Letter from a Client - Mental Illness a WAR with THOUGHTS

email to author 1/31/13

"Hi Tamara,

I have been passing through lots of interesting experiences and I learned some things that I thought might be of help to your daughter.  You mentioned awhile back that her bipolar was bothering her again.

This last week I passed through more pain and insanity than I did when I was in the mental hospital...but I learned some very helpful things.

I finally understand that this whole "bipolar" thing is about the WAR within my thoughts!!!!!!!!

The "negative energy" has  used a very effective strategy to destroy my peace.  As far as I have understood this is it...

1. They begin with the CONSTANT bombardment of negative thoughts in my own thought/voice.   Like wood peckers trying to drill into my brain, these thoughts are constantly inviting me away from Gods Spirits thoughts.

Brother Fletcher call's these "thought viruses".  The most effective ones seems to be "I am a victim",
(Etsuko told me that in her experience this "victim thought virus is always involved with a candida overgrowth in the body (which I am FULL of and have been all my life); blaming others,criticisms, etc. are other damning viruses.

Once one little thought chain is listened too, step 2 goes into effect...

2. Open the hole into the brain wider by quickly pouring in more negatively inspired evidence of whatever it was I chose to believe. Over time, depending on how long it takes them to convince me of the truth of their lies, like a chain getting thicker and thick with every accepted lie, and my mind getting darker and my feelings get more contentious and soon the Spirit is gone from my heart.  Then they begin step #3.

3. Once I am at the point of angry irrational blindness, I quickly sink into despair (feeling their feelings perhaps + my own at loosing the Spirits companionship?) I have recognized by now that I don't have peace and am praying desperately to get it back but am in a very bad place and I can't see much light or have much hope...it sneaks up. If they can extinguish my hope I am defeated.

This last experience, as I had sunk into despair and could seen no light it felt like an eternity of the pains of hell.  The words that seemed to keep me afloat were from the temple...repeating them over and over and pleading with the Lord to save me.   I saw the shadowy outlines of 5 negative energy beings working frantically over me (I was lying on my bed, trying to sleep...it was late into the night).  I saw them waist up, so they must have been kneeling or sitting through me somehow.  They were feverishly working...the motion looked/felt something like whipping an egg. (I believe this must be some kind of energy work...like the motions of Reiki used for negative).  Finally I felt the angels of God come and push off the negative energies but their damage hung on for a long time.  I fell asleep but I know at least one guardian angel was there still in the morning. Some how they clean and repair during the night.  I am so thankful.

Etsuko did distance energy work on me, taught me more about keeping myself more in constant light. 

(So this is what I thought might help your daughter...

I've been flooding myself with light...especially my thoughts...

- Daily scriptures and prayer (and as needed...In the "crazy" when I would read the Book of 

-M[ormon], Mormon Tab[ernacle] choir hymns CONSTANTLY floating in one ear.  When I am monitoring how I am feeling, I can choose to tune in to the music of faith and short circuit the thought viruses.)

-Essential oils (the vitamins by DoTerra are great) especially frankincense on the top of my head, my 3rd eye chakra, my heart chakra, and navel.

-I use Wild Orange or OnGuard (by DoTerra) on the back of my neck, head, and shoulders when I feel the negative energies attack (do you know how they do this?  How do they get through my aura?  Oil immediately usually stops the pain.

-Healthy diet full of green veggies...word of wisdom...

- Learning to love myself (the EFT has been helpful in this and learning to love my body).

I think my sickness began because of  my very damaged heart and the pain of negative emotional "slivers" coming out.  I am trying to completely connect every chakra with Father, especially my heart.  If He holds my heart, I hope it will feel safe enough to enable me to be a healthy mom and wife. 

I know the physical, emotional, and spiritual parts of our being are all connected and that I need to be strong in all of these to keep balanced to maintain peace. It seems like if I am weak in any of these areas, I am much more vulnerable to attack.

I stopped eating sugar and processed foods and am working to be free of candida. 

I think because I have been so low, the "road way" in my brain is already established.  I am quicker to fall, if I start down that path, but IF I DON'T START down the path, they have no power over me.

In summary, 

1. I believe my bipolar learning opportunity is caused by negative energies.

2.  I have lots of power to choose to stay in "light" places, especially when I know what I am dealing with. 

3.  This opportunity is being turned into a blessing ... to make me stronger, to give me experience, to motivate me to give my whole soul to my God.

This really is warfare!  I hope something of this might be helpful for your daughter. 

Do you have any thoughts about how to get my heart chakra healthy?   Can someone with a broken/ unattached heart have the gift of Charity...which I think means I would always have the love to give my family?

How to do more cleansing of negative emotional triggers?  What do you call what you did with me at Etsuko's house?

I have been free of my meds for 3 years but I think drug residues in my systems are still making me vulnerable.  I hate presciption drugs!  Do you have any drug cleansing ideas? 

Hope you are well.  Thank you for all you have taught.

Christy"

(Note: What I did with Christy "at Etsuko's house" was Deep Emotion Release.  Brother Fletcher's work can be found at http://thoughtpatternmanagement.com/  )

Spiritual Radiation

SPIRITUAL RADIATION

 Number three in a series

A COLLECTION OF QUOTES ON THE PRINCIPLE OF SPIRITUAL RADIATION

AN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION PAPER ON THE NATURE OF A SAFE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

by

Rex A. Wadham, Associate Professor of Elementary Education
 Dept. of Elementary Education, Brigham Young University

Spiritual radiation is a central element for the transmission of knowledge between all organized beings.  It is the unspoken but pervasive yet ineffable influence that surrounds all relationships; all interactions between all intelligent entities.  If the principle of spiritual radiation is a true phenomenon then what are the implications of this force as it impacts upon the learning environment?  What is the effect of the spiritual radiation that I emanate upon those whom I teach?

The source of this radiation is identified by Parley P. Pratt as the Holy Spirit and its counterpart, found in one’s own body, he refers to as spiritual magnetism.  Brother Pratt suggests that one of the component structures contained within the Holy Spirit is that of an invisible but tangible substance.  The Holy Spirit is also “the purest, the most refined and subtle of all these [invisible] substances, [such as, electricity, galvanism, magnetism, animal magnetism, spiritual magnetism, essence, spirit etc.] and the one least understood, or even recognized, by the less informed among mankind…”(Keys to Theology, Parley P. Pratt, p. 46)

The law that governs the flow of these two spiritual “fluids” and the communicative properties they contain bear some resemblance to the laws that govern electricity.  Like electricity, the flow is imparted between two or more bodies through the channel of the nerves.  (Keys to Theology, Parley P. Pratt, pp 99-100)

This statement helps us respect the effect that drugs may have on the nerves to retard the flow of spiritual communication between each other, and between us and God the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost.

