Tony's exploration of metaphysics and how the Book of Mormon brought him out of darkness

[@cherimcgaffin1396]

This is one of the most powerful podcasts I've ever listened to! I relate so much to this experience.

[@ProdigalSonMatt]

“Satan doesn’t disguise with half truths. He disguises with 99% truths and 1% lie.” Wow, amazing quote.

[@beckywheeler9372]

Where did that quote come from?

[@Come.Back.Podcast]

around 10 minutes in

[@benzun9600]

Sounds nice be really does not mean anything

[@mrselizavl5250]

​@benzun9600 it means that he tricks us into thinking everything he wants us to think is true because most of it is, but he sneaks in a devastating lie with that mix of truths that ultimately leads us to our own destruction if we let it

[@michaelcrowley9008]

​@@benzun9600 Satan is very real. And he embodies everything that is against Light, and Charity, and Love. He is against God in absolutely every way. But, he is very smart. He is very intelligent. He does have all his memories. He does know many truths. And because of that combination he is very very cunning. Be extremely careful about how you consider him. Without The Savior to guide you back to God throughout your life, and without the emnity of protection from God to protect from Satan, he will deceive you. He is in control of the whole world right now. Anyone who let's him in just a little bit, who gives ear to his logic, who considers his influence just a minute amount. He will get into your soul if you are not weary. If you are not on guard. If you do not keep the Light of Christ within your soul; Satan's dark influence will continually pressure your soul to be filled with this mist of darkness. Please don't allow it. Stand in Holy places. And be not moved. Seek out a personal witness with Jesus Christ, your Savior. Seek out a personal relationship with The Father, The Son, and with The Holy Spirit. I am glad this man in the video pointed this out. Satan changes meaning of everything. He swaps opposites. He changes good to evil and evil to good in the minds and spirits of the world of mankind. Be not of the world. Be of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ will bring you peace that the world has no clue about. That the world can never comprehend. That the world can no replicate. Satan can not produce this peace. But, he can act as if he can. He can dress up as if he were Light. He can dress up as if he were a lamb of God. A wolf in sheep skin. The only way to know is to know God also. To discern the difference. 99% of what Satan teaches can be true with 1% false and he will still lead you away from the 99% of truth if you allow that 1% of guile. Be ever so careful. If you ever don't know what the source is, ask God. Pray to God in the Name of Christ. And The Holy Spirit will make it know unto you if you are tuned into God. If you are sincere. If you are intently listening. If there is any doubt, take it to someone you know who has a strong resolve in their testimony of God. There you can edify one another. There you can seek aid in your quest. First take it to your ministering brothers or sisters if you can, or to your Bishopric. Take it to your family patriarch if you know someone who is a Melchizedek Priesthood holder in your family. Be honest and willing to receive aid. And if they are afraid take it to someone else. But, ultimately keep taking it to God. Pray. Kneel. Speak out loud. Fast over this issue. Keep a prayer in your mind as you go throughout your day. Read scriptures. Ask. Seek. Knock. Make sure you are asking God. Seeking God. Knocking unto God. Test the spirits by their fruits. Don't fall for that 1%. Set it aside and consider it till you can receive truth. Don't let it destroy your life, your soul. Yoke up with Christ. And fill your life with His Burden. Light!

[@health4lifecooking]

I pray every day that my daughter will come back and be truly converted. So many in my family think that it's up to us to fix her. I know in my heart that the only thing that's going to bring her back is the Lord and she has to find him herself. Truly find him! The only thing that we can do is try to show love if she will let us and many times she won't.

[@Bloomsewing_studio]

Amén

[@ssquist1]

I can relate to this story. I too went down the path of new age. I became an apostate for 20 years. I finally came back to Jesus Christ and was re-baptized in June 2020. I know how cleaver and deceiving Satan can be having been in his grasp for so long. Words cannot express the joy I feel at having Jesus back in my life. I love hearing other people's come back stories. So inspiring and hopeful!

[@Come.Back.Podcast]

would love to hear your story if you are willing to share! email [e-mail]

[@aliceduren6542]

Tony being able to feel again after he read the Book of Mormon was so poignant to me. There's something about the Book of Mormon combined with prayer that makes the heart soften, and the emotions pour out. Christ really does want our broken hearts and contrite spirits.

[@minxarelli]

About a year ago I was sad thinking about friends and family who left the church. Pondering their particular arguments for leaving. I was given a disturbing and powerful dream that shook me to my core. I saw a glimpse of the adversary and what it’s like to be without the presence of God. When I asked in my mind why I was given this nightmare, the answer was to warn those I know that evil exists and he works by deception. Excellent testimony in this video!

