Doctrine and Covenants 50

The [Church’s section introduction](https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/50?lang=eng) for this says, “So-called spiritual phenomena were not uncommon among the members, some of whom claimed to be receiving visions and revelations.” These verses explain there are many false spirits that deceive the world. Starting in verse 10, the Lord condescends to “reason even as a man reasoneth" so the elders of the Church can avoid being deceived by these false sprits. The first part of the Lord’s reasoning (verses 13-20) seem to have an unstated premise that they all know the truth as taught by Joseph is of God. If so, these verses seem to be saying something like “if what is claimed by any spirit goes against anything Joseph Smith taught, then the spirit that claimed it is a false spirit." If they could know that Joseph was a prophet and could not lead them astray, even in the slightest, then this “reasoning” might be sound. But the problem is, Joseph was not perfect and the promise of personal revelation to know if he was a prophet is flawed (see Moroni 10:3-5 and [“How well does the Book of Mormon promise work?”](https://a-bom.github.io/comefollowme49.html) for more on this). Then verses 21-23 tell us if something is preached and it edifies the preacher and the receiver of the preaching, then it is truth (and therefore of God). Verses 31-32 tells them if they don’t understand a spirit, and ask God if God did not give it to you them, then God will tell them and give them power over that sprit. Verses 33-35 tell them to be humble and do what they’re told, and then they will have power over things not ordained of God (presumably including false spirits). But, going back to the beginning of the restorationist movement, how did Joseph know he was not deceived from the beginning, either by his imperfect human perception and reasoning or by false spirits. This is the Achilles heel of any revelation. It comes by way of flawed perceptions and reasoning, usually while shunning the possibility of being held accountable by evidence and critical thinking.

The [Church’s section introduction](https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/50?lang=eng) for this says, “So-called spiritual phenomena were not uncommon among the members, some of whom claimed to be receiving visions and revelations.” These verses explain there are many false spirits that deceive the world. Starting in verse 10, the Lord condescends to “reason even as a man reasoneth" so the elders of the Church can avoid being deceived by these false sprits. The first part of the Lord’s reasoning (verses 13-20) seem to have an unstated premise that they all know the truth as taught by Joseph is of God. If so, these verses seem to be saying something like “if what is claimed by any spirit goes against anything Joseph Smith taught, then the spirit that claimed it is a false spirit." If they could know that Joseph was a prophet and could not lead them astray, even in the slightest, then this “reasoning” might be sound. But the problem is, Joseph was not perfect and the promise of personal revelation to know if he was a prophet is flawed (see Moroni 10:3-5 and [“How well does the Book of Mormon promise work?”](https://a-bom.github.io/comefollowme49.html) for more on this). Then verses 21-23 tell us if something is preached and it edifies the preacher and the receiver of the preaching, then it is truth (and therefore of God). Verses 31-32 tells them if they don’t understand a spirit, and ask God if God did not give it to you them, then God will tell them and give them power over that sprit. Verses 33-35 tell them to be humble and do what they’re told, and then they will have power over things not ordained of God (presumably including false spirits). But, going back to the beginning of the restorationist movement, how did Joseph know he was not deceived from the beginning, either by his imperfect human perception and reasoning or by false spirits. This is the Achilles heel of any revelation. It comes by way of flawed perceptions and reasoning, usually while shunning the possibility of being held accountable by evidence and critical thinking.

The [Church’s section introduction](https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/50?lang=eng) for this says, “So-called spiritual phenomena were not uncommon among the members, some of whom claimed to be receiving visions and revelations.” These verses explain there are many false spirits that deceive the world. Starting in verse 10, the Lord condescends to “reason even as a man reasoneth" so the elders of the Church can avoid being deceived by these false sprits. The first part of the Lord’s reasoning (verses 13-20) seem to have an unstated premise that they all know the truth as taught by Joseph is of God. If so, these verses seem to be saying something like “if what is claimed by any spirit goes against anything Joseph Smith taught, then the spirit that claimed it is a false spirit." If they could know that Joseph was a prophet and could not lead them astray, even in the slightest, then this “reasoning” might be sound. But the problem is, Joseph was not perfect and the promise of personal revelation to know if he was a prophet is flawed (see Moroni 10:3-5 and [“How well does the Book of Mormon promise work?”](https://a-bom.github.io/comefollowme49.html) for more on this). Then verses 21-23 tell us if something is preached and it edifies the preacher and the receiver of the preaching, then it is truth (and therefore of God). Verses 31-32 tells them if they don’t understand a spirit, and ask God if God did not give it to you them, then God will tell them and give them power over that sprit. Verses 33-35 tell them to be humble and do what they’re told, and then they will have power over things not ordained of God (presumably including false spirits). But, going back to the beginning of the restorationist movement, how did Joseph know he was not deceived from the beginning, either by his imperfect human perception and reasoning or by false spirits. This is the Achilles heel of any revelation. It comes by way of flawed perceptions and reasoning, usually while shunning the possibility of being held accountable by evidence and critical thinking.

