UtahDan - answer to your question

[Spaz]

in this post, you queried me as to the authority on not sharing personal spiritual experiences.

This talk, which I found while doing a quick search of LDS.org for examples of GA-performed miracles, I think provides some answers to your question.

Specifically, this section is quite enlightening:

Why Don’t We Hear More about Miracles?

Why don’t our talks in general conference and local meetings say more about the miracles we have seen? Most of the miracles we experience are not to be shared. Consistent with the teachings of the scriptures, we hold them sacred and share them only when the Spirit prompts us to do so.

The revelation on priesthood affirms the biblical teaching in Mark 16:17 that “signs,” including miraculous healings and other wonderful works, “follow them that believe” (see also D&C 84:65). Similarly, modern revelation directs that “they shall not boast themselves of these things, neither speak them before the world; for these things are given unto you for your profit and for salvation” (D&C 84:73). Another revelation declares, “Remember that that which cometh from above is sacred, and must be spoken with care, and by constraint of the Spirit” (D&C 63:64). President Brigham Young explained, “Miracles, or these extraordinary manifestations of the power of God, are not for the unbeliever; they are to console the Saints, and to strengthen and confirm the faith of those who love, fear, and serve God, and not for outsiders.” 7

Latter-day Saints generally follow these directions. In bearing testimonies and in our public addresses we rarely mention our most miraculous experiences, and we rarely rely on signs that the gospel is true. We usually just affirm our testimony of the truthfulness of the restored gospel and give few details on how we obtained it. Why is this? Signs follow those that believe. Seeking a miracle to convert someone is improper sign seeking. By the same token, it is usually inappropriate to recite miraculous circumstances to a general audience that includes people with very different levels of spiritual maturity. To a general audience, miracles will be faith-reinforcing for some but an inappropriate sign for others.

There are good reasons why we do not seek conversions by exhibiting signs. “The viewing of signs or miracles is not a secure foundation for conversion. Scriptural history attests that people converted by signs and wonders soon forget them and again become susceptible to the lies and distortions of Satan and his servants (Hel. 16:23; 3 Ne. 1:22, 3 Ne. 2:1, 3 Ne. 8:4.). …

“In contrast to the witness of the Spirit, which can be renewed from time to time as needed by a worthy recipient, the viewing of a sign or the experiencing of a miracle is a one-time event that will fade in the memory of its witness and can dim in its impact upon him or her.” 8

President George Q. Cannon (1827–1901), who served for more than a quarter century in the First Presidency, observed: “It has been a matter of remark among those who have had experience in this Church that where men have been brought into the Church by such manifestations, it has required a constant succession of them to keep them in the Church; their faith has had to be constantly strengthened by witnessing some such manifestations; but where they have been convinced by the outpouring of the spirit of God, … they have been more likely to stand, more likely to endure persecution and trial than those who have been convinced through some supernatural manifestation.” 9

Anyway, this is a better answer than I gave, and wanted to provide it for your perusal (as well as anyone else who was wondering the same).

[UtahDan]

Originally Posted by Spaz

in this post, you queried me as to the authority on not sharing personal spiritual experiences.

This talk, which I found while doing a quick search of LDS.org for examples of GA-performed miracles, I think provides some answers to your question.

Specifically, this section is quite enlightening:



Anyway, this is a better answer than I gave, and wanted to provide it for your perusal (as well as anyone else who was wondering the same).

Thanks. All of this discussion has been very helpful and has honed my views on this topic. I think that I have boiled it away to what Jeff kept arguing to me yesterday: whether you believe they are happening now or ever happened is a matter of faith like everything else. I was starting from the idea that it didn't seem to me that there are the number of claims of miracles one would expect but I think that the authority that both you and Tex have pointed to offers and explanation as to why that is.