[tubaloth]

"When our leaders speak, the thinking has been done. When they propose a plan--it is God's Plan. When they point the way, there is no other which is safe. When they give directions, it should mark the end of controversy, God works in no other way. To think otherwise, without immediate repentance, may cost one his faith, may destroy his testimony, and leave him a stranger to the kingdom of God."

Ward Teachers Message, Deseret News, Church Section p. 5, May 26, 1945
Also included in the Improvement Era, June 1945 (which was the official church magazine before the Ensign)"

I would concur for the most part.

"Heber C. Kimball, First Councilor to Brigham Young, exhorted the Mormon people to "... learn to do as you are told, ... if you are told by your leader to do a thing, do it, none of your business whether it is right or wrong" (Journal of Discourses, vol. 6, p.32)."

This one would be a little bit on the edge (for me)

When I was LDS, I believed that we would stand at the judgment bar alone.

Yes and part of that judgment well be how we followed the commandments of our leaders.

Accepting counsel is one thing. Assuming that one need not reflect on statements because the thinking has been done is quite another.

And I think this is part of the miss understanding that is kind of coming into this thread.

The reason we (LDS members) would trust/follow a prophet so faithfully is because we have already made that judgment up that this person is a prophet of God. That we have gotten that witness that this mortal man, has a calling of Prophet, Seer, and Revelator.

This is the obligation of the members of the church. I feel if they DON’T do this and are following the prophet, then that is the wrong path. The point being, is when one follows the prophet it isn’t because of the calling or title, its because I know by the spirit, that this person is lead and guided by God.

What happened to agency? You are responsible for the choices you make, no one else.

You are, you use your agency to study it out in your mind and in your heart. You use your agency to get on your knees and pray about it. To seek the Lord in guidance. You use your agency based off the decision that you have come to know that this prophet is called of God. You use your agency to follow that council that came from one that is called of God. Agency is very much part of the process.

Under this logic Hitler (if he had lived) is the only one that should have been convicted at Nuremburg, because they were just doing what their leader told them.

Like I pointed out, this is not a good comparison. Those following Hitler did not have a choice to find out for themselves if he was the “chosen” leader. Hitler rose to that position and people were forced to follow that.

For a prophet, each member is to gain there own testimony that the prophet is called of God. Each member individually sustains that prophet on there own. If one feels that a prophet is not called of God, they can do what they well. They are not forced in any way.