The [Church’s section introduction](https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/50?lang=eng) for this says, “So-called spiritual phenomena were not uncommon among the members, some of whom claimed to be receiving visions and revelations.” These verses explain there are many false spirits that deceive the world. Starting in verse 10, the Lord condescends to “reason even as a man reasoneth" so the elders of the Church can avoid being deceived by these false sprits. The first part of the Lord’s reasoning (verses 13-20) seem to have an unstated premise that they all know the truth as taught by Joseph is of God. If so, these verses seem to be saying something like “if what is claimed by any spirit goes against anything Joseph Smith taught, then the spirit that claimed it is a false spirit." If they could know that Joseph was a prophet and could not lead them astray, even in the slightest, then this “reasoning” might be sound. But the problem is, Joseph was not perfect and the promise of personal revelation to know if he was a prophet is flawed (see Moroni 10:3-5 and [“How well does the Book of Mormon promise work?”](https://a-bom.github.io/comefollowme49.html) for more on this). Then verses 21-23 tell us if something is preached and it edifies the preacher and the receiver of the preaching, then it is truth (and therefore of God). Verses 31-32 tells them if they don’t understand a spirit, and ask God if God did not give it to you them, then God will tell them and give them power over that sprit. Verses 33-35 tell them to be humble and do what they’re told, and then they will have power over things not ordained of God (presumably including false spirits). But, going back to the beginning of the restorationist movement, how did Joseph know he was not deceived from the beginning, either by his imperfect human perception and reasoning or by false spirits. This is the Achilles heel of any revelation. It comes by way of flawed perceptions and reasoning, usually while shunning the possibility of being held accountable by evidence and critical thinking.

The [Church’s section introduction](https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/50?lang=eng) for this says, “So-called spiritual phenomena were not uncommon among the members, some of whom claimed to be receiving visions and revelations.” These verses explain there are many false spirits that deceive the world. Starting in verse 10, the Lord condescends to “reason even as a man reasoneth" so the elders of the Church can avoid being deceived by these false sprits. The first part of the Lord’s reasoning (verses 13-20) seem to have an unstated premise that they all know the truth as taught by Joseph is of God. If so, these verses seem to be saying something like “if what is claimed by any spirit goes against anything Joseph Smith taught, then the spirit that claimed it is a false spirit." If they could know that Joseph was a prophet and could not lead them astray, even in the slightest, then this “reasoning” might be sound. But the problem is, Joseph was not perfect and the promise of personal revelation to know if he was a prophet is flawed (see Moroni 10:3-5 and [“How well does the Book of Mormon promise work?”](https://a-bom.github.io/comefollowme49.html) for more on this). Then verses 21-23 tell us if something is preached and it edifies the preacher and the receiver of the preaching, then it is truth (and therefore of God). Verses 31-32 tells them if they don’t understand a spirit, and ask God if God did not give it to you them, then God will tell them and give them power over that sprit. Verses 33-35 tell them to be humble and do what they’re told, and then they will have power over things not ordained of God (presumably including false spirits). But, going back to the beginning of the restorationist movement, how did Joseph know he was not deceived from the beginning, either by his imperfect human perception and reasoning or by false spirits. This is the Achilles heel of any revelation. It comes by way of flawed perceptions and reasoning, usually while shunning the possibility of being held accountable by evidence and critical thinking.