Brother Pratt has been frequently quoted over the years about the natural effect that the Holy Ghost has upon one who has been baptized and has developed within himself the gift of the Holy Ghost, or in other words, the presence of the Holy Ghost.  He said:  “The gift of the Holy Ghost adapts itself to all these organs or attributes.  [Man, created in the image of God, possesses every organ, attribute, sense, sympathy, affection that God himself possesses].  It quickens all the intellectual faculties, increases, enlarges, expands, and purifies all the natural passions and affections;  and adapts them, by the gift of wisdom, to their lawful use.  It inspires, develops, cultivates and matures all the fine-toned sympathies, joys, tastes, kindred feelings and affections of our nature.  It inspires virtue, kindness, goodness, tenderness, gentleness and charity.  It develops beauty of person, form and features.  It tends to health, vigor, animation and social feeling.  It invigorates all the faculties of the physical and intellectual man.  It strengthens, and gives tone to the nerves.  In short, it is, as it were, marrow to the bone, joy to the heart, light to the eyes, music to the ears, and life to the whole being.  In the presence of such persons, one feels to enjoy the light of their countenance, as the genial rays of a sunbeam.  Their very atmosphere diffuses a thrill, a warm glow of pure gladness and sympathy, to the heart and nerves of other who have kindred feelings, or sympathy of spirit” [such as little children who are protected by Christ through His atonement and dwell in His spiritual light.  See Moroni Chapter 8].  (Keys to Theology, Parley P. Pratt, p. 101).

President David  O. McKay gave a major statement on spiritual radiation to the faculty and student body on the Brigham Young University campus in 1948.  The title of the address was “Mission of the Brigham Young University.”  He talked about this spiritual radiation flowing not only from each other but from the physical buildings—offices, and classrooms—where we work.  In essence he said that all things radiate a spiritual influence.

“I have quoted often before, and shall again because I like it, in referring to the influence of an individual.  There is one responsibility which no man can evade and that responsibility is personal influence.  Man’s unconscious influence, the silent, subtle radiation of his personality.  The effects of his words and acts.  These are tremendous.  Every moment of life he is changing to a degree the life of the whole world.

“Every man has an atmosphere which is affecting every other.  So silent and unconsciously is this influence working, that man may forget that it exists.  Man cannot escape for one moment from this radiation of his character.  This constantly weakening or strengthening of others.  He cannot evade the responsibility by saying it is an unconscious influence.  He can select the qualities he would permit to be radiated.  He can cultivate sweetness, trust, generosity, truth, justice, loyalty, nobility, and make them vitally active in his character.  By these qualities he will constantly affect the world.  This radiation to which I refer comes from what a person really is, and not from what he pretends to be.

Every man by his mere living, is radiating sympathy, sorrow, or morbidness, cynicism, or happiness or hope or any other of a hundred qualities.  Life is a state of radiation and absorption.  To exist is to radiate.  To exist is to be the recipient of radiation.”  (Mission of the Brigham Young University”, and address given by President David O. McKay at BYU, April 27, 1948).

Brother McKay said he has often referred to the principle in his talks.  He continued to do so on several later occasions.  In his conference address of April, 1963 he said:  “Every man and every person who lives in this world wields an influence, whether for good or for evil.  It is not what he says alone, it is not alone what he does.  It is what he is.  Every man, every person radiates what he or she really is.

Every person is a recipient of radiation.  The Savior was conscious of that.  Whenever he came into the presence of an individual, he sensed that radiation—whether it was the woman of Samaria with her past life; whether it was the woman who was to be stoned, or the men who were to stone her; whether it was the statesman, Nicodemus, or one of the lepers.  He was conscious of the radiation from the individual.  And to a degree so are you, and so am I.  It is what we are and what we radiate that affects the people around us.

As individuals, we must think nobler thoughts.  We must not encourage vile thoughts or low aspirations.  We shall radiate them if we do.  If we think noble thoughts; if we encourage and cherish noble aspirations, there will be that radiation when we meet people, especially when we associate with them.

That it is true of the individual.  It is true of the home…Our homes radiate what we are, and that radiation comes from what we say and how we act in the home.  No member of this Church—husband, father—has the right to utter an oath in his home, or ever express a cross word to his wife or to his children.  You cannot do it as a man who holds the priesthood and be true to the spirit within you by your ordination and your responsibility.  You should contribute to an ideal home by your character, controlling your passion, your temper, guarding your speech, because those things will make your home what it is and what it will radiate to the neighborhood.

“…as men of the priesthood, as women of the Church, we have greater responsibilities than ever before to make our homes such as will radiate to our neighbors harmony, love, community duties, loyalty.  Let our neighbors see it and hear it.  Never must there be expressed in a Latter-day Saint home an oath, a condemnatory term, an expression of anger or jealousy or hatred.  Control it!  Do not express it!  You do what you can to produce peace and harmony, no matter what you may suffer.

“The Savior set us the example.  He was always calm, always controlled, radiating something which people could feel as they passed.  When the woman touched his garment, he felt something go from him—that radiation which is divine.

“Each individual soul has it.  That is you!  The body is only the house in which you live.  God help us to radiate strength, control, love, charity, which is another name for love, consideration, best wishes for all human beings.

“The Church is reaching out, radiating, not only by bodies and meetings, but now through the kindness of the radio owners, the television owners, we have touched them [members of the church and non-members in Alaska and other places] from the center…radiating throughout the whole world.

“God help us as members of the priesthood, as members of the Church to radiate faith, love of humility, charity, control, consideration, and service to his people wherever they are, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ.  Amen.” (David O. McKay, Conference Report, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, April, 1963, pp. 129-131)

At another time he made this comment:  “The first thing to do, my brethren, is to look to yourselves, to see whether or not you are prepared to teach.  No Man can teach that which he himself does not know.  It is the duty to teach that Jesus Christ is the Redeemer of the world, that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God, and that to him in this last dispensation there appeared God the Father and His Son in person.  Do you believe it?  Does the testimony radiate from your being when you enter into the home?  If so, that radiation will give life to the people whom you teach.  If not, there will be a dearth, a drought, a lack of that spiritual environment in which the Saints grow.  (David O McKay, Conference Report, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, David O. McKay October 1916, pp.58-59).  Note the emphasis he gives to the fact that positive spiritual radiation gives life to those to whom we serve.  In still another conference address when speaking about free agency he said:  “There is another responsibility correlated and even coexistent with free agency, which is too infrequently emphasized, and that is the effect not only of a person’s actions but also of his thoughts upon others.  Man radiates what he is, and that radiation affects to a greater or lesser degree every person who comes within that radiation”.  (Conference Report, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, David O McKay, April 1950, p.34)

David O. McKay was not the only president of the church to make a reference to the spiritual phenomena associated with radiation processes.  President Spencer W. Kimball in his book, The Miracle of Forgiveness, p. 107, used the quote from the BYU address of President David O McKay to emphasize the truth that our thoughts can and do influence others.

