“Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name… and shall deceive many.”
—Matthew 24:4–5
Some posts never fade.
Once shared online, our words take on a life of their own. They ripple outward—sometimes helping, sometimes misleading, often both. I’ve been reflecting recently on several older blog entries where I explored the writings of Doug Mendenhall, particularly his books on spiritual warfare and discernment.
When I first encountered Doug’s work years ago, I approached it as a seeker—someone curious about unseen realities, spiritual shielding, and the battle between light and darkness. His books seemed to validate certain spiritual experiences I had no other framework for. I attended one of his Jedi workshops and wrote reviews from a place of fascination, not authority. I was never a follower of Doug, nor did I align myself with his broader community. But in hindsight, I now realize those posts—especially written with enthusiasm—could be seen as endorsements. And for that reason, I feel a responsibility to clarify where I now stand.
The Journey Since Then
In recent months, others have talked with me about my Doug Mendenhall posts. They asked me the question that Jesus asked his detractors, “And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, tempting him. And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek after a sign?” (Mark 8:11-12) This query prompted me to re-examine my motivations and conclusions from my encounters with Doug Mendenhall’s teachings. Further discussions led me to slow down and pause. Deep pause.
What I once saw as sincere teachings on spiritual protection now appear—at least in part—to have been a complicated blend of truth and error. While Doug may have been well-intentioned, it’s become clear that some of what he taught encouraged a culture of fear, excessive ritualism, and even doctrinal distortion. And for those who followed closely, the consequences were often not light, but heavy.
Most concerning were two recurring ideas in his work that now strike me as spiritually corrosive:
- That God might condone lying as a tool of spiritual warfare, or for one’s perceived mission.
- That experiencing or participating in sin could, under some spiritual rationale, draw one closer to God.
These teachings are not just misguided—they are dangerous. They invert the gospel of Christ, where truth and repentance are foundational, not optional. I now recognize these ideas as incompatible with the teachings of Jesus Christ, and contrary to the path of peace, purity, and divine light.
“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil… that put darkness for light, and light for darkness.”
—Isaiah 5:20
“And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.”
—2 Corinthians 11:14
Clarifying My Earlier Writings
I’m not here to pretend I’ve always had perfect discernment. Like many, I’ve been on a long journey of learning, unlearning, and relearning. My older posts about Doug’s books remain available, but they should be read as snapshots of spiritual curiosity, not endorsements of a doctrinal framework. They reflected what I understood at the time—not what I understand now.
If anything I once wrote gave undue credibility to teachings that have since proven spiritually harmful, I regret that. I’ve always written from the heart, and I continue to do so now—hopefully with greater wisdom.
Lessons in Discernment
This experience has led me to ponder more deeply the principle of discernment. How do we distinguish between true spiritual insight and deception disguised as light?
Jesus warned that false prophets would come, not dressed as wolves, but as sheep. They would offer signs, speak heavenly words, and even perform miracles—yet their fruit would betray them.
“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves… By their fruits ye shall know them.”
—Matthew 7:15–16
Over time, I’ve come to see that the most dangerous spiritual ideas don’t feel dark. They feel exciting. Empowering. Even divinely urgent. But they often center on fear, exclusivity, and special knowledge, rather than faith, humility, and the plain, powerful teachings of Christ.
One of the core lessons I take from this season is that seeking signs without seeking Christ leads us down strange paths. And often, the adversary’s greatest tactic is to mix truth with error, just enough to confuse the sincere.
“An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign.”
—Matthew 12:39
True discernment, I believe, comes slowly. It is earned through faith, scripture, humility, and experience. And sometimes, it arrives through the loving warnings of others who’ve walked hard roads and come back to help us see more clearly.
Looking Forward in Light
I share this post not to condemn anyone, but to clarify my own journey and hopefully offer something useful to others who, like me, have wrestled with spiritual confusion. I’m still learning. Still seeking. But I am more committed than ever to walking in the path of light—without drama, without fear, and without hidden agendas.
My hope is that anyone who once read my posts about Doug will now consider them in a new light. I do not disown my journey, but I do refine it. And if my words can help someone else avoid confusion or spiritual harm, I consider that a blessing.
Thank you for reading, and thank you for walking with me on this path of unfolding understanding. May we all grow in discernment, humility, and the quiet confidence that comes from following the Lord of Light.
“God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.”
