How will we know what in Conference is revelation?

[_mms]

We claim that we have ongoing revelation to our Prophets as Mormons and we use this as a selling point for the Church. But is this misleading? Is it not true that we actually will have no idea whether what a Prophet states at this upcoming Conference is revelation?

If you believe we will know somehow, how will we know? How are we to know something said on Saturday or Sunday will not be retracted after a protest on Thursday? Or maybe after a decade and some reflection?

If I was a recent convert asking this, how would answer my question:

"So, will we be receiving some of the modern revelation the missionaries told me about at this upcoming General Conference?"

[_sock puppet]

We claim that we have ongoing revelation to our Prophets as Mormons and we use this as a selling point for the Church. But is this misleading? Is it not true that we actually will have no idea whether what a Prophet states at this upcoming Conference is revelation?

If you believe we will know somehow, how will we know? How are we to know something said on Saturday or Sunday will not be retracted after a protest on Thursday? Or maybe after a decade and some reflection?

If I was a recent convert asking this, how would answer my question:

"So, will we be receiving some of the modern revelation the missionaries told me about at this upcoming General Conference?"

Take it all at face value, as god-given. You can then stop obeying a piece of it later, when tossed out because of apologetic necessity.

It's really easy: obey, obey, obey whatever is uttered, until of course instructed otherwise that something was just men talking, not god.

[_Phillip]

Here are some possibilities:

1) The sola scriptura approach: if the teaching is consistent with, or a rephrasing of, material in the standard works then we can be assured that it is from the Lord.

2) The still small voice approach: Does the Spirit whisper that it is true? Personal revelation is required to sort out the teachings of men from true gospel doctrines.

3) The 'Thus saith' approach: only statements preceded by a 'thus saith the Lord' or something equivalent can count as direct revelation.

4) The corporate approach: a teaching must be officially and formally ratified by the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve to count as revealed doctrine.

5) The 'wait and see' approach: if a doctrine is consistently taught by the Church for many years then it counts as revelation.

6) The 'its all good' approach: everything taught at Conference qualifies as revelation from God. No attempts are made to reconcile conflicting teachings.

[_harmony]

A bright light from the ceiling will shine on the speaker and the voice from heaven will proclaim... oh wait... that's just the spotlight and the miked voice.

[_sock puppet]

A bright light from the ceiling will shine on the speaker and the voice from heaven will proclaim... oh wait... that's just the spotlight and the miked voice.

Now that kind of staging would be fun to see. I'd tune in to watch that.

[_hugh jass]

I would recommend one shot of liquor for each time the motab sings.

It all becomes enjoyable after the third song.

[_DarkHelmet]

I know Mormons talk a lot about hearing god through their prophets every six months. The missionaries use it as a selling point. Of course, those of us on the Internet forums know it isn't true. The talks may or may not be inspired, depending on what the apologists think.

[_moksha]

How will we know what in Conference is revelation?

Look at the message banner at the bottom of the screen for the word Revelation.

[_hugh jass]

I know Mormons talk a lot about hearing god through their prophets every six months. The missionaries use it as a selling point. Of course, those of us on the Internet forums know it isn't true. The talks may or may not be inspired, depending on what the apologists think.

Many are simply recycled talks.

The revelation well isn't very deep.

[_jon]

The definition of 'revelation' is along the lines of something being disclosed that is both striking and unknown before the disclosure.

So for conference the speakers would have to tell you something:
1. That was either new to the whole congregation of Saints, or new to you specifically.
2. Would need to have a real impact.

So, in preparation for conference - what did you hear last time that was new to you?