Some Things Said Just Ain’t So, Part 4

Is Gender an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose?

Here are some fascinating views of modern day “prophets, seers, and revelators”. Their versions of doctrine seem to be at odds with each another and to be very difficult, if not impossible, to reconcile and join together.

In 1995, the Proclamation on the Family was prepared, signed, and distributed to the world under the direction of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The Proclamation in part states: "All human beings —male and female— are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose." 

The following statement by President Joseph Fielding Smith, found in the Doctrines of Salvation, was prepared by his son in law, Bruce R. McConkie of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Certainly, both approved of this statement, but it contradicts The Proclamation on the Family.

"Some of the functions in the celestial body will not appear in the terrestrial body, neither in the telestial body, and the power of procreation will be removed. I take it that men and women will, in these kingdoms, be just what the so-called Christian world expects us all to be: neither man nor woman, merely immortal beings having received the resurrection.” (Doctrines of Salvation 2:287-288)

How can gender be an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose if in these lower kingdoms there will be neither man nor woman?

In Answers to Gospel Questions, Volume 4, Page 66, which was arranged by Elder Bruce R. McConkie, President Smith additionally taught, "Is not the sectarian world justified in their doctrine generally proclaimed, that after the resurrection there will be neither male nor female sex? It is a logical conclusion for them to reach and apparently is in full harmony with what the Lord has revealed regarding the kingdoms into which evidently the vast majority of mankind is likely to go."

It certainly appears that someone errs in doctrine here. Either President Smith and Elder McConkie were misled, or the fifteen prophets seers and revelators, who signed the Proclamation on the Family in September 1995, were misinformed. Is it possible, all tend to err in some fashion or another and should reconsider their positions and ask God about these issues. Either way, it becomes evident they contradict one another and things just don’t seem to match up.

Contradictory statements, teachings, testimonials, and promotions from legitimate, bona fide religious leaders can be unsettling, disturbing, and even alarming to some.  Opposing doctrines taught by men, who are called as prophets seers and revelators and clearly claim to speak for God, may cause us to seriously reconsider and weigh who speaks the word of God and who does not.

Is it worth the effort to find and identify true messengers of God? Are their communications valuable? Would it be wise to listen to and hear the messages they have been commissioned to bring from the presence of God and proclaim to us?  Should we individually ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things originate from Him and if the messages are true or false? Would it be wise to ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ?

If these things revealed through messengers of God were verified to you to be true, by the power of the Holy Ghost, what would be the outcome of obedience? Moroni 10:4 What would be the fruits of living according to the messages delivered from heaven? What would be the results of denial or rejection of God’s message to you? 

Is it worth conversing with the Lord to know His thoughts, intents, work, glory, and mission? Is it important to know who speaks the truth in His Name? Is it important to know the ones who only pretend to know Him and, consequently, take His Name in vain and lead many astray? Is it important to understand what He’s talking about and who to trust as His messengers?

To be continued . . .