—1 John 1:5
With hope and clarity,
Tim
Here are some links to comments on Adrian’s site about this subject from a few years ago:
https://www.totheremnant.com/2022/02/guest-post-hurdle.html
https://www.totheremnant.com/2021/04/brokenness-of-man-and-plural-marriage.html
“Most concerning were two recurring ideas in his work that now strike me as spiritually corrosive:
1. That God might condone lying as a tool of spiritual warfare, or for one’s perceived mission.
2. That experiencing or participating in sin could, under some spiritual rationale, draw one closer to God.”
Source(s)?
While the polite thing to do would be to trust your opinion until I find reason to disagree with it, I think it’d be wiser to try and understand you rather than inherently believe you. I imagine many people have made that mistake with Doug, Denver, and others (whether they’re still alive or not).
If you could provide sources on what led you to establish that perspective, it could lead others to find the same truths that you did. If there are genuine errors in some of your current conclusions, sources provide a common ground for meaningful discussion to learn or at least consider more.
Hi Robert,
Thank you for your comment.
I understand your desire for sources, and I agree that spiritual claims should be examined carefully. In this case, I am speaking from personal experience and private conversations with trusted individuals who were deeply involved in the teachings I referenced.
That said, both of the doctrinal concerns I named—the justification of lying as a spiritual tool, and the idea that participating in sin can lead to higher spiritual advancement—are present in Doug Mendenhall’s published works. Readers can find examples in I See… Arise! (especially the parable on pages 195–219) and in Conquering Spiritual Evil, Vol. 2, where his mentor discusses beings of light taking on dark missions for greater reward.
I’m not aiming to persuade or debate. My post was a personal reflection on spiritual discernment, written for those who may have found themselves confused, as I once was. My goal is not contention, but clarity—and I trust readers who seek sincerely will find it.
Peace,
Tim
Robert,
Thank you again for your engagement and sincere desire to find truth. As I’ve pondered our recent exchange, I went back through Doug Mendenhall’s works to better understand where some concerns may be coming from—not to dispute or argue, but to share observations I’ve made that may warrant deeper reflection.
Key Doctrinal Concerns Raised
Two specific teachings stood out to me during this review:
Divinely Sanctioned Lying – the idea that God approves of or instructs lying in some circumstances as part of His divine plan.
Sanctified Sinning to Become Like Christ – the belief that one must or should become evil or sin in order to fully understand and become like Christ.
I’ve reviewed the following books (I have the PDFs and used AI tools):
I See…Awake! (2015)
I See…Arise! (2016)
Conquering Spiritual Evil, Vol. 2 (2020)
Findings
1. I See…Awake! (2015)
No red flags found regarding either doctrine.
The tone is consistent with traditional scriptural views of resisting evil and progressing through light, obedience, and truth.
2. I See…Arise! (2016)
Page 25: States that a soul would “become evil itself and eventually a Son of Satan… By doing this he would become as the other Christs… knowing evil by becoming evil.”
Page 36: Repeats the concept that experiencing evil by embodying it is necessary to descend below all things and ascend again.
These passages appear to teach that becoming evil is a necessary step in divine progression, which I find deeply troubling.
3. Conquering Spiritual Evil, Vol. 2 (2020)
Page 373: Suggests that contact with both “Heaven and its opposite” is part of spiritual progression.
Page 387: Claims God sometimes overrides His own laws because “the mission had to be accomplished.”
Page 109: Suggests some spirits may have chosen to experience horrific evil (e.g., the Holocaust) as a way to pay off karmic debt.
While less direct, these statements still blur the line between necessary exposure to evil and divine endorsement of it.
To be clear, these concerns are not about condemning Doug as a person—I respect what he tried to do. Nor is it a rejection of his broader message about spiritual warfare and Christ’s centrality. But I believe it’s worth honestly wrestling with these teachings.
Why This Matters
Scripture is clear that Christ was “in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). Nowhere does it say He had to become evil to overcome it. Our growth comes through Christ’s grace, obedience, and the sanctifying power of the Spirit—not through descent into darkness.
I share this not to dispute you, but in the spirit of light and discernment. If you see something I’ve misunderstood, I welcome your thoughts. I believe our shared goal is to find the truth, no matter where it leads us.
With respect and gratitude,
Tim Malone
Camarillo CA
Thank you Tim, I appreciate the time and effort it takes to compile all of that. Leveraging AI is a smart and quick approach, though knowing the original prompt used to look through the text can be beneficial as well (as it may reveal any biases in the inquiry itself).
