Occasionally I come across a new idea that sticks with me and transforms the way I think. This happened recently while listening to an LDS Perspectives Podcast with Michael Goodman titled, “What is LDS Doctrine?”
I realized that having a clear definition of what doctrine means can help us sort through confusing issues, even when the words we use can cause confusion and misunderstanding. I loved the way that Dr. Goodman defined doctrine by giving three indicators that we can use to determine whether something is in fact a doctrine, or whether it is actually just a practice or policy. These are:
- Doctrines are eternal. They have always existed. Christ taught them, Joseph Smith taught them, and they are still regularly taught by the current prophets.
- Doctrines are taught by the united voice of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve. One member of this group speaking about something in conference doesn’t make it doctrine; it may just be his opinion. It is also important to remember that the reverse isn’t necessarily true; just because all the brethren agree on something doesn’t make it doctrine.
- Doctrines are salvific—my favorite new word. They pertain to our eternal salvation.
One example would be the priesthood. Is it a doctrine? Let’s test it using the above criteria. 1) We know it is eternal since, it is the power that created the earth. Christ used it during his ministry, and same priesthood keys are held and exercised today. 2) Without question the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve all speak of it as an essential part of the gospel. 3) It is also necessary for our salvation. So priesthood is a doctrine. How about who can hold it? That has changed over time, so it appears to be a practice rather than a doctrine.
Since first hearing this podcast, I have been noticing how often church leaders, members and critics call something a doctrine, which fails by these criteria. Let me be clear. Just because something is a practice rather than a doctrine, doesn’t mean it didn’t come from God by revelation, or that we can disregard it.
Consider the Word of Wisdom. It fails these tests for doctrine, but is required for a temple recommend, and temple ordinances and covenants are essential for our salvation. Another example is Family Home Evening, which is a practice, but which supports the doctrine of the eternal family. Missionary service is crucial to God’s work, but who can serve a mission and when are matters of policy.
So why is it important to distinguish between doctrines, practices and policies? All three can be inspired and may be vital to the administration of the church or the faithful living of our personal lives. What is important to understand is that practices and policies can change without calling into question the truthfulness of the church or the inspiration of its prophets. I believe the best reason for making this distinction is so that we can anchor our testimonies to what is solid and unchanging. The brethren also seem to believe that a focus on doctrine is important. Just recently the seminary scripture mastery program has been replaced with a program of doctrinal mastery. The church has also identified nine basic doctrines which are listed and explained on LDS.org.
They are:
- The Godhead
- The plan of salvation
- The Atonement of Jesus Christ
- The Restoration
- Prophets and revelation
- Priesthood and priesthood keys
- Ordinances and covenants
- Marriage and family
- Commandments
This may not be a comprehensive list, but it is certainly a strong foundation for a testimony. As times change, practices and policies may also change. This may be the result of revelation from God, or the best judgement of our leaders. We live in a rapidly changing world. If we are focused on the doctrines, we are better able to adapt to those changes, without being tossed about by every wind or wave. We are also less likely to have our faith shaken by seeming problems or inconsistencies in the church’s history.
So often it seems that people are critical of some “new doctrine” that was introduced by a speaker in conference, but by these standards, doctrine itself is never new. We can rely on it, trust it and build our faith on it. Even if the speaker uses the word doctrine, it is possible that he/she could really have meant something they believe to be an important truth that supports doctrine.
Look again at the list of basic doctrines. I personally love these doctrines; I feel that they give my life meaning, direction, and purpose. I recognize that this is not true for everyone and some people don’t see truth or value there, but I feel that often faith is lost over matters of far less consequence than the doctrines. Defining true doctrines, and judging everything else in terms of them, has changed my perspective on many of the questions surrounding the church.
Elder Jeffery R. Holland warns us that challenges will come and we will have periods of fear and doubt. During those times he urges us to “hold fast to what you already know and stand strong until additional knowledge comes.” For me the basic doctrines are what I hold on to. I love his council:
Brothers and sisters, this is a divine work in process, with the manifestations and blessings of it abounding in every direction, so please don’t hyperventilate if from time to time issues arise that need to be examined, understood, and resolved. They do and they will. In this Church, what we know will always trump what we do not know. And remember, in this world, everyone is to walk by faith.