[@MrRickb75645]

Wow ! Thank you for this testimony. It shook me , but enlightened me. I too was getting to the point I was questioning the scriptures and the church. So one day I got on my knees and asked the Lord to show me the truth. My crisis of faith was real. As soon as I got through praying. It all came together. I started doing as this man did. And it all was answered. And I saw the lies from the truth. And my faith grew tremendously.

[@villainrack]

Spring of 2017 Tony taught a Sunday School lesson on personal revelation that was an anchor for my testimony for years. I had no idea all this had been happening just months before. I'm so grateful God brought him back when He did

[@Come.Back.Podcast]

so cool

[@IvyDodd-t4l]

Wow I once got a book from I don't know where, but was so seriously searching for truth. But when I started reading and it said "we. Are Abraham for we are many". I had a shocking almost out of body into dark, like my internal organs were twisting in darkness. I hid the book under the seat in my car. But also magically drawn to it. But couldn't touch it again until one day I had to make a choice. So I compared those feelings to my feelings singing the hymns in church and was able to throw it into a large trash dumpster. And could breath again in my car.

[@kristastrong]

Wow! This was absolutely the most powerful episode you have had! Everyone needs to see this. Tony, you are going to change so many lives for the better; thank you for changing mine!

[@MagicJonesMusic]

So much beauty and truth here. I 100% agree with the 99% truth, 1% lie statement. Something that has happened in my later years (I'm almost 50) is I find that the closer I get to pure truth, the more obvious the lies become. Getting closer to God by praying and studying the word of God daily, little by little enables me to more easily see through the lies that inevitably come in life - and the world is full of them. I can't express adequately how grateful I am for the Spirit to help me discern between the things that will enlighten my life and the lies that are disguised to do so.

[@marilynwatene1480]

I can describe your feeling. It's called the "burning in the bosom". I felt it when I was converted to the church. It is something that you cannot deny nor forget. It is so powerful, so peaceful, so joyful, you want it to continue on, and on. Thus a testimony is born. Lovely to hear your experience. Glad you found your faith AND you family again.

[@cinnamondan4984]

This channel always makes me feel proud to have enlisted in the LDS Church.

[@TrebizondMusic-cm6fp]

'til the conflict is o'er!

[@rachelhaskin5558]

Amazing come back story!! I’m going to work on watching the things I say to those who might be “past feeling”. I mean, we just studied about how the natural man is an enemy to God and sometimes that natural man wants to say the first things that pop into our head. It’s better to wait on the Lord and speak words He would have me speak.

[@julieoarnoldus9013]

🎉

[@a-o-kay]

Coming back is a miracle! This channel is so needed. Thank you!

[@sagegallagher]

Thank you for sharing your journey. So many great ideas and truths shared. There is power in the Book of Mormon!

[@collinwood2189]

I am so grateful for this one it helps me have for people I love who have fallen away. This helps me know they too are not too far gone.

[@knielson1201]

Thank you Tony. Your story will heal so many. Including me.

[@danettehansen2687]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. It has confirmed many things I have felt and believed. I got into some holistic healing modalities that keyed me into the slippery slope that is founded in your own power to heal emotions along with some philosophies mingled with religion and turning your power over to others in this manner of healing. I remember asking my husband about what he thought about clearing emotional blocks and saying the prayer for this particular healing and he said something very profound-he said why don’t you go to the master healer-your Savior. That’s when I was like wow if I can just do this clearing method then why do I need a savior that heals. Does my Savior only provide resurrection? Then why did Jesus heal the sick and the broken hearted. Many of the energy healers I had read about took Jesus out of the picture. “Christ consciousness”quickly turned to just believing in God and all our connections to the universe. And any channeling or cording was the avenue that happened to shift to a place where Christ was no longer needed. There is so much more I could say that blinds one from the real power of Christ but at least it’s being talked about in the capacity. So thanks for speaking out about it.

[@kimhaughton3771]

Wow!!! His interpretation of enmity and describing how drugs removes our God given protections really hit a chord with me! It feels so true! I loved this story so much!!! Thank you!!!❤

[@debbieburrows1746]

When my kids were young and I would teach them about the dangers of drugs and alcohol, I would tell them it makes it to where you can no longer feel the influence of the Holy Ghost. I love the way Tony describes what I was trying to teach my kids.

