LDS Freedom Forum

I usually go by a simple spiritual legitimacy test.

What I mean to say is when I hear things of a deeply spiritual nature that were given to an indiviual and that individual shares those openly with others, I dismiss it as false. The reason I dismiss it is, if indeed an individual were given something sacred (i.e. communication with the Devine), it would be held as such and guarded closely. Therefore I assume it is not from the Devine but from another source.

Am I off base here? Opinions?

Actually I would agree with you. With the exception being if I was being told in a one on one situation and the spirit testified of the truth. The sad truth is that the spirit can teach us things and we get excited to share what we have learned with others only to learn that it would have been better for the spirit to teach them that same truth instead of us because the spirit is a stronger teacher.

I don't agree 100%, but I will say that I approach such things from a very skeptical position. I have shared some of my most sacred experiences when I have felt prompted to do so. My feeling is that if it is something that someone else can gain from, the spirit will testify to them regarding whatever part they may have gained from.

The ones that really cause me to question are the posts that appear to be "chumming for disciples". Posts where someone sets themselves up as the holder of some "higher truth", that they are willing to share with those who will "apprentice themselves" or who feel that they have the final word on truth in their area of expertise and are not willing to treat others as equals and discuss - I find such posts very off-putting, arrogant, prideful, and regardless of the balue of the information they may have, the spirit completely disappears. This isn;t to say what they are sharing is not true, but in my not-so-humble opinion they are using the truth that they have been given to set themselves up - not necessarily for money but to be elevated and seen as a leader. To me it feels like priestcraft and while I still read what they have to say and look at the information on its merits, I have really no interest in getting involved in actual projects with them. Which is sad, because actually becoming anxiously engaged is exactly what is needed, but who wants to get involved working with someone that talks down to them or puts on airs? I mean, I get get that kind of treatment in Babylon. And yet, many of these people are exactly the ones often bemoaning that people will not "leave Babylon" and start building Zion...

durangout wrote:I usually go by a simple spiritual legitimacy test.

What I mean to say is when I hear things of a deeply spiritual nature that were given to an indiviual and that individual shares those openly with others, I dismiss it as false. The reason I dismiss it is, if indeed an individual were given something sacred (i.e. communication with the Devine), it would be held as such and guarded closely. Therefore I assume it is not from the Devine but from another source.

Am I off base here? Opinions?

I think that is about right 99% of the time. the rest of the time is as has been mentioned, just someone that cant keep their mouth shut

If the Lord said "Don't Share", don't. If you do, He won't give you any more vital info. If the Lord does ask you to share, then do it, but don't set yourself up as a prophet until He says you are to take the place as head of the Mortal church (in other words, it is never going to happen).

To whom are you assigned to minister?

I trust no anti-Mormon sources. I trust no government sources. I trust no TV sources. I do trust what the Lord reveals to me in the Celestial Room at the temple.

I have been prompted to keep my mouth shut. When I am allowed to utter, I get once in 10 years at the pulpit. :ymblushing:

durangout wrote:I usually go by a simple spiritual legitimacy test.

What I mean to say is when I hear things of a deeply spiritual nature that were given to an indiviual and that individual shares those openly with others, I dismiss it as false. The reason I dismiss it is, if indeed an individual were given something sacred (i.e. communication with the Devine), it would be held as such and guarded closely. Therefore I assume it is not from the Devine but from another source.

Am I off base here? Opinions?

Depends.

The scriptures are full of stories of people communicating with the Divine. I think it depends on multiple factors in regards to what you can share with who, and what details you share. Also, saying that you had a visit from an Angel is certainly not the same as revealing the deeply spiritual information shared by said angel...

I think such a thing is determined on a case by case basis. I don't think it's a simple as saying that anything "of a deeply spiritual nature that were given to an indiviual and that individual shares those openly with others" is automatically false. What if that individual is the prophet? or your dad? or someone else with some stewardship over you? or your spouse? Case by case.

Yes BrianM it depends. What situation I'm really thinking of is for example when certain posters claim sacred experiences / communication from above and openly share it on the internet, I feel very good is saying it is from a souce other than God.

durangout wrote:Yes BrianM it depends. What situation I'm really thinking of is for example when certain posters claim sacred experiences / communication from above and openly share it on the internet, I feel very good is saying it is from a souce other than God.

How about even more specific...

The following is from a post here on the forum...

BrianM wrote:

pritchet1 wrote:After discussion with the Lord in the Celestial Room regarding my years of "political activity", I was prompted to shut everything down (businesses, websites, forums, etc.)...

Perhaps one day I will be told the same!! I have no idea when that day will be, but the Lord told me in the Celestial room to keep it (my liberty websites) going.

