WHY DO YOU QUESTION? LDS Hymn Parody #38

Another LDS Hymn Parody (38 now!!).  This one addresses the fact that the Mormon Church doesn't want anyone questioning anything.  Well, you can question things, but... "When the prophet speaks, the debate is over."  So in essence, it really doesn't matter what anyone questions or thinks - what matters is what the Mormon Church decides - what the Prophet says.  Even if the answer given makes absolutely no sense (which is often the case).

The quote "When the prophet speaks, the debate is over," which was initially said by N. Eldon Tanner, First Counselor in the First Presidency of the Mormon Church, in a speech entitled "The Debate is Over," given in August 1979, given at a Churchwide Fireside meeting for women of the church.  In that speech, of course, emphasis is placed on simply following the prophet because he is guided by God and therefore knows best.  I find that concept interesting, especially when looked at from the angle that supposedly every prophet of the Mormon Church has been God's mouthpiece at the time they became his prophet.  So it follows then that when Joseph Smith lied about having only one wife when he clearly had at least 25 at that time, he was speaking as God's prophet.  And when Brigham Young made extremely racist remarks and spoke of the Adam-God Doctrine or Blood Atonement, as easily found in the Journal of Discourses, he was speaking as God's prophet. 

Since that speech was given ("The Debate is Over"), its catchphrase has been repeated numerous times.  And it has been expanded to say that the CURRENT prophet is the one who should be followed.  But trying to discount what previous prophets said by telling people to follow the current prophet is ridiculous.  Following that logic, then one could just assume that whatever is being said by the current prophet will be outdated once a new prophet is ordained.

The upshot of the whole thing is that they don't want anyone doing any independent research - and they certainly don't want people today reading the Journal of Discourses.  People are supposed to just accept what they are told as THE GOSPEL TRUTH without question.  But that type of is mantra runs against the grain of human nature because it is human nature to be curious, to delve into areas of concern, to examine and question.  For me, being able to do that is essential.  For much too long, I felt that I could not be myself, that I had to adhere to what Mormonism taught, and that made me feel trapped and suffocated.  It's a different world for me now, being able to be who I really am.  And that's priceless.

WHY DO YOU QUESTION?

Sung to the tune of Love One Another, #308

Why do you question
True Mormon doctrine?
You say we're lying,
That's your opinion.
You must accept it,
Not so hard to swallow.
Don’t think so much
And simply follow.

Please just believe it,
Why do you research?
Do what we tell you,
This is the true church.
It would be easy
If you would just follow,
Nodding your head,
Uttering “Ditto.”

You’ll feel much better
When you’re obeying.
Reading your scriptures,
And always praying.
Stay off those websites,
They simply aren’t useful.
Enjoy your life
Here in the bubble.

© Diane Tingen, 11/6/2011