When someone points out that that the axiom "Follow the prophet ... he won't lead you astray" sounds like blind obedience, Mormons will often respond that the members are to pray for themselves to know the truth. But isn't this oxymoronic, circular logic?

Thank you for your answer. +6
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On this: "...something MUST be true because of the source you got it from, and actually verifying it so that you know it is true independent of the source."
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Then why is it that throughout LdS History the people at the time the Prophet weren't able to discern that the Living Prophet(s) was/were full of beans?
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Examples:
- Adam is Father God of this Planet (aka "Adam-God")
- Polgamy during this lifetime as a Requirement for Celestial Exaltation
- Priesthood ban on Blacks
- Temple Endowment Blood Oaths
- Blood Atonement
- Word of Wisdom compliance optional
- Jehovah as Father
- Paid Clergy
- Payment for Blessings
- 10% "Tithe" of your Estate upon Baptism
- Laity use of Seer Stones
- Prophecies and Revelations by Laity considered as valid and binding
- Gathering in Zion for Second Coming
- Building the Far West Temple commanded by God
- JST Translation MUST be published by Church for distribution throughout the world
- The White Horse Prophesy
- etc..

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by Mister IT is trying to Liahona outta here on November 14th, 2009

If you don't like what we have and what we are, show me something better and we can discuss its relative merits.

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by edndori on November 14th, 2009

>A Prophet is a mortal man, subject to all the same failings that any other man of woman is subject<

Then how is a Prophet any more trustworthy than anyone else? For that matter, what's the point of even having a prophet if that's true?

See what I mean by circular logic? The two assertions are mutually exclusive and contradictory!

A = Prophet is called by God as His mouthpiece on earth

Therefore
B = The prophet has a direct/superior/unique line of communication with God (implied assertion)

In other words, A=B

Therefore
C = If you follow the prophet,the prophet won't lead you astray

In other words, A+B=C

However, you're ALSO saying . . .

D = Many of the things a Prophet personally believes were arrived at before he became a prophet

E = Many of the things a Prophet personally believes may not necessarily be accurate

Therefore
D+E = does NOT equal C

Whew, this is some of the most bizarre, convoluted, fallacious, circular logic I've ever seen!

Can't you see this?

Now EXTENDING the logic to it's ultimate conclusion . . .

Therefore
F = If you follow the prophet,the prophet CAN lead you astray

Therefore
D+E = F

Therefore
G = Lord does not expect us to just accept everything the Prophet says

H = We must seek confirmation that what the Prophet says is truly from God

Thefore G+H = F

Therefore
I = Therefore, the Prophet's ability to communicate with God and discern God's current word is subordinated to my own (implied assertion)

In other words, G+H = I

Therefore
J = I am the ultimate authority for whether something is from God or not

Therefore
I+J = K, There is no legitimate reason for the Living Prophet to ultimately exist.

Therefore
L = I am my own living prophet

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by Mister IT is trying to Liahona outta here on May 15th, 2010