The [Church’s section introduction](https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/50?lang=eng) for this says, “So-called spiritual phenomena were not uncommon among the members, some of whom claimed to be receiving visions and revelations.” These verses explain there are many false spirits that deceive the world. Starting in verse 10, the Lord condescends to “reason even as a man reasoneth" so the elders of the Church can avoid being deceived by these false sprits. The first part of the Lord’s reasoning (verses 13-20) seem to have an unstated premise that they all know the truth as taught by Joseph is of God. If so, these verses seem to be saying something like “if what is claimed by any spirit goes against anything Joseph Smith taught, then the spirit that claimed it is a false spirit." If they could know that Joseph was a prophet and could not lead them astray, even in the slightest, then this “reasoning” might be sound. But the problem is, Joseph was not perfect and the promise of personal revelation to know if he was a prophet is flawed (see Moroni 10:3-5 and [“How well does the Book of Mormon promise work?”](https://a-bom.github.io/comefollowme49.html) for more on this). Then verses 21-23 tell us if something is preached and it edifies the preacher and the receiver of the preaching, then it is truth (and therefore of God). Verses 31-32 tells them if they don’t understand a spirit, and ask God if God did not give it to you them, then God will tell them and give them power over that sprit. Verses 33-35 tell them to be humble and do what they’re told, and then they will have power over things not ordained of God (presumably including false spirits). But, going back to the beginning of the restorationist movement, how did Joseph know he was not deceived from the beginning, either by his imperfect human perception and reasoning or by false spirits. This is the Achilles heel of any revelation. It comes by way of flawed perceptions and reasoning, usually while shunning the possibility of being held accountable by evidence and critical thinking.

The [Church’s section introduction](https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/50?lang=eng) for this says, “So-called spiritual phenomena were not uncommon among the members, some of whom claimed to be receiving visions and revelations.” These verses explain there are many false spirits that deceive the world. Starting in verse 10, the Lord condescends to “reason even as a man reasoneth" so the elders of the Church can avoid being deceived by these false sprits. The first part of the Lord’s reasoning (verses 13-20) seem to have an unstated premise that they all know the truth as taught by Joseph is of God. If so, these verses seem to be saying something like “if what is claimed by any spirit goes against anything Joseph Smith taught, then the spirit that claimed it is a false spirit." If they could know that Joseph was a prophet and could not lead them astray, even in the slightest, then this “reasoning” might be sound. But the problem is, Joseph was not perfect and the promise of personal revelation to know if he was a prophet is flawed (see Moroni 10:3-5 and [“How well does the Book of Mormon promise work?”](https://a-bom.github.io/comefollowme49.html) for more on this). Then verses 21-23 tell us if something is preached and it edifies the preacher and the receiver of the preaching, then it is truth (and therefore of God). Verses 31-32 tells them if they don’t understand a spirit, and ask God if God did not give it to you them, then God will tell them and give them power over that sprit. Verses 33-35 tell them to be humble and do what they’re told, and then they will have power over things not ordained of God (presumably including false spirits). But, going back to the beginning of the restorationist movement, how did Joseph know he was not deceived from the beginning, either by his imperfect human perception and reasoning or by false spirits. This is the Achilles heel of any revelation. It comes by way of flawed perceptions and reasoning, usually while shunning the possibility of being held accountable by evidence and critical thinking.

The [Church’s section introduction](https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/50?lang=eng) for this says, “So-called spiritual phenomena were not uncommon among the members, some of whom claimed to be receiving visions and revelations.” These verses explain there are many false spirits that deceive the world. Starting in verse 10, the Lord condescends to “reason even as a man reasoneth" so the elders of the Church can avoid being deceived by these false sprits. The first part of the Lord’s reasoning (verses 13-20) seem to have an unstated premise that they all know the truth as taught by Joseph is of God. If so, these verses seem to be saying something like “if what is claimed by any spirit goes against anything Joseph Smith taught, then the spirit that claimed it is a false spirit." If they could know that Joseph was a prophet and could not lead them astray, even in the slightest, then this “reasoning” might be sound. But the problem is, Joseph was not perfect and the promise of personal revelation to know if he was a prophet is flawed (see Moroni 10:3-5 and [“How well does the Book of Mormon promise work?”](https://a-bom.github.io/comefollowme49.html) for more on this). Then verses 21-23 tell us if something is preached and it edifies the preacher and the receiver of the preaching, then it is truth (and therefore of God). Verses 31-32 tells them if they don’t understand a spirit, and ask God if God did not give it to you them, then God will tell them and give them power over that sprit. Verses 33-35 tell them to be humble and do what they’re told, and then they will have power over things not ordained of God (presumably including false spirits). But, going back to the beginning of the restorationist movement, how did Joseph know he was not deceived from the beginning, either by his imperfect human perception and reasoning or by false spirits. This is the Achilles heel of any revelation. It comes by way of flawed perceptions and reasoning, usually while shunning the possibility of being held accountable by evidence and critical thinking.

