Divining Rods and DCP

[_DrW]

As with the truth claims of the LDS Church, perhaps you need to take some of these articles you cite with a grain of salt.

I do take them with a large grain of salt and I'm surprised that you read my comments and suggesting otherwise. You seemed to have misunderstood my post. I personally don't think dowsing works (but I've never tried it). Since James Randi was brought up I simply pointed out the interesting fact that Arthur C. Clark was not completely convinced by Randi's circa 1970s(?) conclusion of his dowsing experiment.

I pointed out the sketchy recollection from the Omi magazine article (which I read 20-25 years ago) simply because it noted some interesting things about the past utilization of dowsing. I never claimed that the article was beyond skepticism or that it proved that dowsing work or that it was 100% accurate (or even that I recalled all the details accurately)... it was simply interesting stuff.

When I lived in Colorado (nearly 25 years ago), my boss (a devout Catholic) built a cabin wherein he hired a dowser to find water so he could put in a well. My boss (an educated man and wonderful influence in my life) firmly believed that the dowsing work.

I would suggest other reasons why the dowser found water, but it was interesting that my boss hired a dowser.

"Interesting" stuff. Nothing more. No reason to try to read anything into my comments. Just sharing what I thought others on this thread might find of interest considering the topic under discussion.

Mike Ash

Fair enough. Thanks for the clarification.

[_Corpsegrinder]

I think the seer stones are nothing more than inanimate rocks. However, since Joseph and his followers believed in seer stones, God used them as a tool to allow Joseph to receive revelation. Joseph seems to have understood this later in life when he gave up seer stones but continued to receive revelation.

Very interesting. Thank you.

Would you happen to know whether the Brethren share your opinion in regards to Joseph’s seer stones being nothing more than “inanimate rocks”?

I ask because one of the pages from the original manuscript of the Book of Mormon is on display at the Museum of Church History, but the seer stone that Joseph used to translate it is locked away in the First Presidency Vault (or some such place). Why conceal it from public view if Joseph and his successors came to believe that it held no innate power? And if Joseph believed this, then why did he exhibit his seer stone to his followers in 1841, saying: “Every man who lived on the earth was entitled to a seer stone, and should have one, but they are kept from them in consequence of their wickedness, and most of those who do find one make evil use of it.”

In other words, (a) seer stones possess innate power, and (b) that power can be used by those who are not called of God and for evil purposes…or so Joseph believed as late as 1841.

Is there any reliable evidence that Joseph changed his mind about seer stones during the last few years of his life?

[_Fence Sitter]

I think the seer stones are nothing more than inanimate rocks. However, since Joseph and his followers believed in seer stones, God used them as a tool to allow Joseph to receive revelation. Joseph seems to have understood this later in life when he gave up seer stones but continued to receive revelation.

Mike Ash

Do you think there is any difference between consecrated oil and regular olive oil?

[_Corpsegrinder]

I don't know about the other stuff but Quaker State seems to make a big difference in my '95 Silverado.

[_Nightlion]

I think the seer stones are nothing more than inanimate rocks. However, since Joseph and his followers believed in seer stones, God used them as a tool to allow Joseph to receive revelation. Joseph seems to have understood this later in life when he gave up seer stones but continued to receive revelation.

Mike Ash

The Burning Bush was not just some ordinary bush when the fire of the Lord was upon it and the presence, Spirit, or power of the Lord was there. Same with a stone. That the Lord makes use of it makes all the difference. Same with Balaam's ass.

[_Nightlion]

I don't know about the other stuff but Quaker State seems to make a big difference in my '95 Silverado.

Your avatar is like a rim shot at times. Very funny.

[_lovedoggies]

I had never used divining rods until about a month again when I was introduced to them and actually think they are quite fascinating. I am referring to copper ones in tube sleeves, and my thought is that the energy in the environment can cause a reaction to the rods. I really enjoy using them, and a year ago most likely would have laughed if you said I would ever own a pair.
But my view on many things has drastically changed in the past year...so wth. I was a skeptical scientist a year ago, and now I'm becoming a more open minded one.

[_DrW]

I had never used divining rods until about a month again when I was introduced to them and actually think they are quite fascinating. I am referring to copper ones in tube sleeves, and my thought is that the energy in the environment can cause a reaction to the rods. I really enjoy using them, and a year ago most likely would have laughed if you said I would ever own a pair.
But my view on many things has drastically changed in the past year...so wth. I was a skeptical scientist a year ago, and now I'm becoming a more open minded one.

Welcome lovedoggies,

Glad to have you here.

In what area of science do you work?

[_Equality]

I had never used divining rods until about a month again when I was introduced to them and actually think they are quite fascinating. I am referring to copper ones in tube sleeves, and my thought is that the energy in the environment can cause a reaction to the rods. I really enjoy using them, and a year ago most likely would have laughed if you said I would ever own a pair.
But my view on many things has drastically changed in the past year...so wth. I was a skeptical scientist a year ago, and now I'm becoming a more open minded one.

That's great news, lovedoggies! You are well on your way to earning an easy $1 million! Just go to this web site, submit your application, and design a scientifically valid test that will prove your divining rods actually work, and you will receive a million bucks.
http://www.randi.org/site/index.php/1m-challenge.html

[_SteelHead]

I haven't read the full thread and may be repeating but we can tie dowsing into Mormonism with the understanding that one of Oliver Cowdery's gifts; referred to as the gift of Aaron in d&c 8 and directly referred to as a rod in the original book of commandments, is revelations via a dowsing rod. Oliver attempted to translate using a dowsing rod.