What is the role of a prophet?

[slippyslayer101]

Hi, I'm an 18-year-old freshman at BYU and I have questioned my faith a lot over the past couple years. I apologize in advance if I come off sounding like a jerk who is trying to discredit the Church by being overskeptical (if that's even a word). I absolutely want to believe it is true, and I do still think there's a very good chance it is. I'm glad I found this site so I can ask some of the questions I've been having and hear answers from people who don't know me and won't judge me. Possibly my biggest question about the LDS Church is what the role of a prophet is.

I've lost some faith in our prophets as I've learned about the things prophets have said in the past. I know the typical responses are that what they said was just their opinion, or that policy is different than doctrine. But what nobody seems able to answer then is how you're supposed to determine what is revelation and what isn't. If a prophet says something like that blacks will never hold the Priesthood, and this turns out to be false, it looks suspicious for us to just brush it off as a mere opinion when the people at the time took it to be revelation from a prophet of God. I read an article on staylds.com (which may not be the most trustworthy site as some of its members think pornography isn't actually a sin, but still...) about what is official doctrine and what isn't, and I thought it was a great article that laid things out neatly for me. But after reading it, I'm thinking "well, if there are only six times where we know for sure it was revelation, then what exactly was the purpose of the prophets that never received any official doctrine?" Some might say that their conference talks contain revelation hidden in them, but what would be the point of said revelation if it was so surrounded by personal opinions that I couldn't help but brush it off? How can I take all the talk about preserving marriage between a man and woman seriously if I know that Joseph Fielding Smith said man would never set foot on the moon? JUST WHAT IS A PROPHET?!? Also, this isn't really part of the question, but it bothers me when the General Authorities make somewhat anti-intellectual arguments for the truthfulness of the LDS Church. I just can't buy into claims like, "The Book of Mormon teaches good lessons so it must be true because a wicked man couldn't make it up."

I think what would help me is if I had a better idea of what Thomas S. Monson does for the church on a daily basis. I understand that he is a busy man, so what exactly are his duties (besides giving talks at General Conference)? I haven't been able to find much information about this anywhere so I'd appreciate anything anyone knows about this.

Again, please don't judge me. I don't want to sound like a jerk, I'm really just a desperate college kid who isn't having a great life and needs this gospel to be true. Questioning it is just in my nature I guess. It's the same thing with my political views, they've just been all over the place because I feel a need to see things from both sides. I really wish I didn't have these "critical thinking skills" or whatever you want to call them.

[AaronArthur]

Well I think of the nature of God to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man to be his highest goal. The Israelite where not to kill in the Ten commandments but where commanded later in the Bible to wipe out entire nations. Both where require by heaven to bring about the gospel of Jesus Christ and salvation to all men. So the prophets may redirect commandments and statements from time to time to accomplish the very goal of the Father for all man kind. The only prof that one can have that the prophet of God is speaking and doing the Will of God is to ask God himself. For logic can only prov that The God of all earthly religions is a changeable god and hypocritical. But if we see the adjustments to programs though out all time is the only way for God to fully full fill his mission of bringing to pass the immortality and Eternal life of Man then we find God to be unchangeable toward his purpose. So it all comes down to this. First one must believe that there is a God. Second one must believe that he or She can talk to God. Third one must believe that God will talk to him or her. Forth one must be able to know how God communicates to him or her. The duty of a prophet is to help all mankind follow the steps of Faith and gain a relationship with Christ and The Father.

[garryw]

how you're supposed to determine what is revelation and what isn't

That's always been the job of the Holy Ghost.

And the moon thing is actually a a credit to the modern prophets. Here we have nearly 200 years of modern discourses and teachings, and with all that the most damning thing to bring up is JFS's quote about the moon? He said he "doubts" man would ever get to the moon, and it was before he was called as president of the church. Pretty reasonable track record for modern prophets.

[Connie]

This is my current understanding and how i see things, which i submit for your consideration.

