Hopefully, it brings out the best in each of us.
Now for the subject: I am fascinated to see posts like this all over social media:
Unattributed:
With all the uncertainty and chaos going on in the world right now...all I have to say is thank goodness for prophets and modern day revelation. #homecenteredgospellearning #theyknowbeforetheworlddoes
I could add a dozen more. The point is that this remarkably confident claim of direct prophetic connection is being expressed, and ardently “liked,” among a decent size cross section of believing LDS members.
Have LDS leaders claimed such a prophetic connection? They sure have not said a word to denounce the notion.
And thus we see the miracle of LDS miracle making in action.
By saying nothing, the event IS proof of a revelation to the world, vocalized by members everywhere.
And because the Q15 have not unanimously voiced confirmation of the prophetic link, their silence on the matter means this claim can never be used against them.
Much like the belief that the apostles have seen Jesus. Perhaps, as Packer once said regarding the inappropriateness of even asking if an apostle had seen Jesus, this too falls in the “too sacred to discuss” category. Would it also require some special authority for a reporter or curious member to simply ask one of the brethren if they saw the coronavirus as the home centered revelation came to them? Or, just as relevant, if they truly believed the home centered church “revelation” was inspired to bless the saints during these tumultuous weeks if cancelled public gatherings?
My concerns with these claims and leader’s non-claiming of a prophetic link are twofold:
1. Allowing members to believe false positives at best undermines faith later, at worst is a deceptive credit-taking for happy accidents.
2. Taking advantage of a temporary but severe global crisis to score revelation points also undermines the claim to revelation itself, because the claimed revelation offers only a fleeting spiritual benefit to church members, but affords absolutely zero benefit of warning that might have aided human suffering broadly. The outcome falls woefully short of the great miracle claimed. Mean God, warms prophet but forgets to tell prophet to warn the world.
Looking at Quentin Cook’s 2018 introduction of home centered church, we read the following summary:
Cook, Oct 2018:
As leaders have sought revelation, the guidance received over the past few years is to strengthen the sacrament meeting, honor the Sabbath day, and encourage and assist parents and individuals to make their homes a source of spiritual strength and increased faith—a place of joy and happiness.
I see three points backing the change:
1. Strengthen church meetings (members come more prepared)
2. Sabbath day observance in the home (members have a program to help with family observance)
3. Make homes more holy (study and pray in the home, home becomes associated with faith experiences)
Nothing here about a warning to the world at large. Nothing about a substitute for Sunday services. Nothing that might be construed as an auxiliary call to prepare by augmenting the now-standard 72 hour kits for food or hygiene storage.
Eh, anyway. I guess it’s an example that people see what they want to see when it reinforces beliefs. Confirmation bias. That church leaders allow if and only if it elevates their prophet, seer and revelator myth.