This radiation is also referred to, in the scriptures, as the manifestation of spiritual light which is sometimes quoted as being analogous to a lighted candle.  Mathew 5:15, Mark 4:21, :Luke 8:21, 11:33, 3 Nephi 12:15 are some examples.

President Heber C. Kimball has warned us that we cannot live on borrowed light (Life of Heber C. Kimball, Orson F. Whitney, pp. 449-450).  More recently President Harold B. Lee quoted Brother Kimball in a conference address given in 1956 (Conference Report, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Harold B. Lee Oct. 1956 p. 62).  The same warning was cited again in the Relief Society Courses of Study, 1979-1980, pp. 24-25.  The Book of Revelation, in the New Testament, also describes the condition that has always prevailed for those members who continually live on borrowed light and who do not seek to become their own source of original light”  “And the light of the candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more in thee:  for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by the sorceries were all nations deceived.”  (Revelation 18:23).  The light is the Holy Ghost, the bride and the bridegroom symbolize the union that exists between Christ and the members of the church, the merchants (where the source of light could be obtained) were the great men of the earth—the prophets both living and dead, the sorceries denotes an absence of light or the desire to gain power from the assistance of evil spirits or of men.  The Melchizedek Priesthood Personal Study Guide, 1979-1980 in Lesson 11 quotes President Joseph F. Smith in a similar statement:  “But all this availeth little or nothing, unless the Saints  consider themselves of some consequence, and let their light shine, collectively and individually; unless they are model in their behavior, honest, zealous in the spread of truth, tolerant of their neighbors,” then he adds, “One fault to be avoided by the Saints, young and old, is the tendency to live on borrowed light, with their own hidden under a bushel; to permit the savor of their salt of knowledge  to be lost; and the light within them to be reflected, rather than original” (Gospel Doctrine, Joseph F. Smith pp. 87-88).

Sad to say that what President Joseph F. Smith referred to as lost knowledge is evidently lost to the present generation of the church.  There is a body of knowledge that was restored to the earth in the first generation of the restoration that is not commonly known or understood today.  A case in point can be taken from the five-year course, 1908-1912, for the Melchizedek Priesthood, titled The Seventy’s Course in Theology, edited by B.H. Roberts,  In the manual for 1912, part one of the course (six lessons) deals with the principle, “Divine Immanence.”  Sadly, this precept is rarely understood by the present generation of prieshood holder; yet it is the heart and soul of the principle of spiritual radiation and light being discussed in this paper.  Divine Immanence, as taught by B.H. Roberts, is the indwelling of God’s light within us plus power—His power. (The Seventy’s Course of Study, Fifth  Year, Part 1, edited by B.H. Roberts.)  Here is another example of the principle of indwelling as taught by the Lord Jesus Christ.  He is speaking to the Twelve Nephite apostles he had called to preside over His church.  He said:  “And if it so be that the church is built upon my gospel then will the Father show forth his own works in it” (3 Nephi 27:10).  What the Lord is saying is that if His Gospel is not actively within us then the works of the Father cannot be made manifest in us.  His works cannot flow through us.  And what is the gospel?  Brother Bruce R. McConkie said:  “It embraces all of the laws, principles, doctrines, rites, ordinances, acts, powers, authorities, and keys necessary to save and exalt men in the highest heaven thereafter.  Later in the same discussion he said:  “The scriptures bear record of the gospel, but the gospel itself consists in the power of the priesthood and the possession of the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Mormon Doctrine, Bruce R. McConkie, see “Gospel”, p. 331-334).

To better understand this principle let me refer you to a statement made by Elder Hugh B. Brown on the spirit’s ability to speak to the spirit of others.  The occasion was a visit to the American Fork Training School—and institutional school for the retarded—where he challenged the seminary teachers to teach the gospel to the mentally handicapped spirit to spirit.  He told the teachers that the children were handicapped only in the body and mind, but that their spirits were not handicapped and if they would teach them spirit to spirit there would be no communication problem (Church News, December 10, 1977, p. 10).  Spiritual Radiation then , is a flow of communication from the true self.  It is a flow of information from one tabernacle to another tabernacle.  Note the following statement from the 93:35; “The elements are the tabernacle of God; yea, man is the tabernacle of God, even temples; and whatsoever temple is defiled, God shall destroy that temple.”  A temple is where God’s truth can indwell with power.  And what is power?  John A. Woodstoe in his address on “Temple Worship” defines power as “knowledge made alive and useful—that is intelligence; and intelligence in action—that is power.  Our temples gives us power—a power based on enlarged knowledge and intelligence—a power from on high, of a quality with God’s own power” (The Utah Genealogical and Historical Magazine, “Temple Worship”, John A. Widstoe, April 1921, pp. 49-64).  Orson Pratt defines knowledge as our perception of truth.  But what is truth?  “Truth may exist without knowledge, but knowledge cannot exist without truth” (“Absurdities of Immaterialism”, Orson Pratt p.1).

Orson Pratt provides further insight to the indwelling nature of God’s power in his discourse on the “Powers of Nature.”  He refers to God as being the great source of truth and power contained within the cosmos:  “The great Architect of the universe did not construct the magnificent machinery of nature, and endow the materials thereof with certain fixed powers, and then withdraw Himself, or step aside to see the mighty fabric operate.  Unintelligent materials are incapable of being endowed with any kind of power, much less with the wise and intelligent powers that characterize the workings of the universe.  God is every moment in nature, and every moment acts upon nature, and through nature, the same as the spirit of  man acts in, and through, and upon the tabernacle of his body, [2 Nephi 2 enlarges this idea].  If God should withdraw himself from nature, or should cease to act upon it, that portion of it which is without life or intelligence (if there be any such portion) would immediately cease all action:  and while thus apart from nature no laws could be given to it which could be obeyed: no gravitative or cohesive tendencies could be exerted upon it; no chemical combinations or organic operations could be performed; or in other words, unintelligent nature would be entirely dead, and no voice or power could awake it, or have the least effect upon it, without entering into it, an operating upon it, and through it.  It is only living and intelligent substances that hear, and understand, and obey a law.  And if unintelligent nature, appears to act and obey a law, it is not in reality the acts of nature, but the operations of a living, intelligent substance inhabiting nature..  Unintelligent nature could no more act than the body without the spirit could act.  Therefore, all the grand and magnificent movements of the universe as a whole, and all the minute and imperceptible operations of it particles, are the continued effects of the living, moving all-powerful substance diffused through the whole.  This all pervading, omnipresent substance is the Holy Spirit existing in inexhaustible quantities, and extending though the immensity of space:  it is the light, and the life, and the power of all things.  To search out the laws of nature is nothing less than searching out the laws by which the Spirit in nature operates.  Man is continually beholding these wonderful operation, but because he does not behold the acting agent, he ascribes the effects to blind, unintelligent and unconscious matter:  as well might he ascribe the attributes of the divinity to a wooden idol.  The light shines all around us, and is manifest in an infinite variety of wise and beneficial results, but so great is the darkness of man, that he perceives not the light; or as our great Redeemer has said, “The light shineth in darkness, but the darkness comprehendeth it not” (The Seer, Orson Pratt, p. 227).

