Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeWaters
The Handbook of Instructions is the fifth standard work.
And ironically, kept hidden from rank and file members, to be interpreted and disseminated only through those appointed to do so.
Sound familiar?
In Joseph's time, instructions on how to run the church came from God, and were available to all Saints for their edification.
Not true anymore. The question is what parts of the above paragraph aren't true.
That's why that statement in the Handbook, apparently new to the most recent edition, that children who are part of a temple divorce are still sealed, bothers me. Is it revelation? Is it not? If not, why is it so direct. If it is, why isn't it public?
If the Lord is giving constant direction, why can't we say so, and open the books?
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Might as well respond now and preempt the inevitable "well, Tex thinks ..." posts.
The average lay member cannot get a Book 1 of the Handbook, that's true. But there's a myriad of other books, Book 2 and others, that are widely available. The things not widely distributed pertain to a specific calling (or set of callings) for which they are necessary.
Also, distributing said Handbook to roughly 90,000 people isn't exactly keeping it "hidden." I also believe that leaders are permitted to Xerox specific pages (though not the entire thing, obviously) and provide them to members who have a legitmate interest or need respecting a specific policy.
Third, were all the revelations of Joseph Smith truly available? I think that's a pretty broad blanket statement that could easily be honed down.