The Evolution of Doctrine in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

An explanation of how foundational beliefs and practices in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can change over time through continuing revelation.

By Garret Merkley · Explainer · Jun 3, 2026

Branched from How Latter-day Saints Reconcile Historical Contradictions with Personal Spiritual Testimony

Quick take

Doctrine in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is understood as evolving through ongoing divine revelation.
This evolution can involve clarification, expansion, or even the discontinuation of past practices or teachings.
The President of the Church, as a prophet, plays a key role in declaring new or changed doctrine.
Members reconcile changes through faith in continuing revelation, trusting that God guides His Church today.

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the concept of "evolution of doctrine" refers to the understanding that foundational beliefs, teachings, and practices are not static but can be clarified, expanded, or even altered over time through ongoing divine revelation. This perspective emphasizes a living, communicating God who continues to guide His Church, adapting His instructions to the needs of different generations and circumstances.

The Principle of Continuing Revelation

A cornerstone of Latter-day Saint belief is that God continues to speak to humanity through prophets, just as He did in biblical times. This ongoing communication, known as continuing revelation, is the primary mechanism through which doctrine can evolve. It allows for adjustments, clarifications, and new understandings to be introduced as the Church grows and faces new challenges across the world. This means that truth is not seen as a closed canon, but as an ever-unfolding understanding guided by God.

The Role of Prophets and Apostles

The President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is revered as a living prophet, seer, and revelator. He, along with the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, holds the authority to declare doctrine for the Church. Significant doctrinal changes are typically introduced through formal pronouncements, official declarations, or authoritative teachings from these leaders, who are believed to act under divine inspiration. This collective prophetic authority ensures that changes are deliberated and guided by spiritual discernment, not personal opinion.

Distinguishing Doctrine from Policy

It's important to differentiate between core doctrine and Church policies or practices. While doctrine refers to eternal, foundational truths revealed by God (e.g., the Atonement of Jesus Christ, the Plan of Salvation), policies and practices are the guidelines, procedures, and applications of these truths. Policies can change more frequently to adapt to circumstances, whereas doctrinal evolution involves a deeper, divinely directed clarification or expansion of eternal principles, sometimes even discontinuing past practices that were once considered doctrinal applications (e.g., polygamy, the priesthood restriction).

The evolution of doctrine is vital for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as it allows the Church to remain dynamic and relevant across centuries and cultures. It provides a framework for addressing new social contexts, clarifying historical ambiguities, and adapting its global mission. For members, it reinforces faith in a living God who actively guides His people in the present day, ensuring His Church can continually meet the needs of an ever-changing world while remaining rooted in eternal truths.

Doctrine vs. Policy/Practice

**Doctrine:** Foundational, eternal truths revealed by God (e.g., God is our Father, Jesus is the Savior, the Atonement).
**Policy/Practice:** Guidelines, procedures, and applications of doctrine that can change based on circumstance or revelation (e.g., missionary age, specific temple rituals, administrative structures).

Can core doctrines ever be reversed?

While the understanding or application of doctrine can evolve, foundational, eternal truths (like the nature of God, the Atonement of Christ) are considered unchanging. What might appear as a reversal is usually a discontinuation of a past practice or a deeper clarification of an underlying principle.

Who is authorized to declare new or changed doctrine?

New or changed doctrine is declared by the President of the Church, acting as a prophet, in conjunction with the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

How do members reconcile past teachings or practices that are no longer current?

Members reconcile these changes through faith in continuing revelation, believing that God guides His Church line upon line, precept upon precept. They trust that past practices, though perhaps difficult to understand now, were appropriate for their time and that current teachings represent God's will for today.

Does "evolution of doctrine" mean anything can change?

No. It refers to a divinely guided process of clarification and adaptation, not arbitrary changes. Core, eternal principles remain constant, but their expression, understanding, and application can be refined over time through revelation.