3.2 Ensuring Doctrinal Purity

A young woman sits near a window in her living room. She is holding a smartphone and is watching General Conference on it. Part of a series of images that were taken from around the world featuring families and individuals watching the October 2020 General Conference in their homes. This photo was taken in Japan. October 3-4, 2020.

We have the opportunity to share the pure doctrine of Jesus Christ in many ways. These may range from a handbook policy or lesson manual to a simple exhibit image or social media post. Whatever the format, our communications should invite the Holy Ghost’s confirming power.

Our messages communicate the established doctrine of Jesus Christ in purity and in a way that invites the converting power of the Holy Ghost. The following principles help us meet this standard:

  1. Centered on Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and Their Fundamental Doctrine: Materials and messages should be centered on Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and Their fundamental doctrine to help individuals increase faith in Them, become converted to Them, and receive the blessings of eternal life (see 1 Nephi 15:14).
  2. Scriptural and Prophetic Authority: Materials and messages should be grounded in the scriptures and teachings of latter-day prophets, which are the Lord’s authorized sources of doctrine (see Doctrine and Covenants 28:2–3, 8).
  3. Multiple Witnesses: Materials and messages should communicate only those doctrinal teachings which the Lord has established through multiple authoritative witnesses (see 2 Nephi 11:3).
  4. Avoid Speculation: Materials and messages should not go beyond what God has established and should avoid introducing error through speculation, personal opinions, or worldly ideas (see 3 Nephi 11:32, 40).
  5. Spiritual Edification: Materials and messages should be in harmony with the influence of the Holy Ghost in content and tone to help individuals experience spiritual edification (see Doctrine and Covenants 50:21–23).
  6. Doctrinal Balance: Materials and messages should give appropriate focus or weight to a point of doctrine within the context of related gospel truths to avoid distortion and help cultivate a balanced understanding (see Matthew 23:23).
  7. Clarity: Materials and messages should communicate truth with clarity to increase understanding and avoid potential misunderstandings (see Alma 13:23).
  8. Accuracy: Materials and messages should communicate only accurate and reliable information to inform and strengthen God’s children and to protect the integrity of the Lord’s Church (see Doctrine and Covenants 93:24).
  9. Non–Distraction: Materials and messages should avoid elements that could distract from the gospel truths they are intended to communicate (see Doctrine and Covenants 6:36).
Last Updated On 21 Apr 2025