What is scripture?

[Mahonri]

Please answer the poll and provide references for your belief below.
Sorry, it would only allow ten options. If I left yours out, please comment and let us know your view and why

Thanks :ymhug:

[creator]

And whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost shall be scripture, shall be the will of the Lord, shall be the mind of the Lord, shall be the word of the Lord, shall be the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation. (D&C 68:4)

[mattctr]

And whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost shall be scripture, shall be the will of the Lord, shall be the mind of the Lord, shall be the word of the Lord, shall be the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation. (D&C 68:4)

Amen.

[Mahonri]

And whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost shall be scripture, shall be the will of the Lord, shall be the mind of the Lord, shall be the word of the Lord, shall be the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation. (D&C 68:4)

Then since people differ on what was said by the influence of the Holy Ghost, Lukeair and M&G have different scriptures

[creator]

And whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost shall be scripture, shall be the will of the Lord, shall be the mind of the Lord, shall be the word of the Lord, shall be the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation. (D&C 68:4)

Then since people differ on what was said by the influence of the Holy Ghost, Lukeair and M&G have different scriptures

That's fine... and my scriptures are different than theirs

[SempiternalHarbinger]

This is just me, but I consider a few books as scripture besides the Standard works. I am sure some will disagree but to each his own. In no particular order.

1.) Miracle of Forgiveness by Spencer W. Kimball. I consider this book one of the greatest books ever written on the Gospel Of Jesus Christ. The title fits the book and has helped me in so many way I can not begin to describe. My all time favorite parable comes from this book, parable of the lark. I like the list of all sins on page 25. I like the chapter on Sins of Omission explains that we can also sin when we don't do what we should be doing. This book has truly helped heal my soul. For anyone who has not read it, you should read it tomorrow. Elder Richard G. Scott said, "Read the last two chapters first to appreciate the full miracle of forgiveness before reading anything else." I agree. I also consider the book scripture.

2.) Jesus the Christ; A Study of the Messiah and His Mission According to the Holy Scriptures Both Ancient and Modern by James E. Talmage. Marion G. Romney said, "One who gets the understanding, the vision, and the spirit of the resurrected Lord through a careful study of the text Jesus the Christ by Elder James E. Talmage will find that he has greatly increased his moving faith in our glorified Redeemer." I refer to this book just about everyday during my study and use it as a companionship with the scriptures. I have gained so much light and understanding and has helped bring me closer to Christ and increased my testimony. What I really like about it most is the wealth of historical background. I have no doubt Satan was working overtime to prevent this book from coming forth. But I do consider this book scripture as much as anything I read.

3.) The Articles of Faith by James E. Talmage. This is another book I consider scripture and also refer to it on a daily basis. It is an all time great and always feel the spirit when I read it. Just a beautiful approach to the 13 Articles of Faith.

4.) The Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith

5.) I will just put in the whole missionary library and all the teachings of the prophets as scriptures.

Here are a few books I don't know if I consider scripture but are very close...

1.) Believing Christ: A Practical Approach to the Atonement By Stephen E. Robinson

2.) Rough Stone Rolling by Richard Lyman Bushman

3.) Approaching Zion by Hugh Nibley

[superslob]

Hello,

You didn't have none of the above on the list so I couldn;t vote. My definition of scripture would be the book you write yourself. If an individual puts forth an effort to record his dreams he will gain valuable insights taylored to his own needs which would be more valuable than any of the above writings.

[cayenne]

I think it is any "thus saith the Lord" written by God's prophets who are set by God to be administrators to the people. That makes scripture to the world. I believe anyone can receive there own revelation, but hopefully they will realize that it had better flow with all the prophets previously or something is amiss.

I also believe anyone can be a witness to truth. I realize a lot of people go off about the stewardship thing, but it is one thing to not have administration over your neighbor, and another to witness with your neighbor.

Like my friend given a witness for her friend and her husband not to go on a camping trip. It had nothing to do with stewardship, but she witnessed. They received it to, then when she told them it backed up what they knew. Not to hijack here, just some thoughts.

[wolfman]

Hello,

You didn't have none of the above on the list so I couldn;t vote. My definition of scripture would be the book you write yourself. If an individual puts forth an effort to record his dreams he will gain valuable insights taylored to his own needs which would be more valuable than any of the above writings.

