Continuing revelation through the prophet; World Conference discernment required
Continuing revelation is a core Community of Christ doctrine. The prophet-president may receive revelations for the church, which are presented to the World Conference for communal discernment. Sections 161, 162, 163, 164, and 165 of the Community of Christ Doctrine and Covenants (received 1996–2016) are examples of recent revelations addressing peace, reconciliation, environmental stewardship, and welcoming diversity.
This model of continuing revelation, subject to community discernment and vote, is a more democratic process than the LDS prophet model while maintaining the conviction that God continues to communicate with the church through the Spirit. The World Conference ratification requirement provides a check on individual prophetic claims.
Key Distinctions
- Current revelation:
- closed — public revelation ended with the death of the Apostles; Scripture is complete
- Prophetic gifts today:
- miraculous prophetic gifts ceased with the Apostolic age (cessationist)
- Tradition authority:
- Scripture alone (sola scriptura) is the final norm
Scripture References
- Community of Christ Doctrine and Covenants 163:2a
Sources
- Community of Christ Doctrine and Covenants, recent sections 161–165
- Community of Christ Basic Beliefs