Personal Opinion

There seems to be rumblings about how leaders past and present sometimes give “personal, though well-considered opinions”. The problem, of course, is that there is no way for people to distinguish prophecy from opinions. I guess prophets don’t say “thus sayeth the Lord” much anymore. That phrase was a handy clue.

President Dieter Uchtdorf recently said, “And to be perfectly frank, there have been times when members or leaders in the Church have simply made mistakes. There may have been things said or done that were not in harmony with our values, principles, or doctrine.

“I suppose the Church would only be perfect, if it were run by perfect beings. God is perfect and his doctrine is pure. But he works through us, his imperfect children. And imperfect people make mistakes”

So what were mistakes, we have to wonder? We are left to guess. The idea of multiple gods? Salvation for the dead? Throwing up temples everywhere? Three degrees of glory? Two priesthoods? The Book of Abraham? Need for Living Apostles? All those flowers behind the speakers at conference?

What is viewed as the Word of The Lord today may be rejected tomorrow as a mistake or merely someone’s opinion. Even scriptures can be “corrected”.

I conclude that my personal opinion is just as good as theirs. I may make mistakes in values, principles, or doctrine, but I guess that is alright and acceptable.

Of course, the same consideration should be extended to all sincere leaders and members of any church. Indeed, under this tolerance, can it be said that there was even an apostasy? After all, no one is perfect and we all have personal opinions and make mistakes.