[@CyndiCalista]

This is frightening. I pray that I will never need such a trial to learn what is meant for me. It must have been so awful to go through

[@DONTLIMITGOD]

I can barely breath....your wifes story is literally where my husband was at during my own inactivity. THANK YOU for sharing your story as it it SO many of ours. The Lords words to me were " you must be broken to truly be born again." I LOVE HIM!!❤

[@whitneylin4297]

I love how Tony describes how he experienced the power of the Book of Mormon. And how he finally found real intent. Answers come when we are humble enough and turn to God. They don’t always come right away, but they come. Ask, and ye shall receive!!

[@susanhenderson5402]

Tony’s description of the word “Enmity” was complete truth…I’ve had people in my life who have terrible addictions and it is visible in their countenance that evil is attached to them

[@karolynpieren5129]

I have shared this video with so many today. It touched me to my core.

[@RealLadyG]

My dear Brother. I totally felt the Spirit. You are strengthening many testimonies by your own testimony of returning to the covenant path. Think and Live Celestial. Blessings & Thank you. 🙏🏽😍

[@Veronica-dp3yi]

So powerful, my heart is full my testimony becomes double...

[@darren996]

That was a great podcast. Wish he would have explained more about his re-conversion… although I understand that’s just how quick it happened for him as well.

[@TrebizondMusic-cm6fp]

It sounds very much like something out of the Book of Alma.

[@brucesbees]

All I can say is Wow! Thanks for sharing and welcome back Brother!

[@Banillashake]

Thank you for sharing. This inspires me and prompts me to spend more time in the scriptures 😊

[@teresajacobson8079]

Great episode!! Tony, thank you for sharing . Totally relatable . So much out there in this new age energetic metaphysical area. After years of searching in that space I had the same feeling that my soul needed to be back to the full truth. I respect as you do those in other paths but I can testify that joy and peace come as we follow the teachings of the gospel. Other ways may be attractive and make sense in the beginning but they are not guided by the Lord. They are at the end full of confusion and despair. I am so grateful that we have the gift of repentance and grace . So glad that you are back too! Many blessings and love for all that are struggling or in a difficult path. Jesus is our Savior!

[@wadelreed]

36:22 Tony, I'm right there with you on the metaphysics thing. I haven't been nearly as deep as you, but I've been in the personal development industry since 2010. I've seen many people appear to allows be seeking and never finding the truth. It's a bottomless rabbit hole. I've had many friends "transcend" religion and come to. Believe they are gods and don't need religion. They can be spiritual on their own with "the universe" or "divine source" or you name it other than God. I'm inspired by your "Parley Pratt moment" of reading the Book of Mormon all day and night and finding the Spirit teaching your Truth. I love Pres Bensons teaching that you quoted that there is Power in the Book of Mormon that will flow into your life when you begin a serious study of it. I have felt it and testify it is true! So glad you didn't led the new age stuff destroy your family and your life. You are right that Satan can tell 99% truth and 1% lie and it is so subtle and deceptive that almost no one can discern it. We must hmseek the gifts of the Spirit to be able to withstand the subtle lies of Satan and withstand his fiery darts. God bless you for standing as a witness of God and sharing your story!

[@briantait7729]

Wow. This was quite the inspiring story. I felt the spirit listening to this man. So glad he found his way.

[@natashalayne]

This is exactly what I needed today! Thank you for sharing! ❤

[@kylerobinson7572]

Please tell Tony thank you for sharing his experiences. We all have our challenges and journey in life, some bumpier than others. :-) thanks again!

[@dcarts5616]

There’s another awesome reactivated sister I see on few channels (Kelsea’s Comments) in the comments section every now and then who said she messed with New Ageism, fell away, and finally came back after almost 20 years. We all have to experience life to find truth, some experiences are more difficult than others. I’m watching this later tonight, thanks as always CBP. Try and find her and have her on, she’s got some great insights to share.

[@Come.Back.Podcast]

Hopefully we do!

[@dmoney4075]

Divine intervention that this popped up on my feed after many doubts from various videos I had recently seen. Thank you.

[@Come.Back.Podcast]

love it

[@Eli12344]

3 things, powerful testimony of Jesus Christ, poor wife of yours, and thank you for sharing.

[@TheonlyLisaM]

This was an amazing podcast. It completely resonated with me as I as well went down a similar path but have found my way back to the truth. I’m so thankful for Tony’s honesty and for his bravery to come on and share his story. I know that it could not have been easy. I’m so happy he shared about how evil Abraham Hicks is! He is going to help many people because of his experience. Thank you Come Back Podcast!!! Love you guys!! 🌸

[@Come.Back.Podcast]

Thank you!

