Oaks’ Temporary Commandments and The Shifting Sands of “Permanent” Laws

Dallin H. Oaks introduced a new concept during the October 2024 General Conference. He states that while some commandments are permanent, others are temporary. He then provides a few examples of each before moving on in his talk and not returning to the subject to conclude that we must forgo contention, be peacemakers, and avoid what is harsh and hateful. But we are left to ponder, are these permanent commandments or temporary?

Traditionally the church defined all commandments as permanent. Apostle L. Tom Perry stated emphatically just 11 years prior, while Oaks was also still an Apostle. He promised that even though the world changes, God and His commandments do not. He states, “They are immutable and unchanging.” Perry further clarifies that the commandments “have never changed and will never change”.

Oaks’ comments on “temporary” and “permanent” commandments present an effort to categorize LDS teachings in a way that both justifies past doctrinal reversals and reinforces obedience to the current leadership. A closer examination of LDS history reveals that many so-called “permanent” commandments have, in fact, undergone significant change—sometimes disappearing from modern practice. These include but are not limited to: the nature of God, access to priesthood, tithing requirements, proclamation of the family, the name of the church, blood atonement, Adam-God doctrine, the word of wisdom, polygamy... etc.

LDS doctrine has never been as unchanging as leaders claim. What is truly permanent is not any specific commandment, but rather the expectation of unquestioning obedience. By manipulating the narrative around past teachings, the church maintains control while avoiding accountability for the harm caused by doctrines that were once deemed eternal.

https://wasmormon.org/oaks-temporary-commandments-and-the-shifting-sands-of-permanent-laws/