I really enjoyed this book. The man who is describing his near death experiences herein does describe some pretty specific -- and hard to believe -- events that he described as happening in the near future. Let me first say this: I don't think this book necessarily accurately portrays the events of the future as they factually will happen. I still greatly enjoyed it and I feel like I might have even learned things about future events that MAY actually happen. I.e. I believe that a few/some/many/most/all of the future events he describes may happen in a similar way. How's that for a bold prediction?
I definitely felt confirmations about the throughout the first half of the book. Yes, maybe death wouldn't happen just like it is described, but I do feel very confident that the way Spencer/John describe things in an accurate way. And if that's not the way it is, oh well, I'm still a better person for believing it because it is a beautiful concept that has taught me so much about love and the power of God.
Now the latter parts of the book are definitely harder to take at face value. In his later visions he saw/makes some bold claims. Many who hear them are quick to point out how it sounds like he is a false prophet because if the Lord wanted those things revealed to the world he would do it through his 'prophet', but just because someone has the gift of prophesy, doesn't mean that they are a false prophet. It is a gift of the spirit. And whether or not these events will happen in the way Spencer states doesn't really matter. If I believe that they will, that just forces me to accept a shorter time-frame for the Saviors return than I logically want to give. And that is a good thing. That's why for hundreds of years -- Thousands actually -- the saints of God have believed that the second coming was right around the corner. I believe God gives us that impression so that we live our lives a.) looking forward to that day and b.) with it in mind as we make daily choices whether to follow him or the adversary. Additionally, even if things won't happen the way he describes them and his vision was more metaphorical, I definitely felt impressed to become more Christlike/Zion-like so that I could participate in any events LIKE those described inside. And that's a good thing too, right? I also felt impressed in how to change how I'd plan to handle myself in a 'post-apocalyptic world'. I always envisioned myself using guns as a tool/defense, but I LOVED that his people didn't and it just felt right/Christlike/Zion-like to me.
So basically, I think I gave this book 5 stars specifically not because I believe it perfectly lays out future events, but because his description of a vision he saw of future events leads me to be a much better, more Christlike, person. They were visions for him, not me. And God is rarely literal in visions. I gained a greater/stronger testimony of my Savior through this very entertaining, interesting and inspiring book.
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Reviews with images
Defective Book Binding
The book is a very good read. However, while reading chapter 2 the pages starting falling out from a defective binding. Had to return the book before I was able to finish it.
Top reviews from other countries
James, Hastings England
astonishing, overpowering, breathtaking, beautiful, complete, elegant, and with a sense of truth attested to by the Holy Ghost
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Incredible insight into the future of the US
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