Defining Mormon Doctrine

Occasionally, the question is asked, "How do I know if something is doctrine or not?"

Several years ago, the Mormon Newsroom put out a guide on approaching Mormon doctrine which clarifies some of the misunderstandings that some people have when it comes to defining doctrine, namely that isolated statements aren't necessarily doctrine, and that not all doctrine is core doctrine.

I think it is fair to define our doctrine as being able to answer in the affirmative to the following questions:

1. Is it scriptural?
2. Is it coming from the unified voice of the first presidency and the quorum of the twelve?

Is that definition of doctrine doctrinal?  As in, can I use this definition to discover if it applies to itself?  I say yes.  After the jump-break are a list of quotes from the standard works and general conference that would support such a definition:

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

—2 Timothy 3:16

Wherefore, the fruit of thy loins shall write; and the fruit of the loins of Judah shall write; and that which shall be written by the fruit of thy loins, and also that which shall be written by the fruit of the loins of Judah, shall grow together, unto the confounding of false doctrines and laying down of contentions, and establishing peace among the fruit of thy loins, and bringing them to the knowledge of their fathers in the latter days, and also to the knowledge of my covenants, saith the Lord.

—2 Nephi 3:12

And in the seventy and ninth year there began to be much strife. But it came to pass that Nephi and Lehi, and many of their brethren who knew concerning the true points of doctrine, having many revelations daily, therefore they did preach unto the people, insomuch that they did put an end to their strife in that same year.

—Helaman 11:23

37 Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled.
38 What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.

—D&C 1:37-38

Yea, and I will also bring to light my gospel which was ministered unto them, and, behold, they shall not deny that which you have received, but they shall build it up, and shall bring to light the true points of my doctrine, yea, and the only doctrine which is in me.

—D&C 10:62

An individual may fall by the wayside, or have views, or give counsel which falls short of what the Lord intends. But the voice of the First Presidency and the united voice of those others who hold with them the keys of the kingdom shall always guide the Saints and the world in those paths where the Lord wants them to be.

—Joseph Fielding Smith, Eternal Keys and the Right to Preside, April 1972 General Conference

Spiritual development is tied very closely to a knowledge of the scriptures, where the doctrines are found.

—Boyd K. Packer, Agency and Control, April 1983 General Conference

The First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles, called and ordained to hold the keys of the priesthood, have the authority and responsibility to govern the Church, to administer its ordinances, to expound its doctrine, and to establish and maintain its practices. ...
No decision emanates from the deliberations of the First Presidency and the Twelve without total unanimity among all concerned. At the outset in considering matters, there may be differences of opinion. These are to be expected. These men come from different backgrounds. They are men who think for themselves. But before a final decision is reached, there comes a unanimity of mind and voice.

—Gordon B. Hinckley, God is at the Helm, April 1984 General Conference

In the Bible we read this important declaration: “In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.” This assures God’s children that divine doctrines are confirmed by more than one scriptural witness. ...
The Lord provided other scriptures of the Restoration and declared that those words will also be fulfilled. With these scriptural witnesses, false doctrines will be confounded. With these scriptural witnesses, doctrines of the Bible are not only reaffirmed but clarified.

—Russell M. Nelson, Scriptural Witnesses, October 2007 General Conference

At the same time it should be remembered that not every statement made by a Church leader, past or present, necessarily constitutes doctrine. It is commonly understood in the Church that a statement made by one leader on a single occasion often represents a personal, though well-considered, opinion, not meant to be official or binding for the whole Church.

—Neil L. Anderson, The Doctrine of Christ, April 2012 General Conference

A few question their faith when they find a statement made by a Church leader decades ago that seems incongruent with our doctrine. There is an important principle that governs the doctrine of the Church. The doctrine is taught by all 15 members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve. It is not hidden in an obscure paragraph of one talk. True principles are taught frequently and by many. Our doctrine is not difficult to find.

—Neil L. Anderson, Trial of Your Faith, October 2012 General Conference

I have discovered in my ministry that those who have become lost and confused are typically those who have most often forgotten that when the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve speak with a united voice, it is the voice of the Lord for that time.

—M. Russell Ballard, Stay in the Boat and Hold On, October 2014 General Conference