J. Reuben Clark (then-apostle) Claiming to Engage in Speculation on Theological Issues

 

In an address given at the summer religious course for Seminary and Institute Teachers at BYU, June 21, 1954, J. Reuben Clark (1871-1961), at the time, an apostle of the Church, spoke on the topic “Man—God’s Greatest Miracle.” In the opening words, he stated that he was offering speculation and that the only person who can declare Church doctrine is the president of the Church (this refutes the naïve “LDS must believe when their leaders address a topic, especially a doctrinal issue, they must accept it, no ifs, ands, or buts about it” [cf. On the Scope and Formation of Latter-day Saint Doctrine]):

 

 

REFLECTIVE SPECULATION

 

This, I feel sure, will be the strangest religious talk you have ever heard. If you decide you never want to hear another like it, I will understand.

 

I am not declaring scripture, though I think I am not unscriptural. I am not declaring Church doctrine, though I think what I shall suggest is not contrary to Church doctrine. I have no right or authority to declare either scripture or Church doctrine. I will ask you to pay particular attention to these disclaimers. Please keep them always in mind in connection with what I shall say this morning.

 

I have in mind what the Prophet Joseph said about how good itself not to be trammeled in thinking (Parry, pp. 39, 157), and also what he said about what the Lord has declared, that only the prophet, seer, and revelator of the Church, the Presiding High Priest, the President of the Church, has the right to receive revelations for the Church or to declare the doctrines of the Church. No other member of the Church has any such right or authority. IT is well that we all remember this. It is particularly important that you teachers instructing our youth should keep this constantly in mind. In matters of gospel doctrine there is no such thing as academic freedom in your teaching of youth. You declare the Word of God as written in the scriptures, and as interpreted by his prophet, seer, and revelator.

 

Otherwise there is chaos and apostasy, and we shall follow the route of the primitive, post-apostolic Church. Remember, I am not today declaring scripture nor advancing Church doctrine. I am reflectively speculating—a matter to which little importance attaches. (Man—God’s Greatest Miracle [Salt Lake City: Deseret News Press, 1960], 5-6)