The [Church’s section introduction](https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/50?lang=eng) for this says, “So-called spiritual phenomena were not uncommon among the members, some of whom claimed to be receiving visions and revelations.” These verses explain there are many false spirits that deceive the world. Starting in verse 10, the Lord condescends to “reason even as a man reasoneth" so the elders of the Church can avoid being deceived by these false sprits. The first part of the Lord’s reasoning (verses 13-20) seem to have an unstated premise that they all know the truth as taught by Joseph is of God. If so, these verses seem to be saying something like “if what is claimed by any spirit goes against anything Joseph Smith taught, then the spirit that claimed it is a false spirit." If they could know that Joseph was a prophet and could not lead them astray, even in the slightest, then this “reasoning” might be sound. But the problem is, Joseph was not perfect and the promise of personal revelation to know if he was a prophet is flawed (see Moroni 10:3-5 and [“How well does the Book of Mormon promise work?”](https://a-bom.github.io/comefollowme49.html) for more on this). Then verses 21-23 tell us if something is preached and it edifies the preacher and the receiver of the preaching, then it is truth (and therefore of God). Verses 31-32 tells them if they don’t understand a spirit, and ask God if God did not give it to you them, then God will tell them and give them power over that sprit. Verses 33-35 tell them to be humble and do what they’re told, and then they will have power over things not ordained of God (presumably including false spirits). But, going back to the beginning of the restorationist movement, how did Joseph know he was not deceived from the beginning, either by his imperfect human perception and reasoning or by false spirits. This is the Achilles heel of any revelation. It comes by way of flawed perceptions and reasoning, usually while shunning the possibility of being held accountable by evidence and critical thinking.

The [Church’s section introduction](https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/50?lang=eng) for this says, “So-called spiritual phenomena were not uncommon among the members, some of whom claimed to be receiving visions and revelations.” These verses explain there are many false spirits that deceive the world. Starting in verse 10, the Lord condescends to “reason even as a man reasoneth" so the elders of the Church can avoid being deceived by these false sprits. The first part of the Lord’s reasoning (verses 13-20) seem to have an unstated premise that they all know the truth as taught by Joseph is of God. If so, these verses seem to be saying something like “if what is claimed by any spirit goes against anything Joseph Smith taught, then the spirit that claimed it is a false spirit." If they could know that Joseph was a prophet and could not lead them astray, even in the slightest, then this “reasoning” might be sound. But the problem is, Joseph was not perfect and the promise of personal revelation to know if he was a prophet is flawed (see Moroni 10:3-5 and [“How well does the Book of Mormon promise work?”](https://a-bom.github.io/comefollowme49.html) for more on this). Then verses 21-23 tell us if something is preached and it edifies the preacher and the receiver of the preaching, then it is truth (and therefore of God). Verses 31-32 tells them if they don’t understand a spirit, and ask God if God did not give it to you them, then God will tell them and give them power over that sprit. Verses 33-35 tell them to be humble and do what they’re told, and then they will have power over things not ordained of God (presumably including false spirits). But, going back to the beginning of the restorationist movement, how did Joseph know he was not deceived from the beginning, either by his imperfect human perception and reasoning or by false spirits. This is the Achilles heel of any revelation. It comes by way of flawed perceptions and reasoning, usually while shunning the possibility of being held accountable by evidence and critical thinking.

