Journal of Discourses

The Journal of Discourses is a 26-volume collection of public sermons by early leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), published between 1854 and 1886. While historically significant, the Journal of Discourses is not considered an authoritative source for LDS doctrine. This document will provide a conclusive analysis based on official statements and doctrinal context.

"Dear Brethren - It is well known to many of you, that Elder George D. Watt, by our counsel, spent much time in the midst of poverty and hardships to acquire the art of reporting in Phonography, which he has faithfully and fully accomplished; and he has been reporting the public Sermons, Discourses, Lectures, &c., delivered by the Presidency, the Twelve, and others in this city, for nearly two years, almost without fee or reward. Elder Watt now proposes to publish a Journal of these Reports, in England, for the benefit of the Saints at large, and to obtain means to enable him to sustain his highly useful position of Reporter. You will perceive at once that this will be a work of mutual benefit, and we cheerfully and warmly request your co-operation in the purchase and sale of the above-named Journal, and wish all the profits arising therefrom to be under the control of Elder Watt."
https://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/digital/collection/JournalOfDiscourses3/id/1913

https://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/digital/search/collection/JournalOfDiscourses3

George D. Watt made serious doctrinal mistakes, and did so regularly in his understanding of the words that he was hearing. In fact he was eventually excommunicated in 1874 due to disagreements with Church leaders and personal conduct issues. His apostasy and subsequent actions led to his excommunication.

The LDS Church has made several statements clarifying the role of the Journal of Discourses in its doctrine:

1. First Presidency Statement (1905)In a letter dated June 5, 1905, the First Presidency addressed the status of the Journal of Discourses:"The Journal of Discourses is a compilation of sermons by early leaders of the Church. While it contains much truth, it must not be considered as authoritative doctrine."Source: First Presidency Letter, June 5, 1905.

2. LDS Church HandbookThe current edition of the Church Handbook, which outlines official church policies and guidelines, does not list the Journal of Discourses among the standard works or official doctrine of the Church. The standard works include the Bible (King James Version), the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price.Source: General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

3. Gospel Topics - Journal of DiscoursesThe LDS Church's official website includes a Gospel Topics entry on the Journal of Discourses, clarifying its non-authoritative status:"The Journal of Discourses... is not an official publication of the Church."Source: Journal of Discourses - Gospel Topics.

4. Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph SmithThis manual emphasizes that only the standard works and officially declared doctrines constitute the Church's doctrine.Source: Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith.

5. Doctrinal Commentary on the Pearl of Great PriceThis commentary states that the Journal of Discourses, while valuable, is not doctrinally binding.Source: Doctrinal Commentary on the Pearl of Great Price.

6. Encyclopedia of MormonismThe Encyclopedia of Mormonism clarifies that the Journal of Discourses is not an official Church publication.Source: Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol. 2.

7. Teachings of the Living Prophets Student ManualThis manual reiterates that the Journal of Discourses is not considered authoritative.Source: Teachings of the Living Prophets Student Manual.

8. Church History in the Fulness of Times Student ManualThis manual provides historical context for the Journal of Discourses, emphasizing its non-authoritative nature.Source: Church History in the Fulness of Times Student Manual.

9. Gospel PrinciplesThe Gospel Principles manual states that Church doctrine is derived from the standard works and official declarations.Source: Gospel Principles.

10. Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham YoungThis manual, while quoting Brigham Young, clarifies that only the standard works are doctrinally authoritative.Source: Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young.

The Journal of Discourses was compiled and published by George D. Watt and others who took shorthand notes during sermons. This process inherently introduced the potential for errors and omissions. Key points include:

1. Lack of Official ReviewThe sermons were not reviewed or approved by the speakers after transcription. This lack of official review raises questions about the accuracy and reliability of the recorded words.Source: The Journal of Discourses, Vol. 1.

2. Personal OpinionsThe speeches often reflected the personal opinions and interpretations of the speakers, which may not align with official doctrine. The Journal of Discourses includes diverse views, some of which were speculative or context-specific, rather than doctrinally binding.Source: Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol. 2.

3. George D. Watt's RoleGeorge D. Watt, who compiled the Journal, did not always capture the exact words of the speakers, leading to potential inaccuracies.Source: George D. Watt's Contribution to Early Mormon Literature.

4. Contextual DifferencesMany sermons in the Journal of Discourses were context-specific, addressing immediate concerns of the time rather than presenting timeless doctrinal truths.Source: BYU Studies Quarterly.

5. Editorial PracticesEditorial practices of the time were not as rigorous as modern standards, contributing to variations in accuracy.Source: The Development of the LDS Concept of a Seer.

6. Historical AnalysisHistorical analysis shows that many of the views expressed were more reflective of 19th-century thought than of eternal doctrine.Source: Mormon Historical Studies.