“A prophet is a man called by God to be His representative on earth. When a prophet speaks for God, it is as if God were speaking (see D&C 1:38). A prophet is also a special witness for Christ, testifying of His divinity and teaching His gospel. A prophet teaches truth and interprets the word of God. He calls the unrighteous to repentance. He receives revelations and directions from the Lord for our benefit. He may see into the future and foretell coming events so that the world may be warned.” –Gospel Principles, Chapter 9

Sometimes people get a picture of prophets as infallible people who can never make a mistake which is strange considering such an idea is not found in the Bible. Peter denied Christ three times. Jonah tried to run away so he wouldn’t have to preach to the people of Nineveh. Moses disobeyed God’s instructions on bringing forth water from the rock and was later chastened. Prophets have never been perfect, but God uses them to do some very great things. To me the most amazing thing about prophets is that they are imperfect human beings.

Prophets are products of the time in which they live, and I think God understands that. God works with the knowledge and understanding each person has to bring about the greatest good for as many people as possible. I believe there are such things as circumstantial commandments. God has to work with the general understanding of the majority of people in any given area or nation.

As far as how to know whether a prophet is speaking as a prophet or a person, I would submit this quote.

“I am convinced that there is no simple formula or technique that would immediately allow you to master the ability to be guided by the voice of the Spirit. Our Father expects you to learn how to obtain that divine help by exercising faith in Him and His Holy Son, Jesus Christ. Were you to receive inspired guidance just for the asking, you would become weak and ever more dependent on Them. They know that essential personal growth will come as you struggle to learn how to be led by the Spirit.” –Elder Richard G. Scott, Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

We have to work and struggle to gain those answers for ourselves. This is how we can grow and not “be compelled in all things.”

I hope that helps in some small way.

[Just_A_Guy]

Slippyslayer, for your next semester may I recommend RelC 333? When I took it, we were also assigned this companion book, which is very useful.

[changed]

Originally Posted by garryw

That's always been the job of the Holy Ghost.

I second the above!

Also, here is an article to read through if anyone is interested:

Mormonism and doctrine/Prophets are not infallible - FAIRMormon

[Traveler]

In essence the role of the prophet is the same as anyone else in the church and kingdom of G-d.

To live by covenant
Honor the Priesthood (this is like honoring our parents)
to help and assist others to enjoy eternal life.

If one views and understands history and the epochs in scripture they will realize that prophets are like the rest of us - men (mankind) trying to do good things. If you want to be rejected if and whenever you make a mistake - I believe you are perfectly justified in rejecting anyone else - home teachers, bishops or prophets to make a mistake.

I believe we should have a understanding of support and help for one another. I have never met anyone to accept a call in the kingdom that did not desire to help others. In general - If you do not believe someone is a good example or has an attitude that is not helpful - out of a spirit of love and kindness - I believe you should offer you advice and assistance to correct the matter. As a side note - griping and complaining is seldom helpful - I thought I would add this thought just in case you have never had the experience of someone gripping and complaining about what you are doing - it really is not helpful.

The Traveler

[Anddenex]

Originally Posted by slippyslayer101

Possibly my biggest question about the LDS Church is what the role of a prophet is.

Let's start with your main question, what is the role of a prophet?

1st - The main role of a prophet is the bear witness of Christ and his gospel.
2nd - To teach, guide, and direct the affairs of God's church upon the earth.
3rd - To chasten, and warn civilizations of the judgments of God which are about to come.
4th - To receive revelation for the collective body of the church. President Spencer W. Kimball receiving revelation regarding our African American brothers and the priesthood.
5th - In the passing of an Apostle, they call new Apostles to the Lord's work.
6th - They serve the people as God would have them serve. They assist in the dedication of temples.
7th - They delegate certain elements of the Church to Apostles and General Authorities who act under the keys they hold.

These are roles of our prophet. I am sure others could provide more, but this suffices for me for this question.

Originally Posted by slippyslayer101

I've lost some faith in our prophets as I've learned about the things prophets have said in the past.... it looks suspicious for us to just brush it off as a mere opinion when the people at the time took it to be revelation from a prophet of God.

Why? Does everything a prophet speaks have to be a revelation from God? Note, have you recognized how many books have been written by prophets and apostles? If so, have you noticed how the church authorities now say, "This is my opinion and it is not church doctrine."

The Church leaders are now more careful in their speech, than previously. The idea of other people believing it as a revelation does not dictate that it was a revelation. People are given the opportunity to govern themselves. If they want to be governed by the opinion of a prophet, then that is their choice. This type of thought is highly presented within anti-Mormon threads to try to make something harmless look awful and bad, this is called sophistry.