The [Church’s section introduction](https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/50?lang=eng) for this says, “So-called spiritual phenomena were not uncommon among the members, some of whom claimed to be receiving visions and revelations.” These verses explain there are many false spirits that deceive the world. Starting in verse 10, the Lord condescends to “reason even as a man reasoneth" so the elders of the Church can avoid being deceived by these false sprits. The first part of the Lord’s reasoning (verses 13-20) seem to have an unstated premise that they all know the truth as taught by Joseph is of God. If so, these verses seem to be saying something like “if what is claimed by any spirit goes against anything Joseph Smith taught, then the spirit that claimed it is a false spirit." If they could know that Joseph was a prophet and could not lead them astray, even in the slightest, then this “reasoning” might be sound. But the problem is, Joseph was not perfect and the promise of personal revelation to know if he was a prophet is flawed (see Moroni 10:3-5 and [“How well does the Book of Mormon promise work?”](https://a-bom.github.io/comefollowme49.html) for more on this). Then verses 21-23 tell us if something is preached and it edifies the preacher and the receiver of the preaching, then it is truth (and therefore of God). Verses 31-32 tells them if they don’t understand a spirit, and ask God if God did not give it to you them, then God will tell them and give them power over that sprit. Verses 33-35 tell them to be humble and do what they’re told, and then they will have power over things not ordained of God (presumably including false spirits). But, going back to the beginning of the restorationist movement, how did Joseph know he was not deceived from the beginning, either by his imperfect human perception and reasoning or by false spirits. This is the Achilles heel of any revelation. It comes by way of flawed perceptions and reasoning, usually while shunning the possibility of being held accountable by evidence and critical thinking.

The [Church’s section introduction](https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/50?lang=eng) for this says, “So-called spiritual phenomena were not uncommon among the members, some of whom claimed to be receiving visions and revelations.” These verses explain there are many false spirits that deceive the world. Starting in verse 10, the Lord condescends to “reason even as a man reasoneth" so the elders of the Church can avoid being deceived by these false sprits. The first part of the Lord’s reasoning (verses 13-20) seem to have an unstated premise that they all know the truth as taught by Joseph is of God. If so, these verses seem to be saying something like “if what is claimed by any spirit goes against anything Joseph Smith taught, then the spirit that claimed it is a false spirit." If they could know that Joseph was a prophet and could not lead them astray, even in the slightest, then this “reasoning” might be sound. But the problem is, Joseph was not perfect and the promise of personal revelation to know if he was a prophet is flawed (see Moroni 10:3-5 and [“How well does the Book of Mormon promise work?”](https://a-bom.github.io/comefollowme49.html) for more on this). Then verses 21-23 tell us if something is preached and it edifies the preacher and the receiver of the preaching, then it is truth (and therefore of God). Verses 31-32 tells them if they don’t understand a spirit, and ask God if God did not give it to you them, then God will tell them and give them power over that sprit. Verses 33-35 tell them to be humble and do what they’re told, and then they will have power over things not ordained of God (presumably including false spirits). But, going back to the beginning of the restorationist movement, how did Joseph know he was not deceived from the beginning, either by his imperfect human perception and reasoning or by false spirits. This is the Achilles heel of any revelation. It comes by way of flawed perceptions and reasoning, usually while shunning the possibility of being held accountable by evidence and critical thinking.

The [Church’s section introduction](https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/50?lang=eng) for this says, “So-called spiritual phenomena were not uncommon among the members, some of whom claimed to be receiving visions and revelations.” These verses explain there are many false spirits that deceive the world. Starting in verse 10, the Lord condescends to “reason even as a man reasoneth" so the elders of the Church can avoid being deceived by these false sprits. The first part of the Lord’s reasoning (verses 13-20) seem to have an unstated premise that they all know the truth as taught by Joseph is of God. If so, these verses seem to be saying something like “if what is claimed by any spirit goes against anything Joseph Smith taught, then the spirit that claimed it is a false spirit." If they could know that Joseph was a prophet and could not lead them astray, even in the slightest, then this “reasoning” might be sound. But the problem is, Joseph was not perfect and the promise of personal revelation to know if he was a prophet is flawed (see Moroni 10:3-5 and [“How well does the Book of Mormon promise work?”](https://a-bom.github.io/comefollowme49.html) for more on this). Then verses 21-23 tell us if something is preached and it edifies the preacher and the receiver of the preaching, then it is truth (and therefore of God). Verses 31-32 tells them if they don’t understand a spirit, and ask God if God did not give it to you them, then God will tell them and give them power over that sprit. Verses 33-35 tell them to be humble and do what they’re told, and then they will have power over things not ordained of God (presumably including false spirits). But, going back to the beginning of the restorationist movement, how did Joseph know he was not deceived from the beginning, either by his imperfect human perception and reasoning or by false spirits. This is the Achilles heel of any revelation. It comes by way of flawed perceptions and reasoning, usually while shunning the possibility of being held accountable by evidence and critical thinking.

