Question
Gramps,
The recent general conference was full of excellent talks and council for all of us. Which makes me wonder if we could conclude that the conference talks can be considered scripture for our day?
Lloyd
Answer
Lloyd,
The quick answer is: ASOLUTELY!!!
What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same. D&C 1:38
And whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost shall be scripture, shall be the will of the Lord, shall be the mind of the Lord, shall be the word of the Lord, shall be the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation. D&C 68:4
The only conditions I’d put on the answer to your question are:
- “For our Day”
- “Canonization”
When you say “for our day” we must understand the difference between that which is for the entire dispensation vs for the year or generation we live in. I’ve heard it commonly said that the May and November issues of Conference ought to sit side-by-side with our standard works for that six month period which they cover.
This does not mean that the doctrines expounded are less truthful after that six month period. But it does mean that the emphasis may be greater for that period. I also tend to think that any particular warnings are more important for that period.
Regardless, there are always principles we are always commanded to stay true to whether they are mentioned last conference or not. And these are held in those books which we call “canonical”. These are what we refer to as our “standard works”. Those publications which have been adopted as applicable to the entire dispensation regardless of whether we emphasize them or not. They are always applicable.
So, we always use the Standard Works as our basis or “constitution”. The policies of the Church and the emphasis we hear in Conference may change. But the Standard Works remain until a new revelation is given and we have a vote on it through solemn assembly.
Gramps