Even Brigham Young was concerned during his time that people would not think for themselves, and believe every word from a Prophet was a revelation from God. I remember reading a story about President Young walking by a neighbor working on his house, the roof. He warned this brother to be careful and not to fall, and giving some personal advice. After President Young said this, the man began singing "We Thank Thee Oh God for a Prophet." President Young wasn't speaking as a prophet, nor giving a voice of warning as a prophet, he was speaking as a man.

Our prophets in the past have shared some interesting points of view, for example, that Adam received another wife from another planet. Very interesting, but not doctrine. Nothing suspicious either. I have never been concerned by what a prophet teaches, unless it becomes official cannon. Then, I give heed.

Originally Posted by slippyslayer101

Also, this isn't really part of the question, but it bothers me when the General Authorities make somewhat anti-intellectual arguments for the truthfulness of the LDS Church. I just can't buy into claims like, "The Book of Mormon teaches good lessons so it must be true because a wicked man couldn't make it up."

I don't buy into this type of claim either. However, I don't fault them either. If this is what they feel is important to them, then I accept it, as their belief, not mine own.

How a General Authority speaks doesn't negate the Church is true. I think you are too concerned with subtle nuances within speech verses actually verifying for yourself if the church is true.

Originally Posted by slippyslayer101

I think what would help me is if I had a better idea of what Thomas S. Monson does for the church on a daily basis. I understand that he is a busy man, so what exactly are his duties (besides giving talks at General Conference)? I haven't been able to find much information about this anywhere so I'd appreciate anything anyone knows about this.

Really? All you have to do is purchase one of his books, especially his biography which was recently published. If you want to know what he does, read his biography. Read all the biographies of past prophets and you will get an idea of who they were, what type of men they were, and how they loved and served God.

Originally Posted by slippyslayer101

Again, please don't judge me. I don't want to sound like a jerk, I'm really just a desperate college kid who isn't having a great life and needs this gospel to be true. Questioning it is just in my nature I guess. It's the same thing with my political views, they've just been all over the place because I feel a need to see things from both sides. I really wish I didn't have these "critical thinking skills" or whatever you want to call them.

Questioning is the nature of all men and women. Without a question we cannot receive a revelation from God.

I would recommend reading the Book of Mormon. Read it over again. Do not expect the Lord to deliver a witness to you the way you want it. He will deliver a witness that is best for you, if you have ears to hear, and eyes to see.

Serve faithfully in callings at church. Fast and pray. If you are doing these things, then continue doing them.

The Lord will always provide a witness, in his time, and in his way, and if we are humble we will recognize his witness.

Best wishes.

[jayanna]

Doctrine means current teachings. This would mean anything in the scriptures, conference talks, or talks in the Ensign that are by church authorities, and the lessons in the manuals that are published by the church educational system.

A lot of people are under the impression that when it comes to church instruction, the oldest instruction is the best, when really it is the opposite. The teachings of the current prophet are more important than previous teachings. He is the prophet of the current people of the Earth. As the church grows and the needs of the members change, the instruction and current information will change according to the current needs of the members. This applies especially to organziation and goals of the church membership.

It is good to remember that every single thing that comes out of the Prophet's mouth is not necessarily inspired revelation. Conference talks, of course, blessings on temple grounds, etc. would naturally be under revelation, but not really opinions or even journal entries, unless possibly recording a particular spiritual experience

The Holy Spirit will guide concerning the truthfulness of all things, sometimes one has to put a principle into practice in order to gain a testimony of it. Thankfully, the Lord is aware that we all learn differently. The gospel is active in 3 types of learning...reading, hearing, and doing. When you apply all three your spiritual education is more complete. Illiminate one and you might think you are doing great when really you are missing a dimension of the gospel that might be just what you are needing.

Sometimes when I bear my testimony it is my own words, but on the topic that the Spirit has directed me to speak on. Sometimes I am teaching and the Spirit tells me what to say word for word. I would imagine it would be the same for others.

[HiJolly]

Hate to say it, jayanna, but your opinion on what doctrine is contradicts what the Church says it is.

Approaching Mormon Doctrine

HiJolly