"The Spirit Manifesteth Truth": Angels, Aliens, and Apostles

"Will You Accept a Collect Call from Jupiter?"

On a cold Saturday night back in November 1977, a television broadcasting service in southern England intercepted a transmission from extraterrestrials.

At 5:10 p.m. local time, families watching TV in their living rooms received quite a shock when the news program was interrupted by a strange voice delivering an out-of-this-world message.

It lasted six minutes. 

The voice claimed to be a group of galactic emissaries who identified themselves simply as "Vrillon."

The panicked staffers at the television station had no idea what was going on.  They scrambled to restore service.  Afterwards, when things had returned to normal, the regulators conducted a lengthy investigation into the breach.

To this day no one knows what really happened.  Was it a prank?  Had someone hacked into the television signal?  Or had E.T. finally phoned?

As one of history's minor unresolved mysteries, "it was ambiguous enough that there's still this glimmer of possibility, no matter how tiny, that the whole thing was, and is, somehow real," said author John Reppion.

Perhaps we'll never know the truth about the Vrillon hoax (or was it?).

But it actually doesn't matter whether the message came from aliens or a bunch of goofballs at the local pub having a bit of fun.  The source is inconsequential because ― as I've said many times ― it is not the messenger that matters, but the message.

The speaker's identity ― and a person's title, priesthood office, authority, and credentials ― are irrelevant.  The only thing that matters is whether they speak the truth of God.  For truth is independent; it doesn't matter whose lips it falls from. 

God speaks through many mouths.  Whether a message is delivered by angels or aliens (is there a difference?), it doesn't matter in the end.

All that matters is whether we can tell if something bears the Spirit of God or not (see D&C 84:45-46).

False Spirits

It's funny that everyone has their handshake ready and primed for the devil (D&C 129:7), when nearly all of the devil's deception occurs through ordinary mortals.

I believe in the general goodness of humanity, so I don't think people are out there trying to deceive us (for the most part).

Rather, the deceivers appear to be duped themselves (this is why they're so convincing).

Joseph Smith taught:

"Nothing is a greater injury to the children of men than to be under the influence of a false spirit when they think they have the Spirit of God."

(Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 205)

In other words, wolves in sheep's clothing almost always believe they are sheep!  It does absolutely no good trying to convince the wolves they are wolves, when they're convinced they're mutton.

​     False prophets
         believe,
     pretenders are
         sincere─

     The best way
         to deceive
     is to make it
         your career.

("Beware")

I am not immune myself; I have to constantly perform self-checks to see if I am channeling a false spirit as I write this blog.

What spiritual energies are piggybacking on my words?  Is it the spirit of love and mercy and humility ― or is it the spirit of condemnation and fear and coercion?

Listening to General Conference is an excellent exercise to hone our spiritual senses: ask yourself, is the speaker inspired by a divine or demonic spirit?

While listening to many Conference talks, I've noticed a sort of negative spiritual energy creep into my spirit like a puff of second-hand smoke.

It is like experiencing ravening wolves (Matt. 7:15) eating away at my peace.

My spiritual Geiger counter goes crazy when leaders preach the commandments of men mingled with scripture.

A negative spiritual orientation invariably fails to "edify."

   And that which doth not
   edify is not of God,
   and is darkness.

(D&C 50:23)

What does it mean to edify?  "To enlighten; uplift."

As eagles know, there cannot be 'lift' without wind; we cannot edify without the Spirit of God.

"A Test, A Test is Coming"

The things I have to say in this post are a bit tough for me because I try to be a positive person; I try to focus on that which is "virtuous, lovely, of good report and praiseworthy."

But the prognosis isn't looking good.  Last night, wanting to keep an open mind, I decided to reread the Conference talks by the First Presidency and Twelve from the October 2024 General Conference on my way home from work on the train.

I decided to read them in the best possible light, with fresh eyes.  Who knows, I thought, maybe I've been overly sensitive.  Maybe I just need to read them in a gentler spirit.