[@tamragoodrich6067]

I'm troubled with the idea that its necessary to cause so much pain in others just so we can go through our journey...is that always necessary? Cant we overcome more by being more humble, and less demanding of others so much of the time?

[@perrygillette884]

Good question. Sometimes it is our trial and sometimes our test is a loved ones trial maybe.

[@LCmonman]

Maybe so for some people. Father knows us perfectly and what we need personally to grow. We are all different ❤

[@jeremims9044]

I'm struggling with this as well. My wife is dealing with some serious doubts, and although I want to be patient it hurts me most to think of what ramifications this "journey" could have on my 3 young children.

[@LCmonman]

@@Jeanie-nv7lo would love to hear your story on this podcast! Maybe in the writing or telling of it, your Aha may come.

[@andrewdurfee3896]

@@Jeanie-nv7loone of the hardest trials in life is for others to unjustly persecute you because of there agency.

[@uncurlydiykeratin7860]

First of all, this is one of the best Come Back Podcast yet from my perspective -- an absolute heavy-hitter that I predict will have wide impact. Second, not to nitpick but it matters here, the word is "EN-MITY," not "EM-NITY" (as Tony is pronouncing it), and it does not mean anger or frustration per se but the quality of being enemies. It's a divinely placed recognition in humankind that we and Satan (and his gang) are truly ENEMIES. Satan wishes us ill, and we have an inborn detector to warn us away from his machinations. In a former iteration, the temple movie also mispronounced the word as "EM-NITY.." I'd find myself annoyed that the producers of the film and the leaders who approved its release didn't fully understand the doctrine reflected in that word -- at least not enough to get it right. LOL But I second all Tony said, from my own personal experience. Thanks for sharing, Tony and Ashly.

[@vendingdudes]

Bingo! Thanks for pointing out what I wanted to add too

[@livinthedream4479]

really?!

[@livinthedream4479]

You really ARE nitpicking. Everyone gets what he’s saying and besides he says it right some of the time. It’s a hard word to say.

[@shellyhansen8634]

This was amazing and so helpful for me to understand some friends going down the mushroom path!

[@chadpearson1572]

Powerful and moving!

[@josuemolina6736]

This was amazing. Thank you for sharing your journey

[@JulieR-x7x]

Another great episode! Thank you so much for sharing. And, thank you so much for all the hard work put into this channel :-)❤

[@kirkharrop9193]

If I may ask. I have a deep metaphysical journey and would love to connect with Tony more directly. Does he have a way to connect with him more personally?

[@Come.Back.Podcast]

he said instagram is the nest place to reach him, his handle is tonychilds_

[@SummerSun-fx4qf]

"Write your own story." Love it! ❤

[@CarlosMunoz-hw1zj]

Wow. You could turn your story into a movie. So good.

[@theephraimite]

Thanks for sharing.

[@smithpaulina8]

Wow! Fascinating and important conversation!

[@Bloomsewing_studio]

This is what my brother is going thru right now.

[@karolynpieren5129]

Do you think this was what the people adhering to Daybells or Jody Hildebrandt philosophy did? This made me cry for so many people that are being lost. My son had this happen. It’s been heartbreaking.

[@Come.Back.Podcast]

I am so sorry

[@benjones6869]

One of my college roommates took a course in metaphysics and read books by Edmund Husserl, who was quoted as saying: "To charge the perception of the physical with representative functions means substituting for it an image consciousness which from the descriptive viewpoint is constituted in an essentially different way." Of Husserl it is said, "Never has anyone gone so deep and come up so muddy."

[@Come.Back.Podcast]

Thank you for this awesome comment

[@twoplustwoequalsfour48]

I’m 13 minutes and I’m in awe

[@lafrancehannele6884]

I would like to know if this bishop once was on an anti show? He looks so familiar. I had clicked out of curiosity and remember feeling so bad for this bishop who was now "celebrated" to a point of ridiculousness and had lost it all! I will never forget it how I felt for him. It was as if the evil forces had torn to shreds his garments and he turned into this small man of mockery. If this is the same man I am so happy for him for having come back to the light! Thank you for your testimony.

[@Come.Back.Podcast]

I believe you are thinking of someone else.

[@lafrancehannele6884]

Anyways, I hope that poor bishop has found his way back!

[@TheHappyNarwhals]

I think you are thinking of the bishop in Mississippi- but maybe he will come back too, we should pray for him!