7. Variations in DoctrineScholars have noted variations in the doctrinal interpretations presented in the Journal of Discourses.Source: Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought.

8. Personal BiasesSome discourses were influenced by the personal biases and experiences of the speakers.Source: The Personal Writings of Joseph Smith.

9. Evolution of DoctrineLDS doctrine has evolved since the publication of the Journal of Discourses, reflecting a more refined and official stance in later years.Source: Encyclopedia of Latter-day Saint History.

10. Scholarly CritiqueScholars have critiqued the Journal for its inconsistencies and lack of doctrinal coherence.Source: Studies in Mormon History.

Several Church leaders have clarified the status of the Journal of Discourses:

1. Elder Bruce R. McConkieIn his book Mormon Doctrine, Elder McConkie stated:"The Journal of Discourses, though highly valued as a source of history and doctrinal expositions by early church leaders, is not an official publication of the church and is not to be regarded as an authoritative guide."Source: Mormon Doctrine, 2nd edition.

2. President Joseph F. SmithIn an address, President Smith emphasized:"When one speaks or writes in his individual capacity, he does not bind the Church... The Doctrine and Covenants, the Pearl of Great Price, the Book of Mormon, and the Bible, these are the standard works of the Church."Source: Conference Report, October 1902.

3. Elder Neal A. MaxwellElder Maxwell reiterated that the Journal of Discourses is not doctrinally binding.Source: The Neal A. Maxwell Quote Book.

4. Elder Dallin H. OaksElder Oaks has clarified the distinction between personal opinions and official doctrine in his talks.Source: “Weightier Matters,” Ensign, January 2001.

5. President Gordon B. HinckleyPresident Hinckley emphasized the primacy of the standard works in defining Church doctrine.Source: “The Great Things Which God Has Revealed,” Ensign, May 2005.

6. Elder Jeffrey R. HollandElder Holland has spoken about the importance of the standard works and official declarations over other writings.Source: “Safety for the Soul,” Ensign, November 2009.

7. Elder M. Russell BallardElder Ballard has noted that personal opinions expressed in past discourses do not constitute Church doctrine.Source: “By Study and by Faith,” Ensign, December 2016.

8. President Russell M. NelsonPresident Nelson has emphasized adherence to the standard works for doctrinal clarity.Source: “Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” Ensign, May 2018.

9. Elder David A. BednarElder Bednar has taught about the importance of distinguishing between personal insights and official doctrine.Source: “Seek Learning by Faith,” Ensign, September 2007.

10. Elder Quentin L. CookElder Cook has spoken on the relevance of the standard works in guiding Church members.Source: “Strengthen Faith as You Seek Knowledge,” Ensign, August 2008.

The LDS Church explicitly defines its doctrine through the standard works and official declarations and proclamations:

1. Doctrine and Covenants 1:38This verse underscores that the official words of the prophets and apostles are those spoken by the Lord and confirmed by the Spirit:"What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken... whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same."Source: Doctrine and Covenants 1:38.

2. Role of the Standard WorksThe LDS Church emphasizes that the standard works are the primary sources of doctrine. Teachings and writings outside these texts, while potentially valuable, are not doctrinally binding unless confirmed by the Church.Source: General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

3. Official Declarations and ProclamationsOfficial declarations, such as the Proclamation on the Family, are considered authoritative.Source: The Family: A Proclamation to the World.

4. Articles of FaithThe Articles of Faith outline the basic tenets of LDS doctrine, reflecting the Church's reliance on the standard works.Source: Articles of Faith 1:8.

5. Teachings of the Living ProphetsThe teachings of living prophets, as published in official Church publications, are considered doctrinal.Source: Teachings of the Living Prophets Student Manual.

6. First Presidency MessagesMessages from the First Presidency, published in official Church magazines, are authoritative.Source: First Presidency Messages.

7. General Conference AddressesAddresses given in General Conference are considered doctrinally significant.Source: General Conference Archive.

8. Doctrinal ExpositionsDoctrinal expositions, such as those published by the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve, are authoritative.Source: Doctrinal Expositions.

9. Gospel Principles ManualThis manual outlines the core principles and doctrines of the LDS Church.Source: Gospel Principles.

10. Ensign and Liahona MagazinesArticles and messages published in these magazines are considered reliable sources of Church doctrine.Source: Ensign and Liahona.

Based on the evidence presented from official LDS Church statements, historical context, and clarifications by Church leaders, it is clear that the Journal of Discourses is not an authoritative document for LDS Church doctrine. While it remains a valuable historical resource, its content must be understood as reflective of personal opinions and not as binding doctrinal authority.

For members seeking authoritative teachings, the standard works, official declarations, and proclamations should be the primary sources of reference.