Well, it was interesting.  Silencing my inner-critic, I found much that was laudable in them; they quoted a lot of scriptures (I liked that) and said some good things.  (Of course, the same could be said of any mainstream Christian denomination.)

But as I read between the lines, sensing the subtext of what was being said ― and what was being implied ― something was clearly "off."

Because I found the spiritual subtext of General Conference to be, overall, quite negative.  Considering Christ is so positive, and following Him is so hopeful, isn't that surprising?

Praying for the gift of discernment, I began to see that the messages were laced with a subtle spirit of fear (a spiritual predator):

"Don't depart the covenant path.  Pity those who have.  Shame.  Follow the Brethren.  You need the Church.  TNT.  Jesus something, Jesus something.  You're wrong to doubt.  Keep it simple.  Pay tithing, it's permanent.  Covenants.  Our authority.  Jesus something, Jesus something."

Now, remember, Paul said God has "NOT given us the spirit of fear" (2 Tim. 1:7).  So whose spirit were these messages channeling?

I arrived home feeling heavy.  It was as if I had walked through the perfume counter at Macy's at the Mall; the disquiet lingered on my spiritual sleeves.  I wanted to undress and get clean, to feel light again.

I sniffed my spirit.  I asked, "Do you feel 'edified' and 'enlightened?'  (No.)  Do you feel greater confidence in Christ?  (No.)  Do you feel enriched by the possibilities of faith? (No.)"

Instead, the messages had left me feeling more spiritually insecure.

I tasted the fruit; I did not feel nourished by the good word of God because the energetic quality of the preaching was translated by my soul as:

"Now you better double-down on that checklist they've given you, if you know what's good for you.  You're doing a crummy job.  Maybe you can get some brownie-points by going to the temple this week.  Yes, that will make you feel better.  But you know it'll never be enough."

Perhaps I'm an anomaly.  But I wondered why General Conference had left me feeling so . . . wanting.

Whom Shall We Trust?

I do not expect the things I write to have any impact upon the ​institution of the Church.  I do not write letters to the Brethren.  I support all that is godly in their efforts to lead.

My purpose in writing this blog is to reach out to the one, to the lonely member who is searching for something more.  To connect with other weary lambs who wish to follow faith and flee the spiritual captivity of fear.  (And also, to go on the record so the angels may know where I stand; I will need witnesses at the last day!)

I want to suggest that Church has become quite negative; it is drawing much strength from darkness.  Negativity is extremely powerful, for it sticks to our spirit like bubblegum on the bottom of our shoe.

The spirit of fear gains traction because it is the polar opposite of the spirit of love, and exerts a similar magnetic pull as love (but in the opposite direction).

Love unites; fear separates.  As the Church continues its retrenchment, we will continue to experience greater spiritual disassociation.  A recent example of this was President Nelson's message:

"Never take counsel from those who do not believe. Seek guidance from voices you can trust—from prophets, seers, and revelators and from the whisperings of the Holy Ghost, who 'will show unto you all things what ye should do.'"

(President Nelson, "Think Celestial!" October 2023 General Conference)

Now, we might wonder, is this true? Is this from God? How do we tell whether this message from President Nelson was of "celestial" origin?

Well, it's easy; by its fruit!  Just look at the spiritual energy these words produce.  Does the spirit in them empower us, or enervate us?

Does it create doubt in the minds of the listeners?  Does it lead to spiritual separation?  Does it divide believers vs. nonbelievers in a false dichotomy?

Does it bolster the trustworthiness of the Brethren and discredit those who do not believe as they do?

Does it perform grammatical gymnastics by inserting "prophets, seers, and revelators" into the same category as the Holy Ghost, whom Nephi said would 'show us all things we should do?'

Does the message lead to greater spiritual independence and autonomy, or does it suggest greater dependence upon leadership?

Does it make you feel closer to God, or does it make you feel the need to stick closer to the Brethren?

Does it produce the "peace of God, which passeth all understanding" (Phil. 4:7), or does it prey upon your unease?

