Here is a rather extraordinary statement from a MD&D board participant named Storm Rider. The discussion at hand was whether President David O. McKay should have followed a more godly course by overturning the policy of racial discrimination when it came up for a vote and lost because two Quorum members balked at it:
The concept of revelation is bedrock to our faith. Each time the Brethren have created policy, rather than leading by revelation, they have taken the actions of men. My worthless opinion is that this is wrong and always leads to problems. If God does not speak then hold your tongue on an issue. When he speaks then declare the revelation and add it to the Doctrine & Covenants as such.
Each time a policy is created the Church takes one step away from Christ and moves toward a church of mankind. It is meaningless how effective or ineffective a policy is; it is the action of man rather than God.
All policy leads to problems of one kind or another. Whether it is the policy of how a prophet is called, the priesthood, Word of Wisdom, temple ordinances (wording), etc. all were taken without any accompanying revelation to support the decision. Man is capable of much good in and of themselves, but none of us, prophets and apostles included, should ever develop policy that affects the salvation of humanity without having the direct intervention of the God of our salvation. Again, if it is not by the direction of God let each of us have the good sense to keep our mouths closed. Patience is not a bad thing and I hope to heaven that the price each of these leaders will pay is not so harsh; they are each worthy of mercy and forgiveness. http://www.mormondialogue.org/topic/62349-church-specifically-disavows-priesthood-restriction-explanations/
It wasn't considered a policy when David O McKay refused to over turn it, so I have no idea what he is saying.
Calling it a policy in hindsight is a simple way of dismissing what are now obviously erroneous doctrinal beliefs.
Was polygamy also a "policy"?
"Any over-ritualized religion since the dawn of time can make its priests say yes, we know, it is rotten, and hard luck, but just do as we say, keep at the ritual, stick it out, give us your money and you'll end up with the angels in heaven for evermore."
There is no god, then no revelation, then no words of god, then no scripture, then no small voice. There is superstition only.
moksha wrote:
Each time a policy is created ...
As in every manmade structure. Governments, churches, organizations make their policy. We choose (???) our leaders to do this dirty work.
moksha wrote:
All policy leads to problems ...
... then generate new policies to solve them.
An old joke... In the marriage we can solve all the problems which wouldn't exist without marriage.
My worthless opinion...
- Whenever a poet or preacher, chief or wizard spouts gibberish, the human race spends centuries deciphering the message. - Umberto Eco - To assert that the earth revolves around the sun is as erroneous as to claim that Jesus was not born of a virgin. - Cardinal Bellarmine at the trial of Galilei
Policy or Doctrine, when both are couched on lies what is the difference?
“If paying tithing means that you can’t pay for water or electricity, pay tithing. If paying tithing means that you can’t pay your rent, pay tithing. Even if paying tithing means that you don’t have enough money to feed your family, pay tithing." Ensign/2012/12