Discernment – Nauvoo Neighbor

Multiple Mortal Probations, and Lack of Discernment

The following are some YouTube clips that give some context to the fabulist false-prophetic culture that led to the crimes of Chad Daybell. If you’re not familiar with his story, it is covered in the Netflix documentary, Sins of Our Mother.

Warning: it is a very twisted rabbit hole that will mess with your head.

How it began

Eric Smith was a member of Chad Daybell’s inner circle, along with Julie Rowe and others.

Here, Eric recalls going “outside the box” before his excommunication for teaching the idea of multiple mortal probations:

Presentation on Spiritual Discernment

How can we tell the difference between God’s influence and other things like emotion?

What are signs of good versus evil spiritual energy?

What are signs of demonic influence?

We discuss these and other questions in this presentation; slides here:

What is Discernment?

Behold, verily I say unto you, that there are many spirits which are false spirits, which have gone forth in the earth, deceiving the world.
And also Satan hath sought to deceive you, that he might overthrow you.
Behold, I, the Lord, have looked upon you, and have seen abominations in the church that profess my name.

Behold, verily I say unto you, there are hypocrites among you, who have deceived some, which has given the adversary power; but behold such shall be reclaimed; (D&C 50)

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 (Joseph Smith)

How can I tell when my thoughts and feelings are my own, or revelation from God? How can I tell if an emotionally-satisfying narrative or activity is good for my soul, or would lead me away from God?

The answer to both questions is discernment.