Since life is a continual state of radiation and absorption what must we do to absorb a greater proportion of God’s light?   “The Lord is no respecter of persons, and to all who are willing to seek in prayer, with preparation, and work, having a desire in their hearts for spiritual light and understanding, He will grant abundantly without reproach.  But no light will come to the unwilling, for they will not ask.  The promise that they shall receive is made only to those who ask; and that they shall find, only to those who seek” (Joseph F. Smith, Improvement Era, Vol. 19, p. 173).

And what should we be doing with this light?  “We ought to be full of light and life and the power and spirit of the living God and feel that we are messengers to the nations of the earth; we ought to feel the word of God burning like fire in our bones, feeling desirous to go and snatch men from the powers of darkness and the chains of corruption with which they are bound and lead them in the paths of life.  We ought to be prepared to go forth weeping, bearing precious seed that we might come back again rejoicing bringing our sheaves with us.” (John Taylor, December 15, 1878, Journal of Discourses, 20:228).

How should a missionary use this light?  “…missionaries are now going to school [such as the MTC and BYU] to [learn what to teach.  The spirit already knows the “how” of teaching.]  teach others, and in teaching others they themselves will be instructed, and when they rise to speak in the name of Israel’s God, if they live in purity and holiness before Him, He will give them words and ideas of which they never dreamed before.  I have traveled hundreds and thousands of miles to preach this gospel among all grades and conditions of men, and there is one thing that always gave me satisfaction—I never yet found a man in any part of the world who could overturn one principle that has been communicated to us; they will attempt it, but error is a very singular weapon with which to combat truth; it never can vanquish it.  When men go forth in the name of Israel’s God there is no power on earth that can overturn the truths they advocate…they have the light of revelation, the fire of the Holy Ghost, and the power of the priesthood within the—a power that they know very little about even themselves, which, like a well-spring of life, is rising, bursting, bubbling, and spreading its exhilarating streams around” (John Taylor, April 14,  1867, Journal of Discourses 12:21-22).

What is the law that governs this light?  “There is not a man born into the world but has a portion of the Spirit of God, and it is that Spirit of God which gives to his spirit understanding.  Without this, he would be but an animal like the rest of the brute creation, without understanding, without judgment, without skill, without ability, except to eat and to drink like the brute beast.  But inasmuch as the Spirit of God giveth all men understanding, he is enlightened above the brute beast.  He is made in the image of God Himself, so that he can reason, reflect, pray, exercise faith; he can use his energies for the accomplishment of the desires of his heart, and inasmuch as the Spirit of God giveth all men understanding, he is enlightened above the brute beast.  He is made in the image of God Himself, so that he can reason, reflect, pray, exercise faith; he can use his energies for the accomplishment of the desires of his heart, and inasmuch as he puts forth his efforts in the proper direction, then he is entitled to an increased portion of the Spirit of the Almighty to inspire him to increased intelligence, to increased prosperity and happiness in the world; but in proportion as he prostitutes his energies for evil, the inspiration of the Almighty is withdrawn from him until he becomes so dark and so benighted, that so far as his knowledge of God is concerned, so far as the future or hopes of eternal life are concerned, he is quite as ignorant as a dumb brute”  (Joseph F. Smith, February 17, 1884, Journal of Discourses, 25:54).

Brigham Young explains the power of the radiated light:  “I long for the time that a point of a finger, or motion of the hand, will express every idea without utterance.  When a man is full of the light of eternity, then the eye is not the only medium through which he sees, his ear is not the only medium by which he hears, not the brain the only means by which he understands.  When the whole body is full of the Holy Ghost, he can see behind him with as much ease, without turning his head, as he can see before him  If you have not that experience, you ought to have.  It is not the optic nerve alone that gives the knowledge of surrounding objects to the mind, but it is that which God has placed in man—a system of intelligence to intelligence, and truth to truth.  It is this which lays in man a proper foundation for all education.  I shall yet see the time that I can converse with this people and not speak to them, but the expression of my countenance will tell the congregation what I wish to convey, without opening my mouth” (Brigham Young).

What is the difference between knowledge and intelligence?  “There is a difference between knowledge and pure intelligence.  Satan possesses knowledge, far more than we have, but he has not intelligence or he would render obedience to the principles of truth and right.  I know men who have knowledge, who understand the principles of the gospel, perhaps as well as you do, who are brilliant, but who lack the essential qualification of pure intelligence.  They will not accept and render obedience thereto.  Pure intelligence comprises not only knowledge, but also the power to properly apply that knowledge”  (Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, p. 58, April 1913).

Brother B.H. Roberts understood the problem of imparting knowledge to others.  In his discourses, “The Nearness of God” he said:  “We have to preach our truth in fragments; it is beyond our power to present it as a whole in any one discourse, or in one hundred, or in a thousand discourses.  We may only teach it in fragments—a line here, a word there, precept upon precept, and so build up the truth in the hearts of men (Cited in the Masterpieces of Latter-day Saint Leaders, compiled by N.H. Lundwall, p. 47).  Notice that he said “build up truth in the hearts of men” and not build up truth in the minds of men.”  Brigham Young clarifies the function of the heart in obtaining truth by asking a question:  “Do you think that people will obey the truth because it is true, unless they love it?  No, they will not.  Truth is obeyed when it is loved”  (Brigham Young, June 27, 1858, Journal of Discourses 7:55).  President Heber J. Grant, back in 1923, in speaking about the specific purpose of the Church School System, had this to say about educating the heart:  “To my mind, and I have repeated time and time again whenever I have spoken in our Church Schools and in private in regard to schools, the specific purpose of the Church School System is to make Latter-day Saints—to educate the heart, so to speak.  The heart is the engine and if it is alright, we can generally get along pretty well so far as the head and the other parts of the body are concerned; but unless the heart of a man is right, unless a man is determined to do good, unless he believes in God and in Jesus Christ, and believes in the divine mission of the Prophet Joseph Smith, he cannot accomplish what he might achieve in this Church if he had that knowledge.  It is to implant that knowledge in the hearts of the people that we have a school system and if the thing for which it was organized, that which is expected of it, and which we all hope and pray for it to do.  I am very sorry indeed that a great many simply study and learn the words, so to speak, the letter of the things, without getting the spirit of them.  The spirit, we are told, gives life and animation and power, and it is to develop the spirit of man that we have established this Church School System” (Improvement Era, “Spiritual Development Needed in Education” by Heber J. Grant, Vol. 26, No. 12, October 1923, pp. 1091-93).

