The presence of a witness of Christ, then, cannot by itself serve as evidence for the book’s truthfulness if its other teachings are problematic. We must remember, however, that any book that wishes to persuade members of the Church would have to include this type of claim. Most Latter-day Saints will agree with many of Visions of Glory’s claims about the reality and divine Sonship of Christ. Visions of Glory contains some things that are neither beautiful nor uplifting, and some that are troubling.
There are some teachings that are beautiful and uplifting in Visions of Glory-but, all of those elements can already be found in Latter-day Saint scripture and the authorized teachings of the apostles and prophets. These scriptures and teachings come to mind as one reads Visions of Glory. The history of the Church records many pretended revelations claimed by imposters or zealots who believed in the manifestations they sought to lead other persons to accept, and in every instance, disappointment, sorrow and disaster have resulted therefrom. In secular as well as spiritual affairs, Saints may receive Divine guidance and revelation affecting themselves, but this does not convey authority to direct others, and is not to be accepted when contrary to Church covenants, doctrine or discipline, or to known facts, demonstrated truths, or good common sense…. When visions, dreams, tongues, prophecy, impressions, or an extraordinary gift of inspiration conveys something out of harmony with the accepted revelations of the Church or contrary to the decisions of its constituted authorities, Latter-day Saints may know that it is not of God, no matter how plausible it may appear….
In 1913, the First Presidency noted:įrom the days of Hiram Page at different periods there have been manifestations from delusive spirits to members of the Church. This is not a risk that is safely in the past. For I have given him the keys of the mysteries, and the revelations which are sealed, until I shall appoint unto them another in his stead ( D&C 28:1, 7). 4 This early crisis led to the revelation of what is now D&C 28, in which Joseph and the fledgling Church were told:īut, behold, verily, verily, I say unto thee, no one shall be appointed to receive commandments and revelations in this church excepting my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., for he receiveth them even as Moses…. Within two months of the Church’s restoration, Hiram Page was claiming to receive revelation about the New Jerusalem and other matters concerned with the last days. Readers of Visions of Glory may wish to compare LDS teachings and doctrines that differ from the book’s teachings. Spencer claims he will receive authority independent of the Church and its leaders.Prophets and apostles have repeatedly taught that it is inappropriate for members to publicize such material without permission from the President of the Church.Visions of Glory teaches doctrines that contradict LDS scripture and prophets.Visions of Glory’s portrayal of Jesus Christ and His method of interacting with the Saints is not consistent with scripture.It is important, however, to take note of several factors: The purpose of this review is not to cast doubt on the sincerity of those who have believed these visionary accounts. They usually affirm their testimony of the truthfulness of the restored gospel by asserting the conclusion, not by giving details on how it was obtained. They seldom mention miracles in bearing their testimonies, and they rarely preach from the pulpit about signs that the gospel is true. They do not speak publicly of their most sacred experiences. Oaks wrote:īy and large, Latter-day Saints observe this direction.
Prior to teaching the endowment, Joseph Smith warned the Saints: “Let us be faithful and silent, brethren, and if God gives you a manifestation, keep it to yourselves.” 2 Of this remark, Elder Dallin H. Experience has shown, however, that an anxious interest in such light and knowledge can lead to being deceived, misled, and manipulated if we are not sufficiently grounded in true principles relating to revelation and learning. The Saints should always be seeking for further light and knowledge.
It concludes with an appendix containing other visions which may provide parallels or points of comparison to Spencer’s claims.
#Fair mormon visions of glory series#
It includes an account of visions of the spirit world, a series of vignettes of apocalyptic last-days scenarios, and describes Spencer’s foretold role in preparing the world for the second coming of Christ. Their recipient is an anonymous informant called “Spencer” in the book. Visions of Glory is written by John Pontius and recounts several visions and spiritual manifestations. Review of: John Pontius, Visions of Glory: One Man’s Astonishing Account of the Last Days (Springville UT: Cedar Fort, 2012).