an LDS quote (Jesus Christ, moral, elder, doctrine, church)

[ayani]

hey, guys. i noticed the following quote on an LDS member's signature space, and remember it coming from an LDS leader. is this true, and who first spoke / wrote it?

The great religious leaders of the world such as Mohammed, Confucius, the Reformers, as well as philosophers including Socrates, Plato, and others, received a portion of God’s light. Moral truths were given to them by God to enlighten...nations and to bring...understanding to individuals.

how do LDS members understand this quote? does this quote form or convey a part of Mormon doctrine / church teaching?

[DavyCrocket2003]

Originally Posted by ayani

hey, guys. i noticed the following quote on an LDS member's signature space, and remember it coming from an LDS leader. is this true, and who first spoke / wrote it?



how do LDS members understand this quote? does this quote form or convey a part of Mormon doctrine / church teaching?

I agree with the main idea of this quote. I feel that it is saying that God loves all his children. He will inspire them with truths. Even when someone doesn't have access to Christianity, they can still find out great truths. It is still only "in and through" Jesus Christ that we all must be saved, but just because God talks to us doesn't mean he doesn't talk to anyone else.

As for the quote, yes it is from an LDS leader, Elder Dallin H. Oaks (he's one of those twelve 'apostles' you were discussing with Katspur) It was given in a talk published in the church Ensign. While it is not official canon and only considered counsel, we usually consider the apostles as pretty authoritative sources. Of course they have opinions from time to time that are wrong.