The [Church’s section introduction](https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/50?lang=eng) for this says, “So-called spiritual phenomena were not uncommon among the members, some of whom claimed to be receiving visions and revelations.” These verses explain there are many false spirits that deceive the world. Starting in verse 10, the Lord condescends to “reason even as a man reasoneth" so the elders of the Church can avoid being deceived by these false sprits. The first part of the Lord’s reasoning (verses 13-20) seem to have an unstated premise that they all know the truth as taught by Joseph is of God. If so, these verses seem to be saying something like “if what is claimed by any spirit goes against anything Joseph Smith taught, then the spirit that claimed it is a false spirit." If they could know that Joseph was a prophet and could not lead them astray, even in the slightest, then this “reasoning” might be sound. But the problem is, Joseph was not perfect and the promise of personal revelation to know if he was a prophet is flawed (see Moroni 10:3-5 and [“How well does the Book of Mormon promise work?”](https://a-bom.github.io/comefollowme49.html) for more on this). Then verses 21-23 tell us if something is preached and it edifies the preacher and the receiver of the preaching, then it is truth (and therefore of God). Verses 31-32 tells them if they don’t understand a spirit, and ask God if God did not give it to you them, then God will tell them and give them power over that sprit. Verses 33-35 tell them to be humble and do what they’re told, and then they will have power over things not ordained of God (presumably including false spirits). But, going back to the beginning of the restorationist movement, how did Joseph know he was not deceived from the beginning, either by his imperfect human perception and reasoning or by false spirits. This is the Achilles heel of any revelation. It comes by way of flawed perceptions and reasoning, usually while shunning the possibility of being held accountable by evidence and critical thinking.

The [Church’s section introduction](https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/50?lang=eng) for this says, “So-called spiritual phenomena were not uncommon among the members, some of whom claimed to be receiving visions and revelations.” These verses explain there are many false spirits that deceive the world. Starting in verse 10, the Lord condescends to “reason even as a man reasoneth" so the elders of the Church can avoid being deceived by these false sprits. The first part of the Lord’s reasoning (verses 13-20) seem to have an unstated premise that they all know the truth as taught by Joseph is of God. If so, these verses seem to be saying something like “if what is claimed by any spirit goes against anything Joseph Smith taught, then the spirit that claimed it is a false spirit." If they could know that Joseph was a prophet and could not lead them astray, even in the slightest, then this “reasoning” might be sound. But the problem is, Joseph was not perfect and the promise of personal revelation to know if he was a prophet is flawed (see Moroni 10:3-5 and [“How well does the Book of Mormon promise work?”](https://a-bom.github.io/comefollowme49.html) for more on this). Then verses 21-23 tell us if something is preached and it edifies the preacher and the receiver of the preaching, then it is truth (and therefore of God). Verses 31-32 tells them if they don’t understand a spirit, and ask God if God did not give it to you them, then God will tell them and give them power over that sprit. Verses 33-35 tell them to be humble and do what they’re told, and then they will have power over things not ordained of God (presumably including false spirits). But, going back to the beginning of the restorationist movement, how did Joseph know he was not deceived from the beginning, either by his imperfect human perception and reasoning or by false spirits. This is the Achilles heel of any revelation. It comes by way of flawed perceptions and reasoning, usually while shunning the possibility of being held accountable by evidence and critical thinking.

