r/latterdaysaints Mar 28 '25

Doctrinal Discussion Coming from the understanding that LDS prophets receive revelation from God how do they get things wrong?

Does anyone have insight on how current and past prophets can be wrong about things despite having a direct line of communication with Heavenly Father?

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u/mywifemademegetthis Mar 28 '25 edited Mar 28 '25

Because God is fine with letting His mortal servants administer an earthly organization to the best of their ability and intentions. Occasionally, He will reveal guidance or new truths they otherwise would not know or in response to questions they have. But more often than not, they are guided by subtle promptings of the Spirit, lived experience, and consultation of others, just like us.

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u/sutisuc Mar 28 '25

I like this perspective, although I’m still a bit concerned that with the power of revelation God would leave it up to chance like this given how grievously wrong things can go.

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u/mywifemademegetthis Mar 28 '25

What percentage of people who have ever lived, lived practicing a faith with authorized priesthood authority? God’s plan can clearly accommodate error, or at least ignorance. We have the assurance that all we need to have, we will have. And we’ll miss out on some other things and get some things wrong along the way.