a live prophet is worth more than a dead prophet, the church adopted for itself the ultimate escape hatch for any of its past doctrines or teachings. I predict, that when challenged, the standard response by a TBM will now be, "Is that what the current prophet teaches?" "If not, then it's not what we believe." Goodbye FAIRS and FARMS - your services are no longer needed.

might come to that.....but remember they don't know what they teach anyhow, right?

Quoted in Benson's infamous "FOURTEEN FUNDAMENTALS IN FOLLOWING THE PROPHET" fireside:
http://www.lds-mormon.com/fourteen.shtml

"One day when President Grant was living, I sat in my office across the street following a general conference. A man came over to see me, an elderly man. He was very upset about what had been said in this conference by some of the Brethren, including myself. I could tell from his speech that he came from a foreign land. After I had quieted him enough so he would listen, I said, "Why did you come to America?" "I am here because a prophet of God told me to come." "Who was the prophet;" I continued. "Wilford Woodruff." "Do you believe Wilford Woodruff was a prophet of God?" "Yes, I do." "Do you believe that President Joseph F. Smith was a prophet of God?" "Yes, sir."

Then came the sixty-four dollar question. "Do you believe that Heber J. Grant is a prophet of God?" His answer, "I think he ought to keep his mouth shut about old age assistance."

Now I tell you that a man in his position is on the way to apostasy. He is forfeiting his chances for eternal life. So is everyone who cannot follow the living Prophet of God." [in Conference Report, April 1953, p. 125]"

If Heber J. Grant had his way, there would be no Social Security system today.

Since we get to discount what previous prophets said, how about the following:

If you don't like what the living prophet says, just wait until he dies and maybe the NEXT one that comes along will suit you better.

The LDS Church, has as one of it's belief, Modern Day Revelation.

Fortunately, the members are only taught to follow the LIVING PROPHET!

So that means, in essence, ignore the dead ones, they are not in charge.
ahh...what a relief! :-)