[@tammigarlick1234]

Amen to Satan doesn’t tell us half truths!! Just like in the garden Satan tells us truth! He didn’t lie to Eve! He was telling her truth! What we fail to understand is that the lord withholds truths until we have faith and understanding to HOLD that truth. What satan continually tries to do is to insert himself into Gods role as the giver! What does “ I’m only doing what has been done in other worlds.” Mean? It means there would have come a time when Adam and Eve would have gone to the father with the question..Satan was inserting himself as the giver of knowledge and superseding Gods timing. This is what i see happening now with truths being uncovered before the children of God are ready. That is why you see these fringe groups that go off the rails!! They receive a truth and it doesn’t quite fit yet with there understand. So they feel they have been deceived, and just like Eve they go to other sources for knowledge! We just don’t have the full restoration yet!! We are still babies in our development and we need to have faith in Gods timing!! Just like what the prophets have been saying through the ages. When we FINALLY receive what we have already been given..then we will receive more!

[@Come.Back.Podcast]

I agree with some of what you are saying but Satan is absolutely the father of lies. He uses truths to trick you into believing everything he says so when he does throw in a lie you eat it all up. That is the point Tony is trying to make. - Lauren

[@andrewdurfee3896]

He did tell her truthfully that she would be knowledgeable like the Gods knowing good and evil, but he told Eve that she would not surely die, which is straight up a lie.

[@karolynpieren5129]

Such a great answer

[@alaitiamanusua2515]

What a powerful testimony! thank you for sharing. I will go back and read the BoM again...

[@RaeannPeck]

If we are living based upon fear rather than love for God, we have misunderstood God. His lovingkindness is for all. Who in this world is not among the wounded? God is the personification of Love and is intent on making us whole, if we are willing to receive Him. When scriptures discus fear of God, its a poor translation. Have Awe, and Wonder, and Love of God. Discover Who God really is. God is not looking to punish, but desires to heal our brokenness and wounds of this world, and to make us whole in Christ. God's whole purpose is Love and to bring us Home. He continually welcomes us if we will only come to Him. He wins our hearts and souls with love. We can know the goodness, love, mercy, and grace of God. He desires to be known, as personally as He knows and loves us. I too tried the woo woo scene for a while when I had left the church many years ago. I too had a sacred intervention experience with God that turned my heart everlastingly to Him. I'm glad Tony is explaining how Satan works. It's helpful to know how to recognize the subtle lies. God has promised us a Spirit of Truth and Discernment. We must not wander away from God and fall for the deceptions of Satan whose greatest tools are fear and hatred. Seek to know the goodness of God

[@Come.Back.Podcast]

Wow what an incredible comment thank you so much. We would love to hear your story if you are interested in sharing? You can email [e-mail]

[@JaneHallstrom1]

In the service of Jesus our “signs” are worthwhile.

[@jerhill13]

In the book "Return From Tomorrow" those drinking alcohol have their auras crack open and allow other spirits to enter their bodies. His reference to drugs and the invisible force fields reminded me of this.

[@ScrivenArt]

I forgot about that description in the book. What a scary thought! That book made me want to be careful about the habits I allow to develop.

[@RubyB-hb6hd]

Thank you so very much for your story! I struggle with the power of adversary. And it was exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you both

[@wheelercreek]

That is a wild come back story!

[@hollygustafson807]

I absolutely needed this this week.

[@donnahayes6658]

This might be the most powerful testimony I’ve ever heard! Thank you❤

[@justhereforthecomments628]

This is an incredibly important testimony that Tony shares about his faith trial but left me feeling still a sense of warning. For me, I would need to entirely turn away from and have nothing whatsoever to do with that which caused me to become beyond all feeling and question even the need for a Savior. His story shows if we even entertain these ideas, we are opening a crack for Satan to gain a foothold.

[@yuleyme7]

I would like to listen to his motivational speeches, does anyone know his last name or the the of his podcast, thank you

[@Come.Back.Podcast]

Instagram: @tonychild_

[@ValerieFulmer]

I want to spread his message to all Latter-day Saints who are considering or active New Agers, including those who are a part of Christ-centered healing which does have power. It has not been taught by the prophets and apostles. I believe New Agers are well-meaning and truly want to bless the lives of others and themselves. But it is not the strait and narrow way.

[@ScrivenArt]

I was thinking the same thing. It seems like people are trying to rip open the veil so they can access the spirits that are in that realm- which is to interfere with God’s design. And use any power other than the priesthood to heal.

[@livinthedream4479]

Wow! This was a great episode.

[@Freedom0rBust]

This is terrifying in so many ways. Powerful testimony of the Book of Mormon. Sometimes I wonder if John Dehlin as spiritual stirrings for him to leave his priestcraft and repent.

