I don't think there is such a defined line between policy and doctrine. I think it's more muddled than this article suggests. Some things that were once called doctrine and then changed, were either not doctrine, or doctrine that was changed. (For instance, for decades many prophets and apostles named and considered the Priesthood/Temple ban doctrine.)
If doctrine changes from time to time, it doesn't bother me because the institutional church learns and grows just as individuals do. The doctrine should change according to further light and knowledge.
ScoutHApril 5, 2019
The leaders who feel guided to make a change may not always understand all of the reasoning behind the Spirit's guidance on the matter. Nor may we fully understand all of the Lord's purposes for any given policy change during this lifetime. Was the 1982 change to 18-month missions for elders a mistake for learning purposes, or were there other reasons we don't fully perceive? We must be careful not to conclude that a policy change always means that a mistake was made when the previous policy was developed.
Ronald BarnesApril 5, 2019
When my brother was a bishop, he received a letter from the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve telling bishops how a certain situation should be handled. Two weeks later he received another letter from them saying that the previous one should be ignored. Another example is Plural Marriage. It is still a doctrine of the gospel, but the current policy is that we do not practice it.
JennApril 5, 2019
Thank you for the clarifying description of doctrine and of policy. Over the years I have struggled with the changes and reversals, while trying to keep the faith that the leaders are following Fathers direction. I know there is much I don't know. Your article has absolutely been an answer to my prayers!! Future changes will be easier to accept and I am grateful for this new understanding.
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anonApril 7, 2019
I don't think there is such a defined line between policy and doctrine. I think it's more muddled than this article suggests. Some things that were once called doctrine and then changed, were either not doctrine, or doctrine that was changed. (For instance, for decades many prophets and apostles named and considered the Priesthood/Temple ban doctrine.) If doctrine changes from time to time, it doesn't bother me because the institutional church learns and grows just as individuals do. The doctrine should change according to further light and knowledge.
ScoutHApril 5, 2019
The leaders who feel guided to make a change may not always understand all of the reasoning behind the Spirit's guidance on the matter. Nor may we fully understand all of the Lord's purposes for any given policy change during this lifetime. Was the 1982 change to 18-month missions for elders a mistake for learning purposes, or were there other reasons we don't fully perceive? We must be careful not to conclude that a policy change always means that a mistake was made when the previous policy was developed.
Ronald BarnesApril 5, 2019
When my brother was a bishop, he received a letter from the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve telling bishops how a certain situation should be handled. Two weeks later he received another letter from them saying that the previous one should be ignored. Another example is Plural Marriage. It is still a doctrine of the gospel, but the current policy is that we do not practice it.
JennApril 5, 2019
Thank you for the clarifying description of doctrine and of policy. Over the years I have struggled with the changes and reversals, while trying to keep the faith that the leaders are following Fathers direction. I know there is much I don't know. Your article has absolutely been an answer to my prayers!! Future changes will be easier to accept and I am grateful for this new understanding.
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