Teach Them Correct Principles

A few months ago, before I started writing here again, I met with my bishop and stake president in an effort to bring support to LGBT members of the Church in our area and to their families, who might have questions. As I’ve pondered what I might say to members of the stake, I keep coming back to a quote by the Prophet Joseph Smith: “I teach them correct principles and they govern themselves.”

There’s something to be said for going back to the basics. It’s my opinion that we need to forget about the prescribed application of the commandments (i.e. Is my Dr. Pepper against the Word of Wisdom or not?”) and we need to think about why the commandments are given. What is the principle behind the commandment? 

In almost 200 years of the Restored Church, cultural misunderstandings of gospel principles have crept in from other sects, from politics, from activist parties, etc. We’ve parroted things in Sunday School and seminary classes that we’ve heard over the years to the point we believe that it’s doctrine, despite not being spoken by the prophets (ancient or modern). 

So, in my upcoming series of “Back to Basics” blog posts, I want to break down gospel principles into what has actually been said, complete with sources. It is my belief that a correct understanding of God's plan—even if there are parts yet to be revealed—will help us to live joyful, fulfilling lives on the covenant path. 

Read also: “Conversion to the Will of God” by Elder Quentin L. Cook