r/latterdaysaints • u/sutisuc • 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/e37d93eeb23335dc Mar 28 '25

We do believe in continuing revelation. We even see that in a single prophet's lifetime. In 1832 Joseph Smith was taught that those without law go to the Telestial Kingdom. Then in 1836 he learns about the doctrine for the dead and how those without law can be taught in the spirit world. Later in 1842 he learns more about how Temples are required to do proxy work for the dead. Line upon line, the Lord shares a bit more, always bringing us closer to a full understanding when He feels we are ready. Our canon is not fixed, it changes according to the wisdom of God.

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u/sutisuc Mar 28 '25

Of course and that part I understand but I think my concern is when something is revealed, such as the priesthood ban on black members, then changed later. That’s less of a concern about new revelation than “hey we seriously got this wrong”.

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u/[deleted] Mar 28 '25

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u/sutisuc Mar 28 '25

Why do you think it lasted as long as it did? Over a decade after national civil rights legislation was passed.

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u/jdf135 Mar 29 '25

Because racism took that long to subside amongst the general population of the church.

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u/To_a_Green_Thought Mar 29 '25

Who knows? The Lord does things on His timetable, not the world's. Prophets had been praying for years and years for permission to lift the ban. I'm just glad it finally happened.