What say you?

durangout wrote:I usually go by a simple spiritual legitimacy test.

What I mean to say is when I hear things of a deeply spiritual nature that were given to an indiviual and that individual shares those openly with others, I dismiss it as false. The reason I dismiss it is, if indeed an individual were given something sacred (i.e. communication with the Devine), it would be held as such and guarded closely. Therefore I assume it is not from the Devine but from another source.

Am I off base here? Opinions?

There goes the Missionary Program

I have no idea. I guess I would say more often than not my "litmus test" is accurate.

How about this one: My brother in law once told someone that in the celestial room it was revealed to him that that person should lend him money. My brother in law is full of crap (that's putting it nicely--he makes his living by living off other people's money that's why he moves so often because his sources of income dry up after a while).

Do I think that was revelation from God? Duh!

I think its simply about the giving of a gift, and the receiving of that same gift. If both the Giver and Receiver are not guided by the Spirit no one benefits.. There is no default answer.

Glenn wrote:I think its simply about the giving of a gift, and the receiving of that same gift. If both the Giver and Receiver are not guided by the Spirit no one benefits.. There is no default answer.

I like the wisdom of your answer.

durangout wrote:

Glenn wrote:I think its simply about the giving of a gift, and the receiving of that same gift. If both the Giver and Receiver are not guided by the Spirit no one benefits.. There is no default answer.

I like the wisdom of your answer.

Thank You. I think it was a rare burst of inspiration I felt compelled to share.

durangout wrote:I have no idea. I guess I would say more often than not my "litmus test" is accurate.

How about this one: My brother in law once told someone that in the celestial room it was revealed to him that that person should lend him money. My brother in law is full of crap (that's putting it nicely--he makes his living by living off other people's money that's why he moves so often because his sources of income dry up after a while).

Do I think that was revelation from God? Duh!

I see your point. In my example the information only applied to the person who received it. It wasn't any information that was directed at anyone not under the receiver's stewardship... whereas your example I would definitely doubt because the person is essentially claiming to receive revelation for someone else, not his stewardship, most likely not a lie made up by this person to get gain.

BrentL wrote:

...you have eliminated the possibility of receiving deeply spiritual things through servants of the Lord. Lehi shared such experiences and it was the catalyst that moved Nephi to ask for his own vision that he then received. ...

instead, come to Christ. Learn to ....

+1 to Brent's comment. :ymapplause:

Brigham Young said: "If this people wishes to have more individual revelations, divine manifestations (etc.), then they better learn to stop talking about the ones they do have."

I found this quote in a book by Neal A. Maxwell that I bout in the mid-90's. I wish I could tell you the title (something about adversity). I also wish all my books weren't in storage. (

HeirofNumenor wrote:Brigham Young said: "If this people wishes to have more individual revelations, divine manifestations (etc.), then they better learn to stop talking about the ones they do have."

I found this quote in a book by Neal A. Maxwell that I bout in the mid-90's. I wish I could tell you the title (something about adversity). I also wish all my books weren't in storage. (

Joseph said the same thing in TPJS

Thank you, Mahonri

BrentL wrote:we must judge for ourselves, we MUST learn to hear the voice of the Sheppard. people can receive revelation from the wrong sources. this is a simple truth. so it follows that you must personally learn to respond to the correct voice. as you develop that sensitivity for yourself, you will recognize it around you.

Amen to this. If we don't make righteous judgements and pray for discernment constantly, we run the very real risk of being deceived - as we are told in the scriptures, many of even the very elect will be...

Joseph Smith shared his experience in the Grove, what could be more sacred than that? When someone shares a sacred experience with me I keep an open mind.

durangout wrote:I usually go by a simple spiritual legitimacy test.

What I mean to say is when I hear things of a deeply spiritual nature that were given to an indiviual and that individual shares those openly with others, I dismiss it as false. The reason I dismiss it is, if indeed an individual were given something sacred (i.e. communication with the Devine), it would be held as such and guarded closely. Therefore I assume it is not from the Devine but from another source.

Am I off base here? Opinions?

ask Joseph Smith

Rincon wrote:Joseph Smith shared his experience in the Grove, what could be more sacred than that? When someone shares a sacred experience with me I keep an open mind.

sorry Rin.........posted before I read your note.........thanks, personally I think those that "hide" behind "it's too spiritual, not speaking of themselves, but for GAs etc., are looking for excuse or have quilt?..............hmmmmmmmmm btw, Joseph F Smith had no problem with it

as opposed to proclaiming your gifts and blessing and setting yourself up as a dreamer, visionary, or watchman?

let the spirit dictate?

Talk, or proclaim?