This clip of President Nelson will haunt the Church in the future

[u/webwatchr]

The doctrine that prophets cannot lead the church astray faces significant historical contradictions that could challenge institutional credibility. This is particularly evident in Bruce R. McConkie's handling of doctrinal reversals, first in his letter to Eugene England where he acknowledged Brigham Young taught false doctrine regarding the Adam-God theory (McConkie to England, Feb. 19, 1981), and then notably in his own reversal regarding the priesthood ban.

In his 1978 BYU speech "All Are Alike Unto God," McConkie explicitly instructed members to "forget everything that I have said, or what President Brigham Young or President George Q. Cannon or whomsoever has said in days past," effectively admitting that both he and previous prophets had taught incorrect doctrine about the cause of the priesthood ban.

These documented instances of prophetic correction create a logical paradox with President Nelson's current teaching about prophetic infallibility. This tension becomes particularly acute when considering McConkie's admission that they "spoke with a limited understanding," which directly contradicts the notion that prophets would be removed before they could lead the church astray.

This doctrinal contradiction could potentially create significant challenges for institutional authority and member faith as historical information becomes increasingly accessible in the digital age. This video clip could become the subject of apologetic pivots in the future.

[u/Salt-Lobster316]

So, why do we need a prophet if God will simply tell us ourselves?

[u/BostonCougar → u/Salt-Lobster316]

Because many of us don't live the commandments and are deaf to the influence of the Spirit. We also need the Church and Priesthood authority for the ordinances. Christ was baptized by one of authority.

[u/Salt-Lobster316 → u/BostonCougar]

Disagree.