The cover and inside first-page of the book present “What Readers are Saying about Visions of Glory,” including the following superlative comments: “If you want greater light and knowledge then read this book. I have lived long enough to notice that prophets and apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have always been cautious about publications that are sensational-“sensational” meaning writings that tend to arouse acute excitement, interest, curiosity, or emotional response.īecause so many people were asking about the book, and since I wanted to give an informed opinion, I read it. Speaking with the publisher early in December 2013, I learned that over eighty thousand copies had already been sold, and it is possible that the total exceeded one hundred thousand copies by Christmas.
There is intense interest in the book that recounts the near-death experiences and visions of the future of “Spencer” (a pseudonym for a member of the Church who prefers to remain anonymous), as told to John Pontius, who actually wrote the book.
I am responding to issues raised in a book this is in no way an attack on the man who is reported to have experienced these things (I do not personally know him), or the men who wrote and published them. The following constitutes my own thoughts and feelings about a book that is circulating among us. There are men and women in Salt Lake City and in other parts of the world who are authorized to speak for the Church. Note: Although I have dedicated my life to teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, I do not speak for the Church (nor does this article necessarily represent the views of the institution where I teach).