Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify the extent of prophetic authority as it is understood and taught by those denominated prophets in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The purpose was accomplished by examining four specific areas: (1) What are prophets and what was their authority in the past as articulated in the accepted scriptures of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? (2) What is the foundation of prophetic authority for the present dispensation? (3) How does prophetic authority relate to the member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? (4) How doe does prophetic authority relate to the world as a whole?

It was found that the Plan of Salvation, as understood in the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is implemented by authorized ministers of God the Father who is the source of all authority. Christ is the greatest of these ministers and is the great prophet. The lesser prophets under Christ and specifically, Presiding Prophets, are fully empowered to implement, while holding inviolate the agency of the individual, the total Plan to all of God's children in and out of the Church. The Presiding Prophets of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints lay claim to this total authority.

Degree

College and Department

Religious Education; Church History and Doctrine

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