The [Church’s section introduction](https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/50?lang=eng) for this says, “So-called spiritual phenomena were not uncommon among the members, some of whom claimed to be receiving visions and revelations.” These verses explain there are many false spirits that deceive the world. Starting in verse 10, the Lord condescends to “reason even as a man reasoneth" so the elders of the Church can avoid being deceived by these false sprits. The first part of the Lord’s reasoning (verses 13-20) seem to have an unstated premise that they all know the truth as taught by Joseph is of God. If so, these verses seem to be saying something like “if what is claimed by any spirit goes against anything Joseph Smith taught, then the spirit that claimed it is a false spirit." If they could know that Joseph was a prophet and could not lead them astray, even in the slightest, then this “reasoning” might be sound. But the problem is, Joseph was not perfect and the promise of personal revelation to know if he was a prophet is flawed (see Moroni 10:3-5 and [“How well does the Book of Mormon promise work?”](https://a-bom.github.io/comefollowme49.html) for more on this). Then verses 21-23 tell us if something is preached and it edifies the preacher and the receiver of the preaching, then it is truth (and therefore of God). Verses 31-32 tells them if they don’t understand a spirit, and ask God if God did not give it to you them, then God will tell them and give them power over that sprit. Verses 33-35 tell them to be humble and do what they’re told, and then they will have power over things not ordained of God (presumably including false spirits). But, going back to the beginning of the restorationist movement, how did Joseph know he was not deceived from the beginning, either by his imperfect human perception and reasoning or by false spirits. This is the Achilles heel of any revelation. It comes by way of flawed perceptions and reasoning, usually while shunning the possibility of being held accountable by evidence and critical thinking.

The [Church’s section introduction](https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/50?lang=eng) for this says, “So-called spiritual phenomena were not uncommon among the members, some of whom claimed to be receiving visions and revelations.” These verses explain there are many false spirits that deceive the world. Starting in verse 10, the Lord condescends to “reason even as a man reasoneth" so the elders of the Church can avoid being deceived by these false sprits. The first part of the Lord’s reasoning (verses 13-20) seem to have an unstated premise that they all know the truth as taught by Joseph is of God. If so, these verses seem to be saying something like “if what is claimed by any spirit goes against anything Joseph Smith taught, then the spirit that claimed it is a false spirit." If they could know that Joseph was a prophet and could not lead them astray, even in the slightest, then this “reasoning” might be sound. But the problem is, Joseph was not perfect and the promise of personal revelation to know if he was a prophet is flawed (see Moroni 10:3-5 and [“How well does the Book of Mormon promise work?”](https://a-bom.github.io/comefollowme49.html) for more on this). Then verses 21-23 tell us if something is preached and it edifies the preacher and the receiver of the preaching, then it is truth (and therefore of God). Verses 31-32 tells them if they don’t understand a spirit, and ask God if God did not give it to you them, then God will tell them and give them power over that sprit. Verses 33-35 tell them to be humble and do what they’re told, and then they will have power over things not ordained of God (presumably including false spirits). But, going back to the beginning of the restorationist movement, how did Joseph know he was not deceived from the beginning, either by his imperfect human perception and reasoning or by false spirits. This is the Achilles heel of any revelation. It comes by way of flawed perceptions and reasoning, usually while shunning the possibility of being held accountable by evidence and critical thinking.

The [Church’s section introduction](https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/50?lang=eng) for this says, “So-called spiritual phenomena were not uncommon among the members, some of whom claimed to be receiving visions and revelations.” These verses explain there are many false spirits that deceive the world. Starting in verse 10, the Lord condescends to “reason even as a man reasoneth" so the elders of the Church can avoid being deceived by these false sprits. The first part of the Lord’s reasoning (verses 13-20) seem to have an unstated premise that they all know the truth as taught by Joseph is of God. If so, these verses seem to be saying something like “if what is claimed by any spirit goes against anything Joseph Smith taught, then the spirit that claimed it is a false spirit." If they could know that Joseph was a prophet and could not lead them astray, even in the slightest, then this “reasoning” might be sound. But the problem is, Joseph was not perfect and the promise of personal revelation to know if he was a prophet is flawed (see Moroni 10:3-5 and [“How well does the Book of Mormon promise work?”](https://a-bom.github.io/comefollowme49.html) for more on this). Then verses 21-23 tell us if something is preached and it edifies the preacher and the receiver of the preaching, then it is truth (and therefore of God). Verses 31-32 tells them if they don’t understand a spirit, and ask God if God did not give it to you them, then God will tell them and give them power over that sprit. Verses 33-35 tell them to be humble and do what they’re told, and then they will have power over things not ordained of God (presumably including false spirits). But, going back to the beginning of the restorationist movement, how did Joseph know he was not deceived from the beginning, either by his imperfect human perception and reasoning or by false spirits. This is the Achilles heel of any revelation. It comes by way of flawed perceptions and reasoning, usually while shunning the possibility of being held accountable by evidence and critical thinking.