[@Come.Back.Podcast]

John has very sad eyes. I imagine he feels a lot of pain - Lauren

[@karolynpieren5129]

@@Come.Back.Podcast he took my faithful son. I have a strong dislike for him.

[@ScrivenArt]

@@karolynpieren5129 My children are in his grasp as well. He doesn’t have enough to offer. I believe many people will return to the God they love and they will stronger because of the experiences and things they see. I hope that happens for you and your faithful son.

[@lynnedavidson4772]

Isn't the desire to be able to move something simply by faith, actually a temptation to power? We need to desire to have faith enough to desire what the Lord wants? Thanks for provoking thoughts - I need go re-read the Articles on Faith. We need to ensure we desire faith to stay close to the Lord, not to carve our own way in the wilderness.

[@sydracuyan6238]

Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the first principle of the gospel, not faith.

[@katie2424100]

How can we get in contact with Tony?! This was wonderful!! So many possibilities and questions. Thanks for sharing!!

[@Come.Back.Podcast]

Instagram: @tonychild_

[@RealLadyG]

I’m also duty driven. It pains me to say no to others when asked of my time and commitment even to the detriment of my daily life.

[@orionfisher6850]

whats his full name and does he have any other material?

[@_Lachoneus]

Thanks for this!

[@gwenethowens]

This is the first podcast I have seen from this channel. It was most excellent! I do have a suggestion. You should make your guests picture cover about 90% of the screen, with your picture. Very small on the side or bottom.

[@kellymcdonald1895]

EXCELLENT!

[@DavoBenjamin]

Some wonder why God doesn’t reveal how the earth was specifically created. There are a number of reasons: 1. Science has come a long way in the last 100 years in understanding what constitutes matter. But there is still so much we need to know before we can ask God the right questions. 2. If God revealed the intricate how’s, we might spend all our time learning these details and become aware of our ignorance, especially regarding the simpletons we now understand in metaphysics. But such revelation would be to our detriment as it would take our focus off our salvation and exaltation

[@-Lindol-]

Nothing wrong with metaphysics as a domain of philosophy as the truth of the gospel directs your metaphysical worldview. The truth we are children of a loving God, is a truth that would fall into the domain of metaphysics if seen in a philosophical lens.

[@benzun9600]

Joseph Smith and many early saints were involved in it

[@carolynrichardson3532]

Does anyone know Tony’s last name or how to get in touch with him?

[@Come.Back.Podcast]

Instagram @TonyChilds_

[@tamragoodrich6067]

You might want to fix quote where it says Pres Nelson was put in as "prophet", only it's spelled wrong.

[@Come.Back.Podcast]

Thank you!

[@-Lindol-]

Spell check the last word in the description's quote.

[@Come.Back.Podcast]

Thank you so much I totally missed that - Lauren

[@RealLadyG]

I know about the Hicks. The Movie & Book THE SECRET.

[@lindyree5468]

I listen to that type of stuff allll the time. I love it! Abraham hicks is one I can’t. She/they, whatever, always felt so ick to me. And she does share truths, like solid nuggets of truth, but it feels off. For me the personal development stuff affirms my belief in God and Jesus.

[@Tk.utelab]

I worked with a guy that did this exactly the same thing

[@TrebizondMusic-cm6fp]

