About this course
- The Roots of Infallibility: Explore how the doctrine of infallibility became entrenched in a church that initially did not even call itself a sect. Understand the transformation from a group with fluid leadership to one where the President of the Church's pronouncements are often considered beyond question.
- Historical Context and Evolution: From the early days of the church's organization, delve into how power structures developed. Discover how each chapter of the church's history, from the time of Joseph Smith to modern leaders, has shaped the understanding and practice of authority.
- Challenges to Authority: Learn about the various challenges to this authority, including the role of lay members in receiving revelations, the implications of dissent, and the dynamics of excommunication within the church.
- Key Revelations and Doctrines: Unpack significant revelations that have guided the church's policies and doctrines, questioning the notion of a single, infallible leader.
- Modern Implications: Understand how these teachings affect current church practices and member expectations, including the balance between personal revelation and church directives.
- Chapter by Chapter Analysis: Each session corresponds to a chapter from Dewey's series, providing a thorough examination of text, context, and commentary.
- Interactive Discussions: Engage with fellow learners to discuss, debate, and deepen your understanding of each chapter's implications.
- Expert Insights: Gain from analyses that not only summarize but also critique and expand on Dewey's points, drawing from other sources on the web for a well-rounded perspective.
- Practical Application: Learn how these historical and doctrinal insights can apply to your spiritual life or academic research, enhancing your personal or scholarly inquiry into Mormonism.
- Historians, theologians, and students of religious studies interested in Mormonism's development.
- Current or former LDS members looking to understand the underpinnings of church leadership.
- Anyone fascinated by how religious institutions manage doctrine, authority, and change over time.
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In the first chapter of J.J. Dewey's "Infallible Authority," the doctrine of infallibility within the LDS Church is critically examined. Dewey contrasts the current acceptance of the Church President's infallibility with earlier skepticism, drawing parallels to the Catholic view of Papal Infallibility. He critiques this notion by citing historical statements from Church leaders like Wilford Woodruff and scriptural references that suggest even prophets can err, challenging the idea that the Church President is immune to leading the church astray. Dewey argues that this doctrine might lead to spiritual complacency among members, using Brigham Young's teachings to advocate for personal revelation over blind obedience. This chapter sets the stage for questioning the balance between prophetic guidance and individual spiritual autonomy within the church.
In Chapter 2 Where is the Kingdom? Dewey uses Governor Thomas Ford's historical critique of early Mormon leaders and followers to reflect on contemporary LDS Church dynamics. Ford described early leaders as "unprincipled men of talents" and followers as "dupes" of novelty, a view Dewey contrasts with the modern perception where LDS leaders are seen as men of great ability and followers as exemplary citizens. Dewey argues that this shift in perception is not due to better acquaintance but because the Church has become less confrontational with worldly powers, no longer posing a threat to "Babylon." He critiques Wilford Woodruff's statement that God would prevent the Church President from leading the Church astray, suggesting that history shows leaders like David and Solomon were not removed despite straying from divine paths. Dewey posits that the Church's current alignment with worldly powers, rather than challenging them, indicates that the "kingdoms of the world" have prevailed over the Church, contrary to scriptural expectations of the Church prevailing against such forces.
In "Infallible Authority, Chapter Three: Two Wings of a Great Eagle" by J.J. Dewey, he explores the biblical prophecy from Revelation about the Church fleeing into the wilderness twice, suggesting that the second time corresponds with a modern apostasy in the United States, symbolized by the eagle's wings on the dollar bill. Dewey argues this period, described as "a time, and times, and half a time," represents a shorter time frame than the first apostasy, potentially three and a half generations or 140 years from 1890, leading to a date around 2030. He links this to the LDS Church's historical moment when it made the "Manifesto" agreement with the government to end plural marriage, which he considers an "agreement with hell and covenant with death," leading to a spiritual decline marked by a decrease in revelations and the Church's alignment with worldly values rather than overcoming them.
In "Healing the Deadly Wound," Dewey interprets Revelation to argue that the LDS Church's retreat from its original principles has healed a wound to the world's false authorities. He sees the Church's actions as aligning with worldly powers rather than establishing God's kingdom, which he believes was only partially set up by Joseph Smith.
In Chapter 5 - Like the Nephites of Old, J.J. Dewey explores the purpose of the Council of Fifty, which Joseph Smith established to govern various aspects of life in the Kingdom of God, emphasizing individual agency. He draws parallels between the early Christian Church's shift from communal living to class division and the current state of the LDS Church, suggesting that modern members have similarly drifted into pride and materialism, abandoning the principles of the United Order and equality. Dewey criticizes the Church for building structures for worldly gain and praise, contrasting this with the historical intent of using tithing for communal benefit, and he questions the transparency and use of church funds, highlighting a disconnect between leadership and the needs of the congregation.