Does it make you trust more in your spiritual gifts given by God, or does it make you think you need validation from external sources and presiding authorities?

Results Are In: This message bears the telltale imprint of fear.  If we follow the tracks, we'll find it propagates a negative spiritual orientation.  It promotes a closed mindset that is contrary to the gospel of Christ.  Members who heed this spirit are likely to become more judgmental, suspicious, and prideful.

My Bookshelves Would Shock You

If you browsed my bookshelves at home, you'd wonder what kind of lunatic lives there.  For I have a curious mind and want to learn about everything; there is nothing "off limits."

On the evening of September 7, 2024 I was reading in my basement study and felt to pray.  I asked the Lord if I was wandering in strange roads.  I sought direction and, if necessary, correction.

God answered and taught me by His spirit:

"My son, anything that sparks your spirit, that expands your mind to inquire in new directions, to entertain new ideas and possibilities, is good: for these things whet your faith; they awaken you to aspects of Me you have not yet considered.  Whatever is not needful shall fall away.  Face me, and it is well."

After hearing this, I recalled the Pseudepigrapha-Principle found in D&C 91:
​
Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you concerning the Apocrypha—There are many things contained therein that are true, and it is mostly translated correctly;

There are many things contained therein that are not true, which are interpolations by the hands of men.

Therefore, whoso readeth it, let him understand, for the Spirit manifesteth truth;

And whoso is enlightened by the Spirit shall obtain benefit therefrom.

(D&C 91:1-2,4-5)

But some people don't trust our ability to discern; they would prefer we read from an approved booklist and stay on solid ground.

They fear we'll go astray without their paternalistic hand ― and their fear leads them to want to control our behavior (for our own good, of course).  This is the rationale for the "commandments of men" that grieve the Spirit.  (As they say, 'The road to hell is paved with good intentions.')

Going to Church lately has been like putting on a spiritual strait-jacket.  Of course, as an adult, no one can physically make us do anything.  So what kind of "control" does the Church have?

Look at the means it employs to get members to pay tithing:

   (1) Social mechanisms of control (such as temple recommends if you want to attend your daughter's temple sealing; tithing declaration; calling leadership from top tithe payers, etc.); and

   (2) Spiritual forms of manipulation (gaslighting about what Malachi actually said regarding God's Storehouse; characterizing the current practice as God's will even though it violates His law; promising blessings to full-tithe payers, etc.).

But I have never found social and spiritual 'control mechanisms' to produce a mighty change of heart.  Only faith can do that (and these mechanisms are toxic to faith).

For the 'faith of fear' does not appeal to me.  Why would we fear faith?

That is the underlying reason we have a sterile culture of obedience and conformity: the leaders fear faith because faith cannot be controlled!  Faith throws the Handbook out the window and says, "It's all good; God and I have got this."

The Ideology of Fear

According to the National Academy of Sciences, "Religious fundamentalism is a way of thinking and behaving characterized by a rigid adherence to religious doctrines that are seen as absolute and inerrant. It’s been linked to various cognitive traits such as authoritarianism, resistance to doubt, and a lower complexity of thought."

​Jesus (and Joseph Smith) chose faith over fundamentalism. When ideologies of fear grip a religion (as they have ours), we will find many wounds, many scars. We will find pools of blood (D&C 84:75).

The Church's fear-based approach to managing its members leads to error and real harm ― it reminds me of the spirit of the Inquisition.

The problem with ideologues is they focus on heresy, apostasy, blasphemy and witchcraft ― instead of, you know, all the things Jesus taught!

Ideologues fence the flock rather than freeing them.

Ideologues care more about the card you carry than the cross you carry; they demand loyalty over truth.

But the tragedy of an inquisitional spirit (such as we saw recently in President Oak's training on increasing excommunication membership councils) is that it produces oppression; it leads to persecution.

Now there was a strict law. . .
that there should be no
persecution among
themselves.

(Alma 1:21; see also, Mosiah 27:3-5)

The worst forms of persecution in the Church descend from the oppressive policies and practices that produce spiritual deflation and captivity (Alma called these the "chains of hell" in Alma 12:11).