A HUGE paradigm shift about illness!

The learning curve I went through with my daughter drastically changed the way I look at illness. Variables are involved in pain and disease which I had never ever considered before. The book of Job tells of Satan causing the boils that tormented Job from head to toe. (see Job 2:7) If Satan had a "job description," what would be included in it? The Encyclopedia of Mormonism states the following under the heading of "Devils."

"Satan gained the power to tempt those who are accountable to do evil (D&C 29:39), to communicate with individuals to teach them things (usually but not always lies), to possess their bodies, to foster illness and disease, and to cause mortal death. . . . The great help in resisting temptation is the Holy Spirit. It is Satan's business to dwell in and with all individuals who do not have the Holy Spirit with them, sometimes even gaining total possession of a person's body, so that he or she loses agency for a time. Partial possession may also occur, for whenever a human being becomes angry, he or she is at least partially possessed by Satan (James 1:20). In his role as the destroyer, Satan can cause illness and death, but only with permission from God. He cannot take people before their time unless they disobey God and thus forfeit their mission (Job 1:6-12)."

(Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Macmillan, 1992,"Devils" by Chauncey C. Riddle , p 380)

Although it is hardly ever spoken of in our day, one of Satan's roles is to cause illness in mortals. Brigham Young taught this at the funeral of his counselor Jedediah Grant:

"Do you not think that brother Jedediah can do more good than he could here? When he was here the devils had power over his flesh, he warred with them and fought them, and said that they were around him by millions, and he fought them until he overcame them. So it is with you and I. You never felt a pain and ache, or felt disagreeable, or uncomfortable in your bodies and minds, but what an evil spirit was present causing it. Do you realize that the ague, the fever, the chills, the severe pain in the head, the pleurisy or any pain in the system, from the crown of the head to the soles of the feet, is put there by the devil? You do not realize this, do you? I say but little about this matter.... When you have the rheumatism, do you realize that the devil put that upon you? No, but you say, "I got wet, caught cold, and thereby got the rheumatism." The spirits that afflict us and plant disease in our bodies, pain in the system, and finally death, have control over us so far as the flesh is concerned." (Journal of Discourses Vol 4, p 133, emphasis added)

Brigham Young taught on more than one occasion that whenever we have a pain or illness in our body there is an evil spirit present causing it. Brigham Young spoke of devils as well as spirits of the dead.

"There are myriads of disembodied evil spirits- those who have long ago laid down their bodies here and in the regions round about, among and around us; and they are trying to make us and our children sick, and are trying to destroy us and to tempt us to evil. They will try every possible means they are masters of to draw us aside from the path of righteousness." (Journal of Discourses, Brigham Young, 6:73-4)

There is more than just one general authority that teaches this principle. Apostle Parley P. Pratt adds his witness: "The more wicked of these are the kind spoken of in scripture, as "foul spirits", "unclean spirits", spirits who afflict persons in the flesh, and engender various diseases in the human system. They will sometimes enter human bodies, and will distract them, throw them into fits, cast them into the water, into the fire, etc. They will trouble them with dreams, nightmares, hysterics, fever, etc. They will also deform them in body and in features, by convulsions, cramps, contortions, etc., and will sometimes compel them to utter blasphemies, horrible curses, and even words of other languages. If permitted, they will often cause death. Some of these spirits are adulterous, and suggest to the mind all manner of lasciviousness, all kinds of evil thoughts and temptations." (Parley, P. Pratt, Key to the Science of Theology, p 117.)

I do not allow myself to go into a state of fear about this principle. I just accept it as God's plan for man. My advice is to follow Heber C. Kimball's example who said, "I do not fear anything. I fear nothing that is in heaven, or that is upon the earth. I do not fear hell nor its combinations; neither hell nor the devil, nor any of his angels has power over me, or over you, only as we permit them to have. If we permit the devil to have power over us...then he will have dominion over us, but it has no power over us unless we subject ourselves to it." (Journal of Discourses, 1:204- quoted in Blaine & BrentonYorgason, Spiritual Survival in the Last Days, p 101) Having faith in Christ and remaining hopeful and optimistic are much better approaches than going into fear. After all, fear is something Jesus so often preached against. "Fear not" is an oft- quoted phrase in the scriptures. We're admonished to be not afraid or dismayed.

I have learned that our aura of light truly does serve as a protection for us, for "Light and truth forsake that evil one." (D&C 93:37) In modern verbage Elder Hales said, "the light of Christ is our salvation and protection from the darkness of the adversary." ("That Ye May Be the Children of Light", address given at BYU, 3 Nov 1996.) "And if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you. . . ." It is very interesting to me that the Lord uses the plural form of the word body in that sentence. He says our bodies- plural- will be filled with light, although the singular word "eye" begins the sentence.

One of my favorite books is by a medical doctor who wrote the intriguing story of his near death experience. In the book he asks a profound question: "All of the living people we were watching were surrounded by a faint luminous glow, almost like an electrical field over the surface of their bodies. ...Was that covering of light some kind of shield, then? Was it a protection against . . . against disembodied beings like myself?" (George G. Ritchie, Return From Tomorrow, p 59,61)

Elder Robert D. Hales seems to answer this question with words that I love. He says that this light IS our protection from the darkness of the adversary. "Light and darkness cannot occupy the same space at the same time. Satan and his disciples cannot tolerate the spiritual light of the gospel; they must immediately depart. When we live the commandments, our countenance is surrounded by gospel light. With this spiritual light we no longer wander in the strange and darkened paths of the adversary, becoming lost, discouraged, depressed, and fearful.... The light of Christ is our salvation and protection from the darkness of the adversary. We will never be left without the Light of Christ even when there is darkness all around us in this mortal probation. ...We need eyes that see the Light of Christ." (Robert D. Hales, "That Ye May Be the Children of Light" 3 Nov 1996, speeches.byu.edu) This is summed up by the scripture verse in Psalm 5:12, “For thou Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.”

We are also taught, "But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! " (Mathew 6:23) D&C 84:80 says"And any man that shall go and preach this gospel of the kingdom, and fail not to continue faithful in all things, shall not be weary in mind, neither darkened, neither in body, limb nor joint...." When I read that verse it taught me that if they were promised not to be darkened in mind and body then it IS POSSIBLE to be darkened in those places! You can be darkened in your mind and in your body, in your limbs and in your joints. No wonder Matthew 6:23 says that there can be great darkness in us!

