Definitions
Understanding the difference between doctrines, principles, and procedures is a critical part of gospel understanding. Let me define these terms for the purposes of this post.
Doctrines are unchangeable gospel truths. A doctrine of the gospel reads like a statement of fact. An example of a doctrine is, “God created the heavens and the earth.”
Principles are one step further than doctrines. There is some type of instruction on how to live or think. Principles often can be expressed as an “if…then” statement. Some examples include, “If we pray in faith, God will hear us,” or “If we have faith in Christ and repent, we can be forgiven of our sins.” There is usually some overlap between doctrine and principles, as in the statement, “we are commanded to feed the hungry.” It’s a statement of fact (doctrine), but also includes some directive to obey (principle).
Procedures are even a step further than doctrine. Procedures are changeable. They are the way in which we live principles; the way it looks in action. Procedures are often expressed in “do’s and dont’s.” We are commanded to feed the hungry, but there are several ways to do this. One way, through fast offerings, is a procedure. It is not the only way, historically or currently, to feed the hungry.
Relationship Between Doctrines, Principles, And Procedures
Good procedures should be based upon solid principles which, in turn, are founded upon true doctrines. Let’s look at this relationship with a few examples, and hopefully you can make this connection with other doctrines, principles, and procedures.
Taking the Word of Wisdom as an example, let’s examine the doctrines, principles, and procedures associated with it. God has given us two important gifts: our physical bodies and agency. These are unchanging gospel truths. There are some principles associated with these facts. One, as we treat our bodies as sacred gifts from God, our bodies will be better suited instruments to help us fulfill our purposes. Also, as we use our agency wisely, we grow in light and truth, progressing to become more like our perfect Father. Now, there are some substances that hurt our physical bodies, as well as limit our agency through dependency or addiction. God, in His wisdom, has given guidelines that allow us to have healthier physical bodies, and prevent dependency and addiction. These principles guide the procedures. The procedures come in the form of do’s, dont’s, and general guidelines. For more detail, read section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants.
Let’s consider another example, the Sabbath day. One underlying doctrine is that mankind is quick to forget the Lord. Another is that we are to worship Him only. Some principles regarding the Sabbath include: God has commanded us to rest from our labors on the seventh day, and we are to offer up our sacraments on this day. Procedurally, we can come up with guidelines of what we do and don’t do on the sabbath. As with most doctrines, procedures can vary from person to person, or from time to time. I hope this doesn’t give you anxiety. It shouldn’t. The purpose of the Sabbath day is to help us remember our Father, and to worship Him. It is not designed to be used as a measuring stick by which we determine who is righteous or not.
I believe that having a solid understanding of the relationship between doctrines, principles, and procedures will greatly improve your ability to teach the gospel. So will the habit of looking for these relationships in your own personal study.
Feel free to comment and share any doctrines, principles, and procedures so we can all learn from each other.