The Lord’s commandments are of two types: permanent, like the doctrine of Christ, and temporary. Temporary commandments are those necessary for the needs of the Lord’s Church or the faithful in temporary circumstances, but to be set aside when the need has passed. An example of temporary commandments are the Lord’s directions to the early leadership of the Church to move the Saints from New York to Ohio, to Missouri, and to Illinois and finally to lead the pioneer exodus to the Intermountain West. Though only temporary, when still in force these commandments were given to be obeyed.
Of course, there are two more obvious examples that Oaks declines to bring up - plural marriage, and the priesthood ban. This is Oaks trying to plant the seed that the bad decisions of past and present leaders weren’t bad decisions, they were simply temporary commandments that were necessary in their day. He’s using General Conference to play at apologetics.
Premise 1. Eyewitness testimony is notoriously unreliable.
Premise 2. The best evidence for the Book of Mormon is eyewitness testimony.
Conclusion. Therefore, the best evidence for the Book of Mormon is notoriously unreliable.
I think he steered clear of polygamy because he doesn't want to draw attention to the fact he is sealed to two women and fully expects he will get both after he dies. This would disqualify as a temporary commandment.
The mind games continue. Mormons not only have to decide if the prophet is speaking as a man, but now have to decide if the commandments are permanent or just temporary.
We are witnessing the creation of new doctrine, although who knows if this is permanent or just temporary doctrine. Maybe wearing garments is a temporary commandment? Maybe the word of wisdom is a temporary commandment? Maybe tithing is just a temporary commandment? Who in the freak knows anymore.
It sure looks like the Church is trying to excuse past behavior and give themselves a free pass (Polygamy and the Priesthood Ban were just temporary commandments). This is the Church's get out of jail free card for any horrible behavior- past present and future.
"I'm on paid sabbatical from BYU in exchange for my promise to use this time to finish two books."
It is like the Church is trying to tell us that "This too shall pass". I doubt this will sit well with Dr. Peterson when he quotes the Prophet Ozymandias.
On the heels of the garment changes I’m starting to see hope for the Word of Wisdom to get a revisit seep into the conversation. That perhaps part of it was temporary. It would certainly help the church in some places if tea and coffee were okayed, and they are better than some of the sodas and energy drinks members drink.
I think I can see through the smoke and mirrors of the new temporary commandments. The church will lift the ban on coffee and tea and simultaneously announce the new business venture of Deseret Coffee Company. The church will open coffee shops on every street corner as well as in every church house, serving the new celestial brew. Fortunately, the coffee and tea sold will be blessed and sanctified by Mormon apostles thus allowing only this blend of blessed coffee and tea to be sipped under the new temporary commandment revelation. Starbucks, McDonalds, Dutch Bros will still be off limits. Luckily for all Mormons, the only appropriate roasted blends will be sold in sealed cans at all Deseret Book stores. This new label will feature coffee exclusively picked by tank-top garment wearers in warmer climate such as Africa, the Philippines, and South America.
I think I can see through the smoke and mirrors of the new temporary commandments. The church will lift the ban on coffee and tea and simultaneously announce the new business venture of Deseret Coffee Company. The church will open coffee shops on every street corner as well as in every church house, serving the new celestial brew. Fortunately, the coffee and tea sold will be blessed and sanctified by Mormon apostles thus allowing only this blend of blessed coffee and tea to be sipped under the new temporary commandment revelation. Starbucks, McDonalds, Dutch Bros will still be off limits. Luckily for all Mormons, the only appropriate roasted blends will be sold in sealed cans at all Deseret Book stores. This new label will feature coffee exclusively picked by tank-top garment wearers in warmer climate such as Africa, the Philippines, and South America.
It will be labelled as “Produced in the lands of The Book of Mormon”. In all seriousness, it would be a commercial success.
I’m grateful that we have people like Oaks to tell us that we can trust people like trust.
Premise 1. Eyewitness testimony is notoriously unreliable.
Premise 2. The best evidence for the Book of Mormon is eyewitness testimony.
Conclusion. Therefore, the best evidence for the Book of Mormon is notoriously unreliable.
Could it be Oaks is just setting the stage for when Nelson dies and Oaks reverses some or all of what Nelson proclaimed?
"Only the atheist realizes how morally objectionable it is for survivors of catastrophe to believe themselves spared by a loving god, while this same God drowned infants in their cribs." Sam Harris
