The various modes of revelation

Recorded: 31 March 2024

AI-generated summary: Welcome to an intriguing 5th Sunday "wild card" episode of Sunday School After Dark: an enlightening exploration of divine communication. Join us as we delve into the varied channels through which God has communicated with His prophets and followers throughout history, and how these channels resonate with our modern world. From Joseph Smith's teachings about revelations from the Holy Ghost to divine communications through visions, this episode promises an engaging and insightful discussion.

We also examine diverse means of divine communication such as the 'burning in the bosom', the use of seer stones or the Urim and Thummim, inspirational prayers, and the influential role of music in revelations. The conversation navigates the delicate balance between seeking signs and aligning faith with our lived experiences. The complexities of distinguishing divine inspiration from personal thoughts or emotional responses are also considered, with the understanding that embracing multiple channels of revelation can lead to deeper comprehension.

Our discourse further extends into the realm of folk magic in Joseph Smith's era and its modern adaptations, dissecting false spirits, and the practice of discerning divine revelations. We delve into personal revelations within the scope of one's stewardship, emphasizing the personal over the communal or global significance. The teachings of Alma the Younger also find their way into the exploration, illustrating the pivotal role of faith in acknowledging and leveraging divine guidance.

Through this enriched episode, we venture into the essence of divine revelation and how it profoundly impacts personal growth, understanding of the truth, leading a happier life, and in the evolution of better individuals. Join us as we discuss the attributes of true revelations, the traps of confirmation bias, the role of intuition in revealing divine messages, and the importance of making mistakes to foster growth. We dare to ask some thought-provoking questions: How can we confirm if a perceived revelation is indeed divine? Can divine-like experiences result from certain brain stimuli? How to differentiate divine revelations from personal desires?

We underscore the power of faith and the necessity of striving to become like God, fostering a belief that genuine care for others and leading a fulfilling life are intrinsic parts of this divine journey. Whether divine revelations feel complex or shrouded in mystery, our discussion promises to encourage personal growth, deeper understanding of life's truths, and a happier life under God's guidance. Listen in as we attempt the intriguing task of decoding the essence of revelation.

Resources

• “We all understand that the Lord answers prayers and provides inspiration in a variety of venues. It could be as we pray at the side of our bed, as we study the scriptures, as we listen to a general conference talk, or in a variety of other settings, but the Lord has made it clear that there are ‘great things’ (1 Nephi 18:3) reserved for those who are willing to pay the price and be worthy to ‘go up to the mountain of the Lord’ (2 Nephi 12:3). — Bishop W. Christopher Waddell, first counselor in the Presiding Bishopric, in the October 2021 YA Weekly article, “Are You Ready?”
• Seer stones
• See note 5 here re: revealed prayers and inspired translations
• “The subject of enquiry being understood, the Prophet and Revelator enquires of God. He spiritually sees, hears and feels, and then speaks as he is moved upon by the Holy Ghost.” — Wm. McLellin, source