Doctrine & Policy
"I don't know that it's possible to distinguish between policy and doctrine in a church that believes in continuing revelation and sustains its leader as a prophet."
- President Dallin H. Oaks, June 1988
Who are the 144,000? Does the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe in the 144,000?
What do the scriptures teach about angelic messengers? What does the modern Church teach about these heavenly beings?
In the early years of the church, the leaders forbade the use of birth control. It was even taught that those who took birth control were not guaranteed salvation. How has this teaching changed?
Decanonized Scriptures
Have some of the original Mormon scriptures been decanonized? Why? How does this effect the doctrine?
Fast Offerings
Tithing was implemented in the Church for specific reasons. Helping the poor was later implemented through Fast Offerings. When did this teaching begin? What is the money used for? How does it differ from tithing?
Interracial Marriage
For years, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints forbade interracial marriage. Why? What was the doctrine? How did it change?
Lamanite Lineage
Joseph Smith taught that the Native Americans were descendants of the Lamanite people from the Book of Mormon. What was taught? Has that teaching evolved?
LGBTQ 2015 Policy
In November of 2015, the church put into place a policy that barred children with LGBTQ parents from recieveing baby blessings, getting baptized, or participating in other significant ways. Why? When was this policy changed?
Priesthood and Temple Ban
For years the church banned black people from recieving the priesthood and from entering the temple. What was the doctrine? Why did it change?
Presiding Patriarch
Originally, the office of the Presiding Patriarch was one of the highest and most important offices of the priesthood. After Hyrum succeeded Joseph Smith, Senior in this position, it was taught that the role would descend through lineal succession from father to son. What are the teachings concerning the Presiding Patriarch? Why did it eventually end?
Polygamy
Church leaders began to live polygamy long before the revelation was given in 1844. What is the doctrine of polygamy and does the church still practice it today?
Three Degrees of Glory
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has the unique teaching that there are three degrees of heaven. Where did this teaching originate?
What is the church's stance on tithing? Does it conflict with the scriptures? What does the church use tithing funds for?
What is the Word of Wisdom? When was it implemented? Did the church leaders follow the it?
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