Change in Doctrine

Shawn McCraney discusses the importance of waiting on God's promises rather than acting on one's own impulses, using the biblical story of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar as a lesson on faith versus flesh-driven decisions, and critiques how Mormon theology interprets these events. He invites viewers to participate in meaningful outreach, such as the new television program "The Grey Generation", and emphasizes the power and reliability of God's Word as a foundation for life decisions.

The Word of God is described as powerful, trustworthy, and foundational for believers, originating from prophets and apostles inspired by God to write scriptures, with Jesus Christ as the chief cornerstone. Believers collectively form a holy temple, the household of God, by standing on the foundation of these scriptures, which allows them to discern against false teachings or new claims that contradict the Word.

The teaching highlights the historical importance of polygamy within the early LDS Church, as emphasized by leaders like Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, and John Taylor, who regarded it as an eternal law essential for spiritual progression and godhood. Despite this early emphasis, modern LDS leaders, such as Spencer W. Kimball, have distanced the church from polygamy, aligning with pressures from the U.S. government in the late 19th century, leading to its discontinuation as official church practice.

Historically, Mormonism practiced polygamy openly under leaders like Brigham Young but faced governmental pressure and legal actions, such as the Edmonds-Tucker Act, which led to the church publicly denying the practice while privately continuing it within the priesthood, showcasing deceptive practices. The foundation of Mormonism by Joseph Smith involved various deceptions, and this tendency to protect the church's image at all costs continues, resulting in the concealment or alteration of truths about their doctrines and history.