I have not been able to catalogue as many modern day examples of such occurrences as I have from early church history. However, I believe they must be occurring today in like manner. Surely they exist in private journals and the memories of members today. Emeritus general authority, Elder F. Enzio Busche, is an exception. He boldly tells of a truly remarkable experience he had in his book Yearning For the Living God (p 268-273.) It is an incredible story that teaches several truths I have learned over the past years. Matthew B. Brown addresses many related topics in his book Receiving Gifts of the Spirit.
I smile when I remember Dr. Ranae Johnson's book "jumping out at me" when I was investigating Rapid Eye Technology. The title says so much: Reclaim Your Light Through the Miracle of Rapid Eye Technology. At trainings in Rapid Eye there were never any references made to evil spirits possibly being the negative energy found in people's auras. However, to be completely honest with you, I must say that Energy therapists who were fully aware of the real identity of this darkness were overwhelmingly the most helpful to my daughter.

In The Book of Mormon, Helaman 13:37 says, "Behold, we are surrounded by demons, yea, we are encircled about by the angels of him who hath sought to destroy our souls. Behold our iniquities are great. O Lord, canst thou not turn away thine anger from us? And this shall be your language in those days." It is comforting to know that "Satan cannot seduce us by his enticements unless we in our hearts consent and yield- our organization [the structure of our physical bodies] is such that we can resist the devil. If we were not so organized we would not be free agents." (The Words of Joseph Smith, p 65. Also quoted by Blaine and Brenton Yorgason, Spiritual Survival in the Last Days, p 99) Joseph Smith also instructed us with this very reassuring truth, "All beings who have bodies have power over those who have not. The devil has no power over us only as we permit him. The moment we revolt at anything which comes from God, the devil takes power." (Teachings of The Prophet Joseph Smith, p181)

Those who are wise will consider what happened in the New Testament. Acts 19:13-16 says "Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, we adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know and Jesus I know; but who are ye? And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded."
It takes great faith by people who truly follow Christ to perform such miracles. This warning story reemphasizes to me the importance of doing the ‘basic’ yet all important things we have been taught to do: pray every day, read the scriptures every day, repent, be worthy, be believing.... Have faith, not fear.
Those who perform such miracles as casting out evil spirits are living examples of what Paul teaches in Eph. 6:11-18."Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints."

No wonder the brethren plead for us to put on our shield of faith every day and fit our children with them at home. Praying daily and reading our scriptures daily are basic structures in our shields of faith. Our shields of faith are shields of light.

Having problems with evil spirits is not reserved only for the most sinful. An example is Mary Magdalene who was at the tomb on Easter morning. Luke 8:2 teaches us that she had been healed of seven devils. Luke 9:55 teaches us that even apostles are not immune from this problem. James and John wanted to command fire to come down from heaven and consume the Samaritans for not receiving Jesus. The Savior rebuked them with these words, "Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of." The scriptures teach us that there are all manner of spirits we can be afflicted with. Brother Poulton's paper, posted on this blog site, addresses several and I plan to comment with additional ones I have found.

Are there scriptural examples about mortals having power against evil spirits? Absolutely! "And it came to pass, when the evil spirit which was not of God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him." (1 Samuel 16:23) This teaches that the right music can heal similar situations.

And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: so that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them." (Acts 19:11-12) This teaches that distant healing can be done by mortals! In The Book of Mormon, Jacob tells us, "And as many as had devils cast out from them, and were healed of their sicknesses and their infirmities, did truly manifest unto the people that they had been wrought upon by the Spirit of God, and had been healed ..." (Jacob 4: 22) Are we willing to share similar experiences today? I testify that similar occurences made huge differences for my depressed daughter.

A scriptural example that teaches us a wealth of information is in Moses 1:12-23( not included here.) Moses was unable to cast Satan out of his presence in verse 16 & 20, but he finally succeeds in verse 21 by commanding him to leave in the Savior’s name: "And now Satan began to tremble, and the earth shook; and Moses received strength, and called upon God, saying: In the name of the Only Begotten, depart hence, Satan. And it came to pass that...Satan departed hence...And now of this thing Moses bore record; but because of wickedness it is not had among the children of men." This truth about Moses was lost to the world! Further down at verse 41 it tells us that the principle would be recognized among believers again later on. "And in a day when the children of men shall esteem my words as naught and take many of them from the book which thou shalt write, behold I will raise up another like unto thee; and they shall be had again among the children of men- among as many as shall believe." I am a believer! I have seen similar acts of faith work miraculous differences for my daughter, for myself and for other people.

I was ecstatic to find a like- minded member of the church who put the same advice into print. Garth Allred wrote a wonderful book titled Unlocking the Powers of Faith. I was saddened when the book went out of print, but before long it was reprinted in paperback form. I have purchased several copies and highly recommend it. Chapter 8 is on "The Healing Power of Faith." Page 177 has what he calls a "faith talk." I have shared this with depressed people who have obtained much relief from it. It is similar to what therapists in the energy field used that helped my daughter so much.

Doctor Allred learned the same lesson from Moses 1 as I did. He included the following section in his book:

"From the life of Moses, we learn an important key that can help us control spiritual darkness when it surrounds us. The episode describing Moses' vision of God and then his encounter with Satn provides us with a pattern for protection- a key of knowledge that enabels us to command Satan to leave us alone. The Devil has only limited control over us. Those of us who have bodies have power over those who do not. (See Teachings, 181, 190, 305-6.) Through knowledge of this key and through faith, we can command Satan, and the darkness and misery he brings with him will be lifted.
The powerful key God gives us to command Satan is vividly demonstrated in scripture. In vision, Moses saw God and had the heavens open unto him (See Moses 1:8,12,20-23) Here we have the key that can dispel the powers of darkness and depression in our lives. We can command in the name of Jesus that Satan leave us, and Satan must go! As he leaves, our bodies, spirits, and emotions feel lighter.We experience a lifting sensation much like clouds lifting after a heavy storm, and we feel a sense of liberation and gratitude for our deliverance. We breathe easier. ...
I have found the key offered in this scripture to be true and powerful. Because we love the Lord and desire to keep his commandments- it is not required that we have been perfect- we are authorized to use his name and power to dispel darkness....
I have found the following faith-talk statements to be very powerful in dispelling the powers of darkness. You may just say them in your mind, and they are effective. You may say them aloud, when alone, with powerful results. As you say them, form faith-pictures of what you are saying.
"In the name of Jesus Christ, I command you Satan, and all your hosts to leave this room, this house, and htis property and never return. I choose to worship Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God. Him alone will I love and serve. I love Jesus Christ. He alone is God's almighty Son. My committment is to him and him alone. He is my Savior, My Redeemer, my Great Deliverer. I consecrate my time, my talents, and everything I have to the Lord Jesus Christ. I would give my life for him if I were asked. With every breath I take, I live for him and him alone. In the name of the Only Begotten son, even Jesus Christ- whom I love and serve- I command you Satan, to leave my presence and take your evil influence with you."
These and other faith-talk statements that will come to you will give you great power over Satan. You will feel him leave, and you will be at peace. You will feel the love of God return to your mind and heart. We have the power to bind Satan. With these keys of knowledge and faith, we have power over him and can dispel the darkness around us. Through the use of these keys, Satan will be bound by the righteousness of the people. As Nephi described our day, he explained: "And because of the righteousness of his people, Satan has no power; wherefore, he cannot be loosed fo the space of many years; for he hath no power over the hearts of the people, for they dwell in righteousness, and the Holy One of Israel reigneth." (1 Ne.22:26) (Garth Allred, Unlocking the Powers of Faith, p 175-177)

