Calm Posted January 13, 2013 Posted January 13, 2013 (edited) Is it possible such dreams come from the devil?I suppose if one believes there is a devil that influences people that it follows that dreams may come from the devil but there is no way to demonstrate whether a dream is from the devil or simply our own subconscious or something else unless one seeks knowledge from God so I don't see much reason to speculate about the source of a dream myself. If it matters, I would seek out God on the matter and if it doesn't, I wouldn't.If you are asking if a particular dream is from the devil, there is only one person who can answer that for you and you won't find him here on this board. Edited January 13, 2013 by calmoriah
inquiringmind Posted January 13, 2013 Author Posted January 13, 2013 (edited) I suppose if one believes there is a devil that influences people that it follows that dreams may come from the devilEven more than one?Does the law of second witness mean that if you have two dreams that seem all negative, they must still be from God?On an Eastern Orthodox Discussion forum, someone apparently had the idea that two dreams that were the same or similar could only come from God (I think because of his understanding of 2 Cor. 13:1), and someone else said that if the devil can give you one dream, he can give you more than one.But these people weren't Mormon, and I wanted to know what you think. Edited January 13, 2013 by inquiringmind
The Nehor Posted January 13, 2013 Posted January 13, 2013 If you are asking if a particular dream is from the devil, there is only one person who can answer that for you and you won't find him here on this board.Ummmm.....I'm right here.
Calm Posted January 14, 2013 Posted January 14, 2013 (edited) Even more than one?Does the law of second witness mean that if you have two dreams that seem all negative, they must still be from God?On an Eastern Orthodox Discussion forum, someone apparently had the idea that two dreams that were the same or similar could only come from God (I think because of his understanding of 2 Cor. 13:1), and someone else said that if the devil can give you one dream, he can give you more than one.But these people weren't Mormon, and I wanted to know what you think.I don't believe that any dream is from God unless he gives you a revelation that they are of him. I believe only God will tell you if a dream is of the devil.Knowing how dreams work and can repeat especially with trauma repetition itself is meaningless.Revelation is the only thing that will give meaning to a dream.That does not mean you can't take an experience in a dream and learn from it just by thinking through the emotions you were feeling and what it might have to say about relationships etc. But think of them as more like Rorshach tests where we put the meaning into them, the meaning does not exist already.Anyone who begins to depend on dreams as revelation without a confirming witness from God...and not just from an attribute of the dream like how often it appears is doing much the same thing, IMO, as someone who tries to find a nonexistent code in the scriptures that reveal all or even in tea leaves...assuming just because one sees a pattern that doesn't exist or even one that does it had some kind of inherent meaning for us. It is more likely, IMO, that such dependency would be about obsession rather than revelation. Edited January 14, 2013 by calmoriah
inquiringmind Posted February 1, 2013 Author Posted February 1, 2013 (edited) Why didn't any one tell me the first presidency had issued this statement?When visions, dreams, tongues, prophecy, impressions or any extraordinary gift or inspiration, convey 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. Also, they should understand that directions for the guidance of the Church will come, by revelation, through the head. All faithful members are entitled to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit for themselves, their families, and for those over whom they are appointed and ordained to preside. But anything at discord with that which comes from God through the head of the Church is not to be received as authoritative or reliable. 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. . . . Be not led by any spirit or influence that discredits established authority and contradicts true scientific principles and discoveries, or leads away from the direct revelations of God for the government of the Church. The Holy Ghost does not contradict its own revealings. Truth is always harmonious with itself. Piety is often the cloak of error. The counsels of the Lord through the channel he has appointed will be followed with safety, therefore, O! ye Latter-day Saints, profit by these words of warning (Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, and Charles W. Penrose, “A Warning Voice,” Improvement Era, Sept. 1913, pp. 1148–49).I've also read that Joseph "had to warn the saints" about dreams "in the early days of the Church," but can't find exactly what it is he said.Does anyone know? Edited February 1, 2013 by inquiringmind
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