What happens to a Church when its ranks become filled with spiritual Red Guards, who can't stone sinners anymore? What other outlet do they have to persecute the humble followers of Christ?

Just ask yourself how a million members went along with the old Church doctrine that Blacks couldn't hold the priesthood. I declare this practice was never sanctioned by God and was, in fact, advanced by evil spirits who deceived Church leaders.

These same negative spiritual entities are alive and well, and are actively seeking to deceive us today through the same spirit of fear, judgment, control, corporatism, and spiritual elitism.

This is how the Great and Spacious Building is built! Through seducing the faithful by getting them to imbibe the ideologies of fear and inequality.

Our spiritual senses should beep wildly when the Church enacts policies and practices that are antithetical to Christ's word and that quench His Spirit.

I wasn't alive back when the Black Ban was in place, but I was alive in 2015 when the Church refused to baptize children of gay parents. I spoke out in Elders Quorum and used the Standard Works to show numerous fatal flaws to the Policy of Exclusion.

I could have shown a thousand, and it wouldn't have mattered ― for the minds of the members were enthralled (psychologically conditioned) to follow the prophet (not God) at all costs, even if it was wrong. They said it was not our place to question.

This same spirit led the members of the Church in southern Utah to follow their Stake President, Isaac C. Haight, in 1857, to massacre 120 men, women and children at Mountain Meadows.

Is it any wonder God calls our creeds an "abomination" (JS-H 1:19)?

Ideologies are the antithesis of faith, reassuring us we're on God's good side when, in fact, we're on the side of our ideologies. And thus it was that Elder Boyd K. Packer declared a spiritual Blitzkrieg against feminists, intellectuals, and homosexuals. The Church has still not recovered from his musket fire.

And thus the devil laughs; all he needs to do to halt our progression is to transform Christ's curious little children into soldiers of an ideological construct ― a faith system, a political party, a prejudice ― that makes them feel justified, correct, virtuous, chosen and better than others based on their party affiliation.  This is the evil spirit of Sectarianism I have been blowing the horn about.

While our leaders were doing damage control after Obergefell v. Hodges, trying to keep this house of cards from crumbling, I went to the Lord and sought wisdom (James 1:5) on marriage ― for I tire of doctrinal answers born from the dead law of Leviticus, when we live in the Living Dispensation of the Fullness of Times.

I asked God what can be done for our gay brothers and sisters? While the Church's lawyers were reviewing the Policy of Exclusion, I cried out to God and the windows of heaven burst open as if a dam had ruptured; a flood of truth and light and understanding poured forth.

Where are our revelators? What are our seers doing? We have made ideologues our revelators; we have politicos as prophets. Truly did Isaiah see our day when he said:

This is a rebellious people. . .
which say to the seers,
See not; and to the prophets,
Prophesy not unto us
right things; but speak
unto us smooth things,
prophesy deceits.

Wherefore thus saith
the Holy One of Israel:
Because ye despise
this word,
and trust in oppression
and perverseness,
[then] stay thereon.

(Isaiah 30:9-12)

Hope Remains

But shall we fight fire with fire?  No, we shall not.  Shall we resist evil?  No, that is not the way Babylon is overcome (Matt. 5:39).

We shall shine a light into the darkness; we shall comfort one another and make each other's burden light; we shall rejoice in Christ even if His cross leaves splinters in our hearts, weeping for Jerusalem and her daughters.

I can relate to Nephi's lament:

But I, Nephi, have written what I have written, and I esteem it as of great worth, and especially unto my people.

For I pray continually for them by day, and mine eyes water my pillow by night, because of them; and I cry unto my God in faith, and I know that he will hear my cry.

(2 Nephi 33:3-4)

I leave you with my love; may we rise from our fears; may we soar upon the wings of faith as eagles; may we blaze a trail through the mists and mockery, through the tempests and temptations, and be found at the last day among Christ's jewels.  Amen.