Are Church policies inspired by God?

[Saving]

TheMark, that was something inspired to say.

For me there are a lot of policies that are just the thoughts of men and ow to run things. The bishop might say no hands on the wall because they get dirty, its a policy, but it not a sin if you happen to place your hand on the wall now is it?

[tragula]

I think that most policies are inspired, but I don't believe in the infallibility of the Pope.  I think that 18 month missions are a good example of one that may not have been inspired.

[Suzie_Su]

The Pope? Please explain about the 18 months mission not a good example. Thanks.

[tragula]

The Pope? Please explain about the 18 months mission not a good example. Thanks.

The infallibility of the Pope is a Catholic doctrine.  I just used that in order to point out that our Church should be different from that church.  Years ago, the Church decided to change the length of missions for young men from 24 month missions to 18 month missions.  Just one problem--the number of baptisms dropped dramatically.  After some time, the Brethren decided to change back to 24 month missions, and the number of baptisms went back up.  When he announced the change back to 24 month missions, President Hinckley, without actually coming out and saying so, essentially admitted that they had made a mistake in changing the length of missions for young men.  At least, that was how I interpreted his words.

[Happy_LDS]

I don't believe all policies are inspired by God. As the example Tragula gave, it's more about common sense and what it "works" than inspiration.

[tragula]

I don't believe all policies are inspired by God. As the example Tragula gave, it's more about common sense and what it "works" than inspiration.

With respect to 18 month missions, I don't think that was inspired, but I do think that most policies are inspired. 

[GoldieLocks]

With respect to 18 month missions, I don't think that was inspired, but I do think that most policies are inspired.  

Hello tragula what's your reason for thinking the 18 month missions were not inspired?

[tragula]

Hello tragula what's your reason for thinking the 18 month missions were not inspired?

Because the number of baptisms dropped dramatically, and when the Brethren decided to return to 24 month missions, President Hinckley essentially admitted that 18 month missions had been a mistake.  Also, when they returned to 24 month missions, the number of baptisms rose back up to where they had been before.