Reasons to agree: +
- LDS Church Leaders made a mistake when they advocated the practice of Polygamy.
- LDS Church leaders have often prophesied things that did not happen. +2
- The treatment by LDS leaders to Black men indicates that the church is not inspired +0
- Whenever the LDS Church changes doctrine, they admit they made a mistake in the past. The LDS Church has changed doctrines too much for people to worry about following it.
- LDS Church Leaders made a mistake when they taught the Adam-God Theory.
- LDS Church Leaders made a mistake when they said the Catholic Church was the "Great and Abominable Church of Satan".
- LDS Church Leaders made a mistake when they denied blacks the priesthood until 1978.
- LDS Church Leaders made a mistake when they prevented women from giving prayers in Sacrament meetings until 1978.
Reasons to disagree:
- Inspiration does not mean infallibility: LDS Church leaders, being human, are susceptible to making mistakes. These mistakes do not necessarily invalidate their inspiration.
- Contextual interpretation: Some actions that are now viewed as mistakes were considered appropriate or necessary within their historical context.
- Evolution of doctrines: Changes in doctrines could be seen as signs of growth and evolution, not necessarily mistakes.
- Divine timing: Some could argue that changes, such as the inclusion of black men and women in different church roles, came about in the divine timing of God, not at the discretion of church leaders.
- Spiritual confirmation: Many followers claim to have received personal spiritual confirmation of the inspiration of the leaders.
Books that agree/disagree:
- Agree: "No Man Knows My History: The Life of Joseph Smith" by Fawn M. Brodie offers a critical look at LDS Church history.
- Disagree: "Lengthen Your Stride: The Presidency of Spencer W. Kimball" by Edward L. Kimball provides a faith-affirming perspective of LDS Church leadership.
The interest of those who agree/disagree:
- Agree Those who have experienced or observed actions by the LDS Church that they believe were harmful or wrong. This might include former members or critics of the church.
- Disagree Current members of the LDS Church who maintain a strong faith and belief in the divine inspiration of the church's leaders.
Unstated assumptions:
- Agree: This viewpoint assumes that making mistakes is incompatible with being divinely inspired. It also assumes that doctrinal changes are admissions of past mistakes.
- Disagree: This viewpoint assumes that human beings, even if inspired, can make mistakes. It also assumes that changes in doctrines or policies can be reflective of divine inspiration and guidance, adapting to changing societal contexts.