I like this. "Scripture" is sacred writing. My wife's PB councils her to keep a journal as it will become scripture to her and her posterity.

[prophetofdoom]

This is up for interpretation to each individual. I can receive revelation pertaining to my own life and it will be considered "scripture" in my life. My Patriarchal Blessing is scripture for me.

[SAM]

A recent post on By Common Consent is relevant to this discussion: http://bycommonconsent.com/2011/09/04/c ... scripture/. I am still unclear what should be considered scripture. I was basically taught, growing up, that anything said over the pulpit at General Conference should be considered scripture. However, it appears some things taught in earlier church history seem to contradict things said in more recent times. Then there are those pesky doctrines taught by people like Brigham Young that were later denounced by more recent church leaders. It makes it hard to know when things said in conference or over the pulpit should be considered the speaker's enlightened opinion or really modern day scripture.

[prophetofdoom]

A recent post on By Common Consent is relevant to this discussion: http://bycommonconsent.com/2011/09/04/c ... scripture/. I am still unclear what should be considered scripture. I was basically taught, growing up, that anything said over the pulpit at General Conference should be considered scripture. However, it appears some things taught in earlier church history seem to contradict things said in more recent times. Then there are those pesky doctrines taught by people like Brigham Young that were later denounced by more recent church leaders. It makes it hard to know when things said in conference or over the pulpit should be considered the speaker's enlightened opinion or really modern day scripture.

A Living Prophet it more relevant to us then a dead prophet.

[SAM]

A recent post on By Common Consent is relevant to this discussion: http://bycommonconsent.com/2011/09/04/c ... scripture/. I am still unclear what should be considered scripture. I was basically taught, growing up, that anything said over the pulpit at General Conference should be considered scripture. However, it appears some things taught in earlier church history seem to contradict things said in more recent times. Then there are those pesky doctrines taught by people like Brigham Young that were later denounced by more recent church leaders. It makes it hard to know when things said in conference or over the pulpit should be considered the speaker's enlightened opinion or really modern day scripture.

A Living Prophet it more relevant to us then a dead prophet.

Right. I have been taught that too. However, what are the standard works but a compilation of writings of dead prophets but we told they are the measuring stick by which to compare modern revelation. That is why I think the post at BCC that I linked to is so relevant to this conversation. It spells out the challenges of defining what scripture is.

[superslob]

A Living Prophet it more relevant to us then a dead prophet.

Hello prophet of doom and wolfman,

Lehi's dream in the book of mormon says to hold on to the rod of iron (dead prophets) rather than for the people to follow Lehi (a living prophet).

wolfman>>>I like this. "Scripture" is sacred writing. My wife's PB councils her to keep a journal as it will become scripture to her and her posterity.<<<

Thats probably a good idea because it probably would be valuable to future generations. Of course what I was referring to was recording dreams and then studying them to see waht they tell us.

[Amore Vero]

.

[Mahonri]

I believe that the 'scriptures' are only the Bible, Book of Mormon & D&C.

A Bible! A Bible! We have got a Bible, and there cannot be any more Bible. We've been warned about people like you Amore

[Amore Vero]

.

[prophetofdoom]

Lehi's dream in the book of mormon says to hold on to the rod of iron (dead prophets) rather than for the people to follow Lehi (a living prophet).

The Iron Rod referred to in the Book of Mormon represents the "Word of God." The Word of God does not only consist of writings from dead prophets. Lehi received the Word of the Lord when he was told to leave Jerusalem.

The Word of God can come to us through personal revelation (regarding personal decisions and not for the Church). The Word of God can come through President Monson for the whole church.

[Mahonri]

So are we saying there is no "official" definition for scripture? Is there not anything outside of the standard works that all can agree on principle is "scripture"? Besides whatever is said by the spirit, since so many have different views of what was said by the Spirit and what wasn't, is there anything the scriptures/the Lord has said constitutes scripture?

Is scripture the only thing binding on us to observe?

[Amore Vero]

.

[oneClimbs]

There are differences in scripture. Scripture is binding on all who receive it and many of you have correctly identified the source of scripture already. However, not all scripture is equally binding upon all people. Personal revelation to me is binding upon myself but may not be to you. Canonized scripture is binding upon all of us equally.

