Dallin H. Oaks speaks about evaluating data and sources in the October 2018 General Conference.

Date
Oct 2018
Type
Periodical
Source
Dallin H. Oaks
LDS
Hearsay
Direct
Reference

Dallin H. Oaks, "Truth and the Plan", lds.org, accessed March 8, 2023

Scribe/Publisher
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
People
Dallin H. Oaks
Audience
Reading Public
PDF
Transcription

We live in a time of greatly expanded and disseminated information. But not all of this information is true. We need to be cautious as we seek truth and choose sources for that search. We should not consider secular prominence or authority as qualified sources of truth. We should be cautious about relying on information or advice offered by entertainment stars, prominent athletes, or anonymous internet sources. Expertise in one field should not be taken as expertise on truth in other subjects.

We should also be cautious about the motivation of the one who provides information. That is why the scriptures warn us against priestcraft (see 2 Nephi 26:29). If the source is anonymous or unknown, the information may also be suspect.

Our personal decisions should be based on information from sources that are qualified on the subject and free from selfish motivations.

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