The first time I heard about Visions of Glory was from my father-in-law. I’ll admit, I pretty much dismissed it. My thoughts: It’s about a man’s dream or vision. It’s not prophecy or revelation. That comes from the prophet.
I won’t go into what the book is about as I think that can be covered elsewhere. I’ll simply share my thoughts from having read (listed to) it.
How I came to Read Visions of Glory
My father-in-law had actually recommended a few books by John Pontius. I never took the time to read them though. It wasn’t until he loaned me his copy of Journey to the Veil and I read a few excerpts that I got much more interested in John Pontius and his writings. But that is another story I’ll blog about later.
Ultimately, after getting to know John Pontius better I became far more interested in Visions of Glory and decided to purchase the audiobook.
Initial Thoughts
I thought this whole book was fascinating. I started listening to it alone, but my wife joined in and listed with me on a long trip from Salt Lake City to Boise, Idaho. It took the whole trip there and back to complete the book from the point where I had left off.
While I found it fascinating, I really didn’t want to be deceived. I did more research to hear others’ thoughts on it. The man who had the visions remains anonymous. He is referred to as “Spencer” throughout the book.
After reading the book I could certainly understand why he wanted to remain anonymous and I couldn’t argue with his reasoning.
I found some people take his vision very literally, while others completely dismiss it.
My Current Thoughts
Throughout the book, I didn’t notice very many glaring contradictions to what I have learned throughout my life in the church. I don’t think the book is perfect and I don’t expect it to be. I believe as Joseph Smith stated the the Book of Mormon is the most correct of any book on earth.
But I still find his visions and interpretations of his visions fascinating. Are they literal? I don’t know. I believe they possibly could be. But Spencer reiterates often that this vision was to teach him and was for him. We may gain insights from it, but we should seek our light and knowledge through study and prayer and seeking to learn by the Spirit.
If the events described in the book from Spencer’s visions are literal, then what? Well, it makes me want to be more prepared spiritually and temporally. It makes me want to get things in order. These are good things that the prophets have been encouraging us to do for years.
What bad could come from it? I suppose one could make all their decisions based on the information in this book and ignore the Spirit and the prophets of the church. But it is emphasized by Spencer that this is not what we are to do. So a careful study of this book should not lead you down this path. Instead, if you really believe this book, I can only see it bringing you closer to Christ.
A few scriptures come to mind. First, Mark 9:38-40 where the Savior essential tells his disciples than a man working miracles in His name is on His side.
And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.
But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.
For he that is not against us is on our part.
For as much as Spencer testifies of the Savior and the restored gospel, you would be hard pressed to say he is doing more harm than good.
Second, in the Old Testament as Joel is speaking about the last days, in Joel 2:28-29:
And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:
And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.
We are basically told here that it will not just be prophets, seers and revelators that will be allowed to see visions. Yes, they are called as special witnesses to testify of Christ and lead his Church. But they have told us we are all entitled to personal revelation.
So if you find the events leading up the second coming of the Savior a fascinating topic, I highly recommend this book. It deals with more than just that – other stuff that I found very interesting. I still ponder on this book and feel it has brought be closer to the Savior and his teaching. Therefore, I would say this is a good book and I highly recommend it to anyone willing to read it.
It has been a few years since I read the book. A friend has recently finished it so it came up in our conversations again.
I have to say the creative nature of the writing is good. I can’t fathom many of the ‘new’ truths the book presents such as inanimate material transmitting memories (the desk remembering sins committed on it). He also thinks pretty highly of himself if he has an office next to the Lord’s which would place him effectively above others in the order of the priesthood.
That is perhaps the most troubling concept presented in the book … that somehow Spencer is moved upon by the Spirit and this gives him authority to lead lost tribes and bring forth their lost scripture. There is proper order in the priesthood and any new scripture would come through the keys help by the presiding authority … not a man moved upon to do this or that special mission in the last days. Jump the shark anyone?
To those who enjoyed the book, that’s fine. I wouldn’t put anything more into it than that however. It has more that a few warning signs. Proceed with caution!
I believe strongly that “Spencer” is a diviner and soothsayer that is practicing priestcraft. Rumor has it he has been called a bishop of the LDS church, and that he is the day supervisor at the Salt Lake Temple. Other leaders in his cult following include Julie Rowe and Chalyce Hadley.
Jeremiah 23:32 “Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the Lord, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the Lord.