For example, Lehi was required to leave Jerusalem and that scripture was binding to him and his family to whom he delivered it to. However, it is not binding upon anyone else living today.

Canonized scripture, however, is binding upon all people as a standard. The words of the prophets in our day are scripture to us and are binding to the living generation that hears.

[superslob]

Lehi's dream in the book of mormon says to hold on to the rod of iron (dead prophets) rather than for the people to follow Lehi (a living prophet).

The Iron Rod referred to in the Book of Mormon represents the "Word of God." The Word of God does not only consist of writings from dead prophets. Lehi received the Word of the Lord when he was told to leave Jerusalem.

The Word of God can come to us through personal revelation (regarding personal decisions and not for the Church). The Word of God can come through President Monson for the whole church.

Hello prophet of doom,

With regards to your last comment which is in bold, In the dream of Lehi there was only one rod of iron. For the individuals at the time it meant the writings of Moses and perhaps some other writings from what we call the Old Testament. Now if someone else (President Monson or anyone) gives what is claimed to be the word of God, and this new information is different than what is contained in the original writings, such that their incompatible, then there are now two rods of iron. As you'll recall in the interpretation of the dream there was a mist that formed and it caused some to loose there grip on (the original) rod of iron and they lost there way.

[SpeedRacer]

This is just me, but I consider a few books as scripture besides the Standard works. I am sure some will disagree but to each his own. In no particular order.

1.) Miracle of Forgiveness by Spencer W. Kimball. I consider this book one of the greatest books ever written on the Gospel Of Jesus Christ. The title fits the book and has helped me in so many way I can not begin to describe. My all time favorite parable comes from this book, parable of the lark. I like the list of all sins on page 25. I like the chapter on Sins of Omission explains that we can also sin when we don't do what we should be doing. This book has truly helped heal my soul. For anyone who has not read it, you should read it tomorrow. Elder Richard G. Scott said, "Read the last two chapters first to appreciate the full miracle of forgiveness before reading anything else." I agree. I also consider the book scripture.

2.) Jesus the Christ; A Study of the Messiah and His Mission According to the Holy Scriptures Both Ancient and Modern by James E. Talmage. Marion G. Romney said, "One who gets the understanding, the vision, and the spirit of the resurrected Lord through a careful study of the text Jesus the Christ by Elder James E. Talmage will find that he has greatly increased his moving faith in our glorified Redeemer." I refer to this book just about everyday during my study and use it as a companionship with the scriptures. I have gained so much light and understanding and has helped bring me closer to Christ and increased my testimony. What I really like about it most is the wealth of historical background. I have no doubt Satan was working overtime to prevent this book from coming forth. But I do consider this book scripture as much as anything I read.

3.) The Articles of Faith by James E. Talmage. This is another book I consider scripture and also refer to it on a daily basis. It is an all time great and always feel the spirit when I read it. Just a beautiful approach to the 13 Articles of Faith.

4.) The Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith

5.) I will just put in the whole missionary library and all the teachings of the prophets as scriptures.

Here are a few books I don't know if I consider scripture but are very close...

1.) Believing Christ: A Practical Approach to the Atonement By Stephen E. Robinson

2.) Rough Stone Rolling by Richard Lyman Bushman

3.) Approaching Zion by Hugh Nibley

Thank you. Great post.

I love two talks by Elder McConkie.

http://lds.org/ensign/1985/05/the-purif ... e?lang=eng
http://speeches.byu.edu/reader/reader.php?id=6800

They really lay out the plan, and get you back to basics.

[HeirofNumenor]

So the Pearl of Great Price is garbage?

The Pearl of Great Price did not exist in Joseph Smith's time, even though he translated/compiled the writings...it was put together as a book several years later, and accepted as scripture in 1880.

[iamse7en]

And I now give unto you a commandment to beware concerning yourselves, to give diligent heed to the words of eternal life. For you shall live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God. For the word of the Lord is truth, and whatsoever is truth is light, and whatsoever is light is Spirit, even the Spirit of Jesus Christ. (D&C 84:43-45)

I say now, when they are copied and approved by me they are as good Scripture as is couched in this Bible, and if you want to read revelation, read the sayings of him who knows the mind of God. (Brigham Young, JD 9:286)