teachings of the prophets?
Leave the exceptions to the prophets, Millett counseled. "Elder [Bruce R.] McConkie taught to stay within the mainstream of the church," said Millett. He advised class members to watch out for new interpretations of scripture or people claiming that following something outside the mainstream of the church brings deeper spirituality.
4. Does the revelation edify or instruct?
Is it consistent with the dignity that ought to be associated with revelation from God? God does not work against Himself, said Millett.
5. Does the communication build a person's faith and strengthen commitment?
If what a person is claiming weakens faith in Christ or resolve to follow the leaders of the church or a desire to do what is right, it is not of God, said Millett.
In closing, he suggested looking at the fruits produced by following a particular revelation. Does it make you feel closer to God? Does it uplift and encourage you to be a better person? Do you feel the Spirit? "That we may not be deceived, we seek after the gifts of the Spirit, particularly the gift of discernment," he said.
Joseph Smith gave a key indicator to help avoid deception, said Millett. Joseph said, "That man who rises up to condemn others, finding fault with the church, saying that they are out of the way, while he himself is righteous, then know assuredly, that that man is in the high road to apostasy; and if he does not repent, will apostatize, as God lives."
As seminary and institute teachers, we should ask ourselves these questions, especially 2-5.
2. Am I worthy---to receive insights/revelation from the Spirit? Do I fulfill what I was called to do, i.e., go to in-service meetings to be instructed and to share? Do I spend 1 ½ hours daily preparing or do I think I can wing it because I am so good? Do I support those in authority over me, i.e., the Bishop, Stake Presidency, Coordinator, Stake Supervisor? Do I report reading and enter attendance as instructed and when I am instructed to? Etc.
3. Is what I teach in harmony with what the scriptures the living Prophets teach or do I teach my own insights that the Prophets haven’t learned yet? Etc.
4. Does what I teach and how I teach edify and build---testimony, self worth, trust in the Lord or is it just fun and enjoyable so that the kids will like me? Etc.
5. Do the things we talk about and learn build faith in God and bring you closer to him? Does it encourage your students to be better people and help them to have the courage to live the gospel as taught by the living Prophets? Etc.
These are great questions that we should continually ask ourselves so we stay in the safety zones of Doctrinal Purity.
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