A first-hand account of what it's like to be Alma the Younger... or Laman and Lemuel, or Korihor, for that matter, if Korihor had repented! Sorry if he thought that it was crappy for people to call out his cringe behavior when he thought he was so clever to leave for Buddhism, but... bro, sorry, that's cringe. Good for his wife for leading their children in that prayer. He had no right to resent that. When people take the notion to leave and are complete jerks like he was, sorry, but they deserve to be called out. You think Jesus wouldn't call out that bullsh*t? Good for the guy who called Tony out on his bullsh*t instead of being too gentle in the name of "trying to be Christlike." A rigid fixation on Church activity based on duty and obedience can so easily neglect to give people a deep connection to the transcendent truth of the Gospel. It's no surprise when they get a taste of spiritual experience that's, let's say, *colorful,* that they'll so often figure that there's more color and vitality to be found in spirituality "out there" as an escape from a Church culture that seems restrictive, passive, shallow, etc. "Man, sub-creator, the refracted light through whom is splintered from a single White to many hues, and endlessly combined in living shapes that move from mind to mind. Though all the crannies of the world we filled with Elves and Goblins, though we dared to build Gods and their houses out of dark and light, and sowed the seed of dragons, 'twas our right (used or misused). The right has not decayed: we make still by the law in which we're made... And of evil this alone is deadly certain: Evil is." - J.R.R. Tolkien You don't need to get much into woo-woo to understand that we're constantly casting spells: the words we speak have power to affect people and the world. Those who write stories or songs, they are creating things that can take on lives of their own and change the shape of the world. Movie merch, theme parks, pop culture frames of reference and meaning, "fandoms" - these are all results of people wielding words: casting spells. Understood this way, again, you don't need to get into woo-woo stuff, you don't need to go looking for some kind of thrill, whether it's packaged as love and light, manifestation, law of attraction, etc.; or if it's packaged as more "witchy" to appeal to certain aesthetics, let alone the more blatant selfishness of chaos magic or black magic or whatever. Understand that we are sub-creators - and that means we are called to be subordinate. Understand that spells are real... and that we have been given the Good Spell. Understand that "the power is in [us]" but that there are some questions that have already been answered, orders and protocols and *keys* that have already been given. G.K. Chesterton's _Orthodoxy_ is worth reading: Chesterton used to be into the precursor of the New Age movement (over a hundred years ago: it's not that new after all), but in working out what he thought was an original concept of truth, he found that Christianity had gotten there ahead of him. I find this a vital thing to keep in mind, to help identify the 1% lie: God isn't an outdated concept to be discarded in favor of something in a shinier box: "believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend." God is "more intelligent than they all." God is way ahead of us. I went through a phase of reading Carl Jung, particularly his visionary experiences. I went through a faith crisis, and I decided to "try the virtue of the word of God" - extend trust in a God who was way ahead of me. There are things about Joseph Smith's "folk magic" that have been and continue to be great strengths to my testimony, because I have come to understand that there are times and places for all this, under the proper authority. Like Tony, I have fallen in love with the Book of Mormon in a way that I never had before. Its power is real. I find it so unbearably tedious when people try to discredit the Book of Mormon by comparing it to books produced by automatic writing or channeling (like Abraham Hicks). "Ye shall know them by their fruits." James Lindsay's analysis of modern Progressive movements as fruits of ancient Gnosticism is also worth listening to. The Church's restrictions have got nothing on the groupthink of the Progressive cult, or of people who are in love with their own cleverness and liberatedness.

[@racealexander1660]

Holy cow dude. That was some serious stuff you just laid down. Pretty cool to have a believer such as yourself also have such a working knowledge of other things that tie in or work against the Savior's church and doctrine.

[@TrebizondMusic-cm6fp]

@@racealexander1660 There are a lot of points that we can be hijacked or seduced. Like King Benjamin said, so many ways and means that we can't number them. What kept me from going too far down various roads was what he talked about too: watching myself.

[@shantel4960]

❤

[@silvermoon7791]

I went down the New Age path as well and can relate to your story!! I was on the hamster wheel constantly searching for truth. I since have come back to church (after being away for 10-15 years) and have felt so much peace. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@Come.Back.Podcast]

Would love to hear your story if you are willing to share! email [e-mail]

[@MommaCrissa]

At 36:14 i dont understand how after you know the book of mormon was true and all the Spiritual feelings of truth and power, then you went back to the temple??? What did you learn from Nephi's vision? I'm wondering how that can jive? There are restoration branches that believe in the same power of the book of mormon and don't go beyond to prophet following and temple worship. Sealings are totally different then what the church teaches. Its not in the book of mormon. Im still LDS, but I don't understand how you went back PAST the BoM then.

[@kenpearce3269]

❤❤

[@KyleETolle]

Congratulations on bringing the reality of Satan and evil back into your life. This must be a big relief.

[@jam5843]

I got into this as well, but made sure I included God and the church with it. It kept me safe. But there is a lot to it as well.....I am part of a group of LDS that does look into this, but also keep to the grounding of the Savior and the church as well.

[@readerreader6703]

People try to engage in “Christ-centered” energy healing, etc., but it simply can’t go together. Walk away. Unfortunately, I’ve witnessed the destruction of those who didn’t.

[@TrebizondMusic-cm6fp]

I'd like to talk to you. I do things that might raise some eyebrows, but I too have taken care to engage with such practices with the proper subordinate attitude.

[@franklinanderson9687]

Uh... I hate to tell you that the Book of Mormon was "Translated" in metaphysical folk magic ways. Seer stone/stones that words appeared on. Angels bringing them, taking them away, it's all a magical world view metaphysical religion.

[@millennialfalkon]

What you just described is biblical.

