The Journal of Discourses: An Analysis of Its Role and Authority in LDS Church Doctrine

Introduction

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.

Official LDS Church Statements

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."

  2. LDS Church Handbook

    • The 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.

  3. Gospel Topics - Journal of Discourses

    • The 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."

  4. Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith

  5. Doctrinal Commentary on the Pearl of Great Price

  6. Encyclopedia of Mormonism

  7. Teachings of the Living Prophets Student Manual

  8. Church History in the Fulness of Times Student Manual

  9. Gospel Principles

    • The Gospel Principles manual states that Church doctrine is derived from the standard works and official declarations.

  10. Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young

Historical Context and Compilation Process

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 Review

    • The 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.

  2. Personal Opinions

    • The 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.

  3. George D. Watt's Role

  4. Contextual Differences

    • Many sermons in the Journal of Discourses were context-specific, addressing immediate concerns of the time rather than presenting timeless doctrinal truths.

  5. Editorial Practices

  6. Historical Analysis

    • Historical analysis shows that many of the views expressed were more reflective of 19th-century thought than of eternal doctrine.

  7. Variations in Doctrine

  8. Personal Biases

  9. Evolution of Doctrine

  10. Scholarly Critique

    • Scholars have critiqued the Journal for its inconsistencies and lack of doctrinal coherence.

Statements from Church Leaders

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

  1. Elder Bruce R. McConkie

    • In 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."

  2. President Joseph F. Smith

    • In 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."

  3. Elder Neal A. Maxwell

  4. Elder Dallin H. Oaks

  5. President Gordon B. Hinckley

  6. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

  7. Elder M. Russell Ballard

  8. President Russell M. Nelson

  9. Elder David A. Bednar

  10. Elder Quentin L. Cook

Official Doctrine and Standard Works

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

  1. Doctrine and Covenants 1:38

    • This 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."

  2. Role of the Standard Works

  3. Official Declarations and Proclamations

  4. Articles of Faith

    • The Articles of Faith outline the basic tenets of LDS doctrine, reflecting the Church's reliance on the standard works.

  5. Teachings of the Living Prophets

  6. First Presidency Messages

    • Messages from the First Presidency, published in official Church magazines, are authoritative.

  7. General Conference Addresses

  8. Doctrinal Expositions

    • Doctrinal expositions, such as those published by the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve, are authoritative.

  9. Gospel Principles Manual

    • This manual outlines the core principles and doctrines of the LDS Church.

  10. Ensign and Liahona Magazines

    • Articles and messages published in these magazines are considered reliable sources of Church doctrine.

Conclusion

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.