Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 2
The teacher notes that LDS Scripture includes the Bible “as far as it has been translated correctly,” plus additional “standard works,” plus ongoing revelations from living prophets; how does that approach to authority and continuing revelation compare with the assumptions of the early Christians about apostolic teaching, Scripture, and the boundaries of “the faith once delivered”?
Another way to ask: LDS authority includes the Bible “as far as it is translated correctly,” other LDS books, and new messages from living prophets. How is that different from how early Christians viewed apostolic teaching, Scripture, and “the faith once delivered”?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
The transcript presents LDS authority as open-ended and expandable—Scripture includes multiple books plus fresh revelation from living leaders—whereas early-Christian assumptions about “apostolic teaching” and a bounded deposit of faith are not directly described in the transcript. A reasonable inference is that the teacher views LDS continuing revelation as fundamentally different from a closed, apostolic foundation.
- LDS Scripture includes “the Bible, quote, as far as it has been translated correctly,” implying the Bible is conditionally trustworthy.
- They add “the Book of Mormon, the Pearl of Great Price, and Doctrine and Covenants,” called “their four standard works.”
- Beyond that, “they view as Scripture the words of the living prophets…Any time that they speak in Revelation, that is viewed…as Scripture, as additional revelation.”
- The speaker later says Joseph “laid hands on the Bible itself,” claiming “plain and precious things had been eliminated…fraudulently,” and he would “restore them,” reinforcing an authority structure that can revise prior Scripture.
- The LDS founding moment is tied to Joseph being told all sects were wrong, positioning new revelation as corrective over the existing church.