Lift Your Vision. Is This From God?

How to Evaluate Sources and Doctrine

What Is Doctrine?

It can be easy to think of doctrine as unchanging and eternal Truth. But as we study the words of Jesus Christ we find that Truth is not a fact, it's a person. Truth is not static, abstract, passive nor can it be discovered by anyone who studies. A search for Truth is a search for a relationship . A covenant relationship. So I would ask again, what is doctrine? Is all doctrine created equal? From my studies I have come across four types of docrtine explained wonderfully by Anthony Sweat. As you read this, think of examples or critically analyze doctrine that you know.

Core Doctrine: Unchanging and eternal truths of salvation.

Supportive Doctrine: Elaborative, descriptive, timely teachings expanding on supportive doctrine.

Policy Doctrine: Timely statements related to application of supportive or core doctrine.

Esoteric Doctrine: Unknown or only partially revealed or yet to be revealed truths.

How to Know if it is an Official Church Teaching:

1. Is it taught repeatedly in scriptures?

2. Is there a united statement from the first precidency and quorum of the twelve apostles?

3. Is it consistently taught by general authorities and officers of the church, acting in their official capasity?

4. Is it found in recent church publications or statements?

Evaluating Historical Sources:

1. Is it a primary account?

2. What is its relationship with other sources?

3. Is it a contemporary account?

4. Does it seek an objective perspective?

5. Are it's claims supported by evidence?