I KNOW from repeated experience that what the above author speaks of is TRUE! I add my witness to his.
I know from attending NAMI’s entire Family to Family education course that the world adamantly denies any association between mental illness and evil spirits. It is as if most of the world has blinders on and wants to pretend the problem with evil spirits doesn’t exist anymore in our modern age. In actuality, we still face the same problem. The Book of Mormon speaks of Nephi, in 3 Nephi saying "And in the name of Jesus did he cast out devils and unclean spirits." Alma told Korihor he was possessed with a certain kind of spirit, "Behold, I know that thou believest, but thou art possessed with a lying spirit, and ye have put off the Spirit of God that it may have no place in you; but the devil has power over you, and he doth carry you about, working devices that he may destroy the children of God." (Alma 30:42)

I have learned from my own experiences with my daughter and myself as well as clients that being afflicted by evil spirits is still the case for humanity! Evidence is laid out so obvious in scripture on what can truly be involved in illness, that it surprises me that the subject is not more openly discussed. Elder Bednar recently quoted in the Ensign:

"The gift of discerning of spirits not only gives men and women who have it the power to discern the spirit with which others may be possessed or influenced, but it gives them the power to discern the spirit which influences themselves. They are able to detect a false spirit and also to know when the Spirit of God reigns within them. In private life this gift is of great importance to the Latter-day Saints. Possessing and exercising this gift they will not allow any evil influence to enter into their hearts or to prompt them in their thoughts, their words or their acts. They will repel it; and if perchance such a spirit should get possession of them, as soon as they witness its effects they will expel it, or in words, refuse to be led or prompted by it. [Gospel Truth: Discourses and Writings of President George Q. Cannon, comp. Jerreld L. Newquist (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1974), 1:198-99] (Quoted by Elder Bednar in "Quick to Observe" Ensign, Dec 2006, p 34)

Humble servants do work quietly expelling darkness. They understand the literal meaning of D&C 93:28: "He that keepeth his commandments receiveth truth and light....Light and truth forsake that evil one."
What do today’s church leaders say? Elder Robert D. Hales said, "The adversary cannot make us do anything. He does lie at our door, as the scriptures say, and he follows us each day. Every time we go out, every decision we make, we are either choosing to move in his direction or in the direction of our Savior. But the adversary must depart if we tell him to depart. He cannot influence us unless we allow him to do so, and he knows that! The only time he can affect our minds and bodies- our very spirits- is when we allow him to do so." (Ensign, May 2006, p6 emphasis included)

He also said, "We can develop the ability to discern what spirit is influencing others and ourselves. We should seek and pray for this gift lest we be deceived. The gift of discernment is like the rod of iron; it will keep us on the path toward the tree of life, which means eternal life. This gift is of significant value in determining personal direction and in ministering in God’s service." (Robert D. Hales, ‘Gifts of the Spirit", see http://www.speeches.byu.edu/ )

I would never have guessed the answers to my daughter’s diagnosis would be so foreign! I feel like we have lived what it says in Isaiah 42:16: "And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them."

One of my neighbors decided to be open-minded about trying alternative healing methods after likening a scripture to her own life. She pondered whether something like Moses’ brazen serpent on a pole could possibly be available today. She thought to herself, "Is it possible that a healing method could be right here in front of me and I wouldn’t even look at it?" God has definitely "prepared a way that [we] might be healed; and the labor which they had to perform was to look; and because of the simpleness of the way, or the easiness of it, there were many who perished." (1 Nephi 17:41) Are we not ourselves at times too proud or too busy or too wrapped up in our own pain to consider looking at a new method of healing?

Our daughter's severe trials were years ago and I have learned so much since then. Suicidal tendencies are ALWAYS an influence of evil spirits. We have permission to do something about this problem. "And again, verily I say unto you, and I say it that you may know the truth, that you may chase darkness from among you."( D&C 50:24-25) That is one of the things gifted and faithful energy therapists can do. They can literally chase darkness from our energy fields. We are not left helpless!

"The words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do." "Require not miracles, except I shall command you, except casting out devils, healing the sick, and against poisonous serpents, and against deadly poisons; And these things ye shall not do, except it be required of you by them who desire it, that the scriptures might be fulfilled; for ye shall do according to that which is written." (D&C 24:13-14) "... I will show miracles, signs and wonders, unto all those who believe on my name. And whoso shall ask it in my name in faith, they shall cast out devils; they shall heal the sick; they shall cause the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear and the dumb to speak, and the lame to walk. And the time speedily cometh that great things are to be shown forth unto the children of men; But without faith shall not anything be shown forth..." (D&C 35:8-11) " And it shall be given unto you power over that spirit; and you shall proclaim against that spirit with a loud voice that it is not of God- Not with railing accusation, that ye be not overcome, neither with boasting nor rejoicing, lest you be seized therewith. He that receiveth of God, let him account it of God; and let him rejoice that he is accounted of God worthy to receive. And by giving heed and doing these things which he have received, and which ye shall hereafter receive- and the kingdom is given you of the Father, and power to overcome all things which are not ordained of him" (D&C 50:32-35)

Looking back, I shouldn’t have been so surprised that my daughter tried to drown, burn and cut herself given all of the biblical references to what happened to children afflicted by evil spirits. Mark 9:18-22 is only one example. Sometimes my daughter had said that she "didn’t feel like herself." No wonder! Once when she didn’t want to go to school she cried and told me that she was "tired of pretending to be herself." I didn’t understand her at all back then. Now that remark makes so much more sense. On more than one occasion my daughter explained, "I cut myself so I could know that I was real, Mom. I don’t feel real."

I often think of the scripture in Matthew 17:14-21 "And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying, Lord have mercy on my son: for he is a lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water." This verse certainly sounds like suicidal tendencies to me! How grateful I am that we found LDS therapists who were open-minded to this sort of belief. This has made a phenomenal difference in our daughter’s life.

