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There’s often discord about various theological claims: is it doctrine or speculation?

I’ll try to keep clear the difference between my own thoughts and the true doctrine of the LDS Church, but you need to use your own judgment too, as I only cite what I can find, not necessarily what does indeed exist somewhere as a great source of true information.

Here’s the general guideline:

• The de facto standard on which to judge all other doctrinal claims or statements of proposed truth is the standard works of the LDS canonical library (“the Scriptures”). This includes:
  - The Holy Bible (Old and New Testaments) (King James Version with Joseph Smith Translation)
  - The Book of Mormon
  - The Pearl of Great Price (including Joseph Smith-History and Articles of Faith)
  - The Doctine & Covenants
• Recent scripture has precedence over older scripture, as long as the text is indeed inspired scripture and applies to the entire Church. Take for example, the New Testament. It presides over the Old Testament in a doctrinal sense. For example, it tells us that Christ did away with sacrifice after completing the Atonement and stated it was no longer necessary, even though the Old Testament teaches the practice of sacrifice. In fact, Christ fulfilled the Law of Moses in its entirety, laying down His own law, which has precedence over the Law of Moses. Likewise, the revelation to our prophet that all worthy men could receive the Priesthood takes precedence over a prior mandate by the Lord.
• LDS hymns teach true doctrine but they do not necessarily declare it. Most, if not all hymns cite scripture references at the bottom of the page. More on this.
• “The Journal of Discourses” is huge and almost doctrine. Due to some transcription errors and other relatively minor, sparse flaws discovered in the actual manuscripts, the Journal is not considered official LDS doctrine. However, it is definitely a source of much enlightenment on various topics, including many deep, doctrinal answers and explanations.
• Books published by prophets and apostles are not necessarily doctrine. Their contents may be doctrinal, but books published outside the auspices of the LDS Church (specifically, publications without the Church logo) are not always authoritative.
• Personal scripture is essentially personal revelation. It applies to one person and one person only, hence “personal revelation.” I’ve never heard of true, inspired personal revelation given to faithful members contradicting the doctrines of the Church.
• The brethren (The Council of the Twelve and the First Presidency) are the only fifteen people on the face of the earth with the authority to speak on behalf of God to the whole human race. What has not been spoken of to such an audience under the influence of the Spirit is not necessarily doctrine.
• Official LDS Church magazines (Friend, New Era, Ensign) are not always stating doctrine, however they do contain the words of our leaders, including our prophets and President of the Church. The words in them should be revered and studied, as they teach the doctrines of the Church. Personal accounts do not indicate truth, however; merely a related experience.
• Finally, especially for those accustomed to the Church, go by the Spirit: if something rings true to you, so be it. Study it more and pray on it to confirm the testimony.