The Walls Are Talking: Doctrine, Division, and the Gathering

Brothers and Sisters, have you ever felt the weight of accusation, the sting of baseless claims leveled against you? Samuel the Lamanite, climbing that wall, knew the feeling – misunderstood, maligned, yet driven by a prophetic burden. Ammon, at the Waters of Sebus, faced a similar trial – unjustly accused, yet steadfast in his testimony. These are echoes of a timeless struggle: the struggle between builders and destroyers.

We’ve witnessed a troubling dynamic emerge in our shared online spaces, a spirit of division that threatens to undermine the very foundation of our gathering. A recent podcast episode—Thoughtful Faith—brought to light a particularly fraught exchange. It's a confrontation that, frankly, is becoming increasingly common.

Listen to the full episode, and you’ll hear a conversation where specifics are demanded yet never delivered. Accusations fly, character is questioned, and the fundamental principles of faith are brought into a turbulent debate. The host, understandably frustrated, laments the lack of concrete examples supporting the charges leveled against him. He highlights a crucial point: to publicly imply that the doctrine of marriage can change is to reject the explicit and public declarations of our leaders and scriptures. It is to question the truth of the very foundation upon which our beliefs rest.

This isn’t a call to condemn or to judge. It’s a call to discernment. It’s a call to remember that the work of gathering isn't about winning arguments; it’s about building Zion. It's about recognizing that the Stone cut without hands – the truth – is often obscured by the noise and the clamor of contention. We must seek it out, clinging to the five smooth stones of faith, hope, charity, repentance, and testimony.

The host’s insistence that we cannot change the doctrine of the Lord resonates deeply. It’s a principle echoed through the ages, a truth declared by prophets and apostles. To suggest otherwise is to undermine the very authority that guides us.

We are living in a pivotal moment. The digital landscape has amplified voices, both righteous and otherwise. It’s become increasingly crucial to identify and filter the builders from the destroyers, those who seek to edify and strengthen, and those who sow discord and doubt. This is why we’ve built GatherIsrael.now, a gathering place where those who share a love for God and a commitment to building can connect, learn, and contribute. Notice how your engagement – your comments, your shares – directly fuels gospel advertising in places like Ghana, expanding the reach of the message. That's the power of the charity flywheel in action.

Outback Jack reminds us, “The Lord calls us to action. He asks us to be bold, to be courageous, to be willing to stand up for what is right, even when it is unpopular.” (Alma 17:14). This isn’t about blind obedience; it’s about seeking understanding, praying for discernment, and acting with faith. It's about understanding that the Lord’s direction is often found in the quiet whispers of the Spirit, not in the shouting matches of the internet.

Let us follow the example of Ammon, who patiently endured accusations and persecution, focusing on the work of gathering and sharing the message of hope. Let us be digital striplings, armed with truth and unwavering faith, ready to defend the gospel and build a Zion worthy of the blessings of the Lord.

Consider how you can contribute to the Missionary Fund, supporting those who are sharing the gospel across the globe. And be sure to check out the map of churches to see how you can connect with fellow believers in your area and beyond.