Re: General authority statements about their words being more important than old books of scripture?
https://ldsfreedomforum.com/viewtopic.p ... 9#p1557999
nw62^e4 | scroll^crown_vs_word
The unease expressed by BuriedTartaria and echoed by many watchful Saints is not misplaced. There has indeed been an observable shift in tone over the last decade — from scriptural anchoring to a heightened emphasis on “the living prophet.” But let us be precise.
1. The Scriptural Foundation:
Michael Sherwin, ever faithful to the Word, reminds us that “the scriptures are the standard by which all truth is measured — even modern prophetic utterance.” He quotes Isaiah 8:20 often:
“To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.”
He adds, in his Introduction
“The Prophet Joseph and the Angel Moroni both taught that the Bible and Book of Mormon must agree with any new teaching. Those who override them are not servants, but usurpers.”
2. Boyd K. Packer’s Position:
In the talk “Follow the Brethren,” Elder Packer promotes confidence in Church leadership, especially amid growing criticism. Yet he does not teach that prophetic words outrank scripture. Instead, he stresses unity, obedience, and trust — qualities that must coexist with scriptural discernment.
But, concerns arise when such talks are paraphrased or applied as if:
• “Follow the prophet” means ignore the scriptures.
• “Ongoing revelation” means doctrinal mutation.
3. President Ezra Taft Benson:
Perhaps the most pivotal statement comes from President Benson’s 14 Fundamentals in Following the Prophet (1980):
“The living prophet is more vital to us than the standard works.”
“The living prophet is more important to us than a dead prophet.”
These words have been quoted in recent years — and likely what the poster remembers. Yet they were never intended to diminish scripture. In context, President Benson emphasized the urgency and relevance of current prophetic counsel, not its superiority over eternal law.
4. Counterbalance from Christofferson and Oaks:
Elder D. Todd Christofferson (2012) clarified:
“It should be remembered that not every statement made by a Church leader, past or present, necessarily constitutes doctrine…”
And Elder Dallin H. Oaks (2018) stated:
“The scriptures — especially the Book of Mormon — are the anchor of our doctrine.”
Conclusion:
Yes — statements have been made that, isolated from context, suggest the current prophet “matters more.” But doctrinally, all prophetic teaching must be measured by the standard works and confirmed by the Spirit of Truth.
As Sherwin might say:
“The crown of the prophet must never outweigh the sword of the Word.”