Thank you for your perspective. I too read this book and found it incredibly thought provoking. I have also been leery because of what the scriptures say about false prophets in the Latter-days. However, the fruit of this book has been an increased desire to know the Lord personally, be physically and spiritually prepared for His coming, and to actually look forward to the possibility of having it happen during my life time. I am a convert and as a youth had watched The Stand, by Stephen King. I had these horrible images in my mind of how things could potentially go, I looked at the last days with fear. This book and many others, have helped me to see that for the righteous, it is a time to anticipate with joy and look forward to. So whether I am lucky enough to live through the Second Coming into the Millennium, or meet the Savior when I die and return to His presence, either way, I feel I am going in the right direction to be more spiritually prepared. As I’ve thought on why there might be books and experiences like these (rather than everything thing through only the prophet), I’ve come to realize the Lord truly wants as many of us as possible on His side. These books sound a warning and wake-up call in a way that many people can relate to and understand. I had a similar experience when I joined the Church. I was definitely a child of the world, very hard hearted and prideful. However, the spring before I turned 15 my father passed away and that summer my Aunt lent me the book “Embraced by the Light.” It touched my heart and opened my eyes in such a powerful way that when I met the missionaries that fall, their message instantly resonated to my now softened heart. I could better believe and accept that the Lord loves me and that I am genuinely important to Him, and had even chosen His plan before I came to earth. That was 22 years ago and my life has been profoundly and forever changed.
The Lord speaks to us in personal ways on our own level.
The prophets have been telling us for years that we are a “chosen generation” and we are living through the last days, that we need to always be prepared. These types of books have helped me to better catch the vision and urgency of what they have been saying all along. Helping me to have eyes that see and ears that hear.
Exactly the way I saw the book–leading me closer to Christ by providing more light. The Holy Ghost has testified to me that what
Spencer in the book saw and learned from what he states and was willing to edify anyone willing to read and listen as he unfolds a series of simply miraculous teachings all consistent with our Scriptures.
I am glad that I found this Blog and enjoy reading the views of others
who might have a little different take on what is being discussed.
Thought provoking book.
Justin, regarding the story of the table, you should look up quantum entanglement. It might explain that phenomenon. I don’t see it any differently than of the earth groaning from being stained with the sins of people.
Exactly, plus I think that many are missing one fact that entered my mind when reading that part about the furniture that so to speak, spoke of the things that had happened in those rooms. The vision was opening his spiritual mind to many levels of the OTHER SIDE OF THE VEIL……..it WILL be different, than this sphere/level we are now living in. Does that makes sense to anyone else?
Another thought to go along with that, is that Spencer was saying HE was being prepared to understand his Future Role concerning the Second Coming/Millennial times, we can/will each have our OWN ROLE in being a participant one day…….WHO are we to ASSUME that Spencer will/could have an office next to the Lord at that time? We also need to remember that the STRONGEST Spirits were SAVED to come forth at this time before the Second Coming of Christ. I too have been told in my P/B that I was brought forth at this time to STAND IN DEFENSE of TRUTH. I can see where MANY who are alive in our times may/can be those who are called to SERVE in pretty high positions.
I also think WE need to be Very careful not to let feelings of inadequacy creep into another sharing of a future possible role, like when some NOW are jealous if someone is called to be a counselor to a bishop, AND not who they THINK should be called.
I left out one word in my reply, I meant to say WHO are we to think that Spencer COULD NOT, have a room next to THE LORDS?
“…WHO are we to think that Spencer COULD NOT, have a room next to THE LORDS?” Great point Maggie.
I feel we are completely short sided if we think this plain of existence is the only dimensional aspect of it. I find it is fascinating that some limit existence, and project this mortal experience’s parameters onto the next. The only parameters of existence that should be fixed are those that have been revealed, and those fortunately or not are few. We as members need to open our mind to possibility while remaining disciplined. Why can’t we all have a room next to the Lord?
Agreed! My PB tells me that I will have the ability to see into the future to know calamities that will come to my family, my friends, and my community that I might be a voice of warning. I too have had many dreams through the years which depict major disasters. I am not the only one. Thousands. Of people across the US are having the same dreams or so similar to warn them of the impending nature of these last days. My dreams are for me and my family and for anyone that will hear the sound of my voice. I don’t care that I get harassed or people try to humiliate me, I do as the Lord has instructed me to do in my PB and in my calling.