Dreams as Revelation

Overview

In Dreams as Revelation, three BYU religion professors trace patterns of revelatory dreams in scripture, Church history, and modern experience, showing how the Lord can use dreams to warn, comfort, and confirm truth. Drawing on a wide range of primary sources, the authors construct a coherent doctrinal framework for understanding this form of divine communication.

The book resists sensationalism, instead offering a measured, scripturally grounded approach to a topic often treated either with excessive credulity or unnecessary skepticism. Readers will come away with both a richer understanding of Church history and practical guidance for their own spiritual lives.

Key Themes

• Scriptural foundations for dreams as a form of personal revelation in both ancient and modern scripture.
• Historical case studies from Latter-day Saint leaders, including accounts from General Authorities and early Church members.
• Doctrinal principles for evaluating, recording, and responding to revelatory dreams.
• The relationship between dreams, the Holy Ghost, and other forms of divine communication.
• Cross-cultural and interfaith perspectives that illuminate the universal dimension of the experience.

Suggested Uses

• Personal study on the nature of revelation and the operations of the Holy Ghost.
• Institute or adult Sunday School lessons on personal revelation and spiritual gifts.
• Supplemental reading for BYU Religion or Church history courses.
• Book club or ward study group exploring Latter-day Saint doctrine.
• Speaker preparation for firesides or devotionals on spiritual promptings.

About the Authors

This volume brings together three scholars from BYU's Department of Church History and Doctrine, each contributing expertise in history, doctrine, and religious education. Mary Jane Searle's biographical and historical scholarship is joined by the complementary strengths of Kenneth L. Alford and Craig K. Manscill.