[@_Lachoneus]

He's not warning against all things metaphysical but merely telling his story of how he got confused and found the truth. "Metaphysical" merely refers to truths outside measurable reality

[@paulkohler6816]

Hmm. He keeps saying that he went on these deep dives of various subjects, but then when he describes what he learned, it doesn't sound like he made it past the kiddie pool...

[@jilliandeaton]

Thank you so much for sharing. This blessed me today. 🥲

[@ahoypolloi]

Ope. Bro fell for pseudo science and mysticism

[@dianahumphries5906]

My Dad used to say to me: "Di, Satan will tell you nine truths to get you to believe one lie." Be careful, the Dark Side is not confined to StarWars and memes, it is real. 2 Nephi 28:22 😑

[@sleepingrhino]

Science and metaphysics are not the same thing. Quite the opposite. Just saying😊

[@orvin1323]

I also am into a part of the New Age stuff or Spiritual movement or Prebirthers or NDEs. It really is 99% truths and 1% lie. I feel the 1% lie is more of there interpretation not really a lie. You don’t want to build your foundation on someone else’s “truths” find it on your own with Prayer and guidance from the scriptures. It’s crazy how much aligns with the church’s teachings but there will be something said that always removes satan from the picture then eventually god and Jesus.

[@wyattsmith2155]

Abraham Hicks influenced my wife as well out of the church. Definitely stay away from her.

[@ahoypolloi]

So no disrespect, but what does the religion have to offer to anyone that doesn't need its structure or commandments in order to be a productive member of society, care for their family and relationships, and not fall into cons or substance abuse? Truly?

[@aliceduren6542]

Is your question: "Why can't people just be good without religion?" As Joseph Smith said: “We don’t ask any people to throw away any good they have got; we only ask them to come and get more. What if all the world should embrace this Gospel? They would then see eye to eye, and the blessings of God would be poured out upon the people, which is the desire of my whole soul.”

[@elissajones5154]

I wonder this sometimes too and ultimately I’ll be happy if my kids grow up to be decent members of society with or without religion; however, I think there is something shifting about knowing the whole picture: knowing where you came from and where you are going. Having an eternal perspective can give you more hope when you have trials, help you be happier etc.

[@barryburton5885]

There are a lot of great talks out there that address this, and two which I will direct you to by Elder D. Todd Christofferson. The first is called "The Doctrine of Belonging," and the second is "Why the Covenant Path." You can find them by doing a Google search on those titles. The second talk was the source of what became our ward motto, "Covenants Matter."

[@wheelercreek]

The answer depends on whether you believe in God or not, really. If you believe in God, and the scriptures, then you will learn there is a straight and narrow path that leads one to Eternal Life with God. You can be a moral and decent person and reject the ordinances and covenants that God has laid out.. but you will then inherit one of the lower kingdoms rather than gaining access to the full glory and exaltation that God is willing to give you. You can be sealed up to eternal life with your family -- that opportunity is available if you want it, but you must make the covenants that are associated with it, and live by the those covenants. Watch the recent general conference addresses by President Nelson, Oaks, and Christofferson and others to learn more.

[@davidbenkert1062]

Great question! I invite you to meet with the missionaries and find out 😊

[@ahoypolloi]

None of these ideas are new. They go back hundreds if not thousands of years in Western folk magic, including right hand, left hand, and chaos magic. Hence the many scholars pointing out the similarities in LDS rituals and 19th century folk magic. These same ideas have also existed for centuries in Confucianism and Buddhism. So claiming that "new age" ideas are a source of danger and anti theism is reductive at best and then delusional or alarmist at worst.

[@theephraimite]

Point is, if those ideas have been around for centuries in Confucianism and Buddhism, they have a new revival in modern times under a different guise we know as false science. As for the raising of the right hand, that is actually an ancient practice associated with Hebrew prophets, priests and beyond.

[@ahoypolloi]

@@theephraimite I'll give you a few minutes to Google "right hand path magic" so that you can try responding with something that makes sense in this conversation

[@theephraimite]

@@ahoypolloi again, the raising of of the right hand was an ancient practice that goes back thousands of years. I learned this before google and the internet were invented. Your source is spewing crap. There is a reason the ancient patriarch Jacob named his youngest son Benjamin, which means “Son of the right hand.”, because Jacob and his fathers made covenants with God.

[@wheelercreek]

There are true temple rituals and there are counterfeit. Hugh Nibley has written so much on that, as have other LDS scholars. It’s not delusional to point out that Satan produces counterfeit ordinances and rituals.

[@millennialfalkon]

That’s quite the little rant 😅