Quotes

"The Lord will never permit me or any other man who stands as President of this Church to lead you astray. It is not in the programme. It is not in the mind of God. If I were to attempt that, the Lord would remove me out of my place, and so He will any other man who attempts to lead the children of men astray from the oracles of God and from their duty." -Official Declaration 1

This quote presents several problematic implications. Firstly, it asserts an absolute assurance that the Church President, as the leader, will never lead members astray. This absolutist claim raises concerns about accountability and the potential for unchecked authority. Secondly, it suggests that divine intervention would prevent any attempt by the President to lead astray, which could be seen as absolving the leader of personal responsibility and discouraging critical evaluation of their actions. Additionally, it creates a perception of infallibility within the leadership, which can be problematic in fostering blind obedience and stifling dissent or critical thinking. Overall, this quote encapsulates a complex set of issues regarding authority, accountability, and the relationship between leaders and followers within the Church hierarchy. 

"We don't have to question anything on the church. Don’t get off into that. Just stay in the Book of Mormon. Just stay in the Doctrine and Covenants. Just listen to the prophets. Just listen to the apostles. We won't lead you astray. We cannot lead you astray. That's why there's 15 of us. We're pretty hard on each other to be sure we keep on the white line. The church, right on the white line of life." -Elder M Russell Ballard, Provo YSA Devotional with Elder M. Russell Ballard and Elder L. Whitney Clayton Saturday, October 24, 2015  

This quote, like the one shared above, presents several troubling implications. Firstly, it discourages critical inquiry and independent thought by instructing members to avoid questioning anything within the Church. This restrictive approach can stifle intellectual curiosity and hinder personal growth and spiritual development. Secondly, it promotes a culture of unquestioning obedience to Church leaders, suggesting that members should simply adhere to their directives without question. This can perpetuate a power dynamic where leaders are perceived as infallible and their authority unquestionable, potentially leading to issues of blind obedience and abuse of power. Additionally, the assertion that Church leaders cannot lead members astray due to their collective oversight raises questions about accountability and transparency within the organization. Overall, this quote highlights the challenges inherent in balancing faith with critical inquiry and the complexities of navigating religious authority within the context of organized religion.

 “Personal opinions may vary. Eternal principles never do. When the prophet speaks, sisters, the debate is over.” - Elaine Cannon Young,  If We Want to Go Up, We Have to Get On 

“When our leaders speak, the thinking has been done. When they propose a plan, it is God’s plan. When they point the way, there is no other way that is safe. When they give direction, it should mark the end of the controversy. God works in no other way.” -Heber J Grant, Improvement Era June 1945