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Gramps,

I’m not sure our institution wants to own the teaching that our Heavenly Father has a father who has a father, and so on, infinitely. I know this teaching was passionately held, taught, and defended by presiding leaders, but hardly touched today.I know also that Pres Hinckley dismissed it during a TV interview, but that later speaking to the faithful, he affirmed it. You’ve seen more breadth of leaders than I have. What’s the official word on this subject? Would you share your own candid view?

Morgan

 

Answer

 

Morgan,

There are a few scriptures that are important when determining whether teachings and doctrines are inline with the teachings of Jesus Christ, His gospel. These scriptures are able to be found within our New Testament, Book of Mormon, and Doctrine and Covenants.

John 14:6: Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Jacob 4:13, Behold, my brethren, he that prophesieth, let him prophesy to the understanding of men; for the Spirit speaketh the truth and lieth not. Wherefore, it speaketh of things as they really are, and of things as they really will be; wherefore, these things are manifested unto us plainly, for the salvation of our souls.

Doctrine and Covenants 93:23-24, “Ye were also in the beginning with the Father; that which is Spirit, even the Spirit of truth;

 

And truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come;”

In light of this, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the gospel of Jesus Christ) will own or accept whatever is truth as revealed from God to His servants the prophets, and then to us. If we aren’t willing to “own” truth — as revealed — it would be hard then to truly call us by the name of Christ, light and truth.

The questions we should consider is whether or not this is true, or if this has been revealed as truth (canon). If so, then we own it. If not, then I personally agree with the comment provided by President Hinckley on live TV when he said something to this nature, “There isn’t a lot revealed about the Father.” This is true. There is nothing in our canon scripture that specifies this without personal interpretation. We have statements from past leaders of the Church that give insight, but has not become official Church doctrine. In this case, I believe we are duty bound to only accept what has been revealed.  If a person wants to accept and teach this, that’s fine – as long as they understand it is seen as their personal thoughts and opinions (which may or may not be true)

What is truth though is what we accept, and we do not fear the natural man or the world if they don’t like a teaching of truth. If we can’t accept “truth” — things as they really are — then it would be hard for us to be truly following Christ. If the teaching is not true, then of course we don’t want to own it, as it is false, and Christ is not the author of false teachings, the adversary is.

 

Gramps

 

 

 

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