h_p wrote: ↑May 3rd, 2017, 2:08 pmI definitely agree that their experiences were due to their faith and sacrifice. It's something I'm trying to match, myself. But it sounds like from the quote that it was common for her and her fellow branch members to share these experiences with each other. Note how she thought it was odd to meet people who haven't had them.RAB wrote: ↑May 3rd, 2017, 1:20 pm I have no idea if she was lying. She certainly could have been lying. But, given the difficult circumstances that little branch was going through, it is not unthinkable that God would support it with some extraordinary visitors due to the faith and sacrifices made by the branch members. I think people who have sacred experiences often share them with General Authorities. I don't think that is violating the Lord's trust. What she did not do, though, was publish a book and draw followers after her. I just don't think the Lord works that way.
Not trying to start an argument or anything--I'm certainly no expert on angelic visitations. Just trying to give something to think about. Personally, I'd love to live in a culture where these things are commonplace and commonly talked about. I think the fact that it's NOT common and even frowned upon to talk about is a sign of the spiritual immaturity of our church, at least here in the US. And I'm including myself in that criticism.
Because so many people lie about them to get the praise of the world, (or sell a book) and try to show how spiritual they are when they are really not. Thats why the scriptures say these things will happen right before the new government of Zion starts, or right after a lot of destruction, I believe to give the people inspiration, and because the people will be righteous. If anyone has a dream then, you can know that it is true because there will only be "truthful" people there.