"And also Satan hath sought to deceive you, that he might overthrow you." — Doctrine and Covenants 50:31
In the early 1830s, the Latter-day Saint converts in Kirtland, Ohio, inspired by the Second Great Awakening and their own religious backgrounds, brought diverse expressions of spiritual gifts into their worship.2 Manifestations such as visions, speaking in tongues, and physical outbursts were common (such as rolling on the floor, wielding imaginary swords of Laban, and swinging from the rafters), leading to confusion and concern about the authenticity of these spiritual experiences.2,3
Joseph Smith, recognizing the sincerity of the members' desire for spiritual gifts, sought divine guidance.4 Revelations received in response (now Doctrine and Covenants 46 and 50) emphasized the importance of discernment and the need for spiritual manifestations to be edifying and in harmony with the truth.2