How thankful I am that although this may not be in the Church Handbook of Instruction, like Doug Mendenhall says in his book, Possibilities, it ABSOLUTELY is in the scriptures( in abundance!) "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils..." (Mark 16:17)"And he shall cast out devils, or the evil spirits which dwell in the hearts of the children of men." (Mosiah 3:6) D&C 50 starts with the admonition to listen concerning "...the spirits which have gone forth abroad in the earth. ...there are many spirits which are false spirits, which have gone forth in the earth deceiving the world." The same section tells that we can chase darkness from us and how it can be done.

POST SCRIPT: 

 I am adding the following 2 quotes on Jan 12, 2011.  What a blessing to have this guidance from two different prophets!  Whether as an energy worker, or one who uses these techniques,  I would want to be aware of and stay within such counsel. (Unfortunately, there are LDS teachers of energy work who seem to be unaware of the guidance given below.) I see it particularly as a warning for energy therapists, although these words enable anyone to tell truth from error.

Spencer W. Kimball: “In the days of the restoration there apparently were those who taught that the devil and his angels and the sons of perdition should sometime be restored. The Prophet Joseph Smith would not countenance the teaching of this doctrine, and sanctioned the decision of the bishop that any who taught it should be barred from communion.

“In the realms of perdition or the kingdom of darkness where there is no light, Satan and the unembodied spirits of the pre-existence shall dwell together with those of mortality who retrogress to the level of perdition. These have lost the power of regeneration. They have sunk so low as to have lost the inclinations and ability to repent, consequently the gospel plan is useless to them as an agent of growth and development.”  (Spencer W. Kimball, The Miracle of Forgiveness, 125)

Joseph Smith: (This entry is prefaced by the heading, “Answers to Queries to Brother Phelp’s Letter of June 4^th.) “Say to the brothers Hulet and to all others, that the Lord never authorized them to say that the devil, his angels, or the sons of perdition, should ever be restored; for their state of destiny was not revealed to man, is not revealed, nor ever shall be revealed, save to those who are made partakers thereof; consequently those who teach this doctrine have not received it of the Spirit of the Lord. Truly Brother Oliver declared it to be the doctrine of devils. We, therefore, command that this doctrine be taught no more in Zion. We sanction the decision of the Bishop and his council, in relation to this doctrine being a bar to communion.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 24)

Why would an LDS mom learn of such Eastern sounding beliefs?

Some people might wonder why an LDS mom would want to learn of such Eastern sounding beliefs. Others get downright nervous. I hope that the quotes I found below on truth will dispel many misconceptions that members of the church may have. Brigham Young said,

"This is the belief and doctrine of the Latter-day Saints. Learn everything that the children of men know, and be prepared for the most refined society upon the face of the earth, then improve upon this until we are prepared and permitted to enter the society of the blessed- the holy angels that dwell in the presence of God."

Orson F. Whitney said in General Conference,

"God has been using not merely his covenant people, but other peoples of the world as well, to carry out a work that is too demanding for the limited numbers of Latter-day Saints to accomplish by themselves. This has been true down through the ages... Good and great men and women, who have not borne the priesthood or been fully aware of God’s ultimate designs, but who have thought profoundly, accumulated great wisdom, led exemplary moral lives, and unselfishly desired to uplift their fellow beings, have been inspired by God under many circumstances to deliver dimensions of light and truth that the people were able to understand and use wisely. This includes many reformers, and founders of the religions of the world, such as Zarathustra, Bautama Buddha, Lao Tzu, Muhammad, and Guru Nanak." (untitled address, 91st Annual Conference SLC 1921 p32-33)

Elder Bruce R. McConkie said in Tahiti:
"Keep all the truth and all the good that you have. Do not abandon any sound or proper principle. Do not forsake any standard of the past which is good, righteous, and true. Every truth found in every church in all the world we believe. But we also say this to all men—Come and take the added light and truth that God has restored in our day. The more truth we have, the greater is our joy here and now; the more truth we receive, the greater is our reward in eternity."

Joseph Smith said, "We should gather all the good and true principles in the world and treasure them up, or we shall not come out true "Mormons." (Teachings, p316)A Latterday Saint Perspective on Muhammad.htm/pop00007.htm

I stand with Garth L. Allred who wrote,

"For the Saints, all truths are compatible and will blend perfectly whether they are from sacred temples or from secular universities, or even from what we might consider foreign cultures. I believe that as distant doors are opened to the missionaries and as Israel is gathered from all nations- as we become more and more an international church- "They [who are gathered into the church] shall bring forth their rich treasures unto the children of Ephraim, my servants."(D&C133:30). Could it be that as East meets West there will be a complementariness of knowledge? Our highly technological culture has much to learn from those nations and cultures who realize the importance of mind and spirit healing connected with healing of the body. ... Since Israel has been scattered among all nations, it should not surprise us to find important healing
truths from among all nations. It would be naive to think that our western culture alone has the edge on truth- healing truths or otherwise. Of course caution must be encouraged as we seek for proper healing principles and practices for our spirits, minds and bodies. The spirit of discernment and wisdom is vital as we sift and sort through new ideas and techniques for healing....Sadly, I find people in the Church who reject medical and psychological help simply because this help lies outside the framework of the Church. Many times the process of healing takes in a combination of many different sources of help, working together to heal the whole person." (Garth Allred, Unlocking the Powers of Faith, p 6-7,10)

"For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God...and if ye will lay hold upon every good thing and condemn it not, ye certainly will be a child of Christ." (Moroni 7:16, 19) The things I have studied have deepened my testimony of Christ. I know God led me to and along this path. The Lord gives healing truths to people all over the world. Are we open to the possibility that modern men & women can be inspired of God on this subject? When we stay close to the Spirit He can lead us to truth from many sources. I know this because that is how my daughter got well! The Prophet Joseph Smith proclaimed that the Saints are not circumscribed by a rigid and unchanging creed or a prescribed set of beliefs, as were some of the churches of his day. He said,

"We believe that we have a right to embrace all, and every item of truth...when that truth is clearly demonstrated to our minds, and we have the highest degree of evidence of the same." (The Personal Writings of Joseph Smith p 420).

Brigham Young addressed the all encompassing nature of the gospel more specifically.

"‘Mormonism,’ so-called, embraces every principle pertaining to life and salvation, for time and eternity. No matter who has it. If the infidel has got truth it belongs to ‘Mormonism.’ The truth and sound doctrine possessed by the sectarian world, and they have a great deal, all belong to this church. ...All that is good lovely and praiseworthy belongs to this church and kingdom.‘Mormonism’ includes all truth." (Discourse of Brigham Young , p.3.)