The sources produced through the use of AI (when scanning PDF versions of those books, as you’d mentioned) don’t seem to match up with what’s written in the physical copies of those same books. I tried looking for PDF versions of the books online, but wasn’t able to find any. (See https://grok.com/share/bGVnYWN5_cb09ae03-c78d-4c03-b454-efca3c151c03)
I leveraged AI for some quick research (see https://grok.com/share/bGVnYWN5_c041ff94-9d97-4882-928d-a29641c8b1bd). The endeavor produced some interesting results, but I think it’s valuable to keep in mind the “nuts and bolts” behind any LLM (Language Learning Model) AI (Grok, ChatGPT, etc) which are really just “guess the next word in the sentence based on existing context”. For example, the quick research included the following AI-driven conclusion:
“Alma 32:27-28 teaches that faith can grow into knowledge through experimentation and obedience, indicating that belief in teachings can lead to knowledge without direct experience.”
Action itself is experiential, so to conclude that faith (which involves acting on a belief) can grow into knowledge without direct experience is a bit silly, particularly within the context of the quoted scripture (which I think is Alma 16 in the RE).
In any case, the conclusions of the AI’s research seem to try and allude to the following (in my opinion):
1. Agency between good and evil requires the ability to do either good or evil, and so both must be encountered as part of choosing either.
2. Becoming aware of a choice can occur through revelation, personal experience, faith, or various other means.
3. Discerning which choice is good and which choice is evil requires an understanding (or at least an unconfirmed belief) of the consequences involved with each choice.
4. Experiencing the effects of sin is not a requirement for mortals in order to obtain salvation, but it was a requirement for Christ as part of His role in our salvation.
5. Participating in sin and experiencing the effects of sin are not the same within the context of Christ’s atonement, though they would otherwise be consequentially linked outside of that ordinance.
Personally, I imagine that while Doug was interested in what was required of him in order to accept his Savior’s grace, Doug was probably also interested in trying to understand what was required of his Savior in order to offer that grace. Whatever insight Doug was able to obtain on the matter probably failed to properly communicate any delineation between “what is required of us” vs. “what was required of Christ”, particularly when muddied with other weighty topics he sometimes explored like remortalization, multiple eternal rounds, stages of progression along Jacob’s ladder, and so forth.
The thought of what might be required as part of following “The Christ Path” or “the path along Jacob’s Ladder which mimics all of the actions of Christ and His Father before Him” is terrifyingly daunting. While some of us might be crazy enough to find a willingness to “suffer the effects of the sins of others without actually participating in the sin ourselves”, I imagine much fewer of us ever dare to consider what preparations Christ (and those before Him) must necessarily undergo in order to “prove” that they can withstand an atoning ordinance on behalf of others. From what I understand, Doug was willing to contemplate that the process of “proving” oneself ready for an atonement might necessarily involve “falling completely into evil AND demonstrating the ability thereafter to completely repent of that evil”, proving that no matter what consequences of sin a savior would have to undergo as part of the atoning ordinance, they would be able to overcome it on behalf of others because they already have demonstrated the ability to do it for themselves to the utmost degree.
Was Doug wise in his willingness to contemplate that possible requirement? While a potential strain of logic can perhaps be found in what he considered, was the conclusion correct? Was the conclusion complete? Was the contemplation misaligned from its inception? Does any of that matter anyway in regards to finding personal salvation in this life through Christ?
In any case, the process of becoming “like” Christ is perhaps only a small portion of what it takes for becoming “a” Christ, a process that cannot and should not be pursued in this life-time. Only one name has been given under Heaven, and that Christ’s name (Jesus) is sufficient for our salvation. What awaits beyond death is something to be dealt with much later (as Joseph Smith once alluded to).
Returning to some of your earlier comments, you alluded that Doug’s teachings recurringly supported the following:
“1. That God might condone lying as a tool of spiritual warfare, or for one’s perceived mission.
2. That experiencing or participating in sin could, under some spiritual rationale, draw one closer to God.”
The AI analysis you ran touched on the second point a number of times, but never the first one. The examples you referenced (“A Parable” in “I See… Awake!” and an unidentified reference in “Conquering Spiritual Evil vol. 2”) also only really touch on the second point, but not the first one. I’ve offered some thoughts on the second point.
As for the first point, I imagine your perspective stems from (as you mentioned), “speaking from personal experience and private conversations with trusted individuals who were deeply involved in the teachings I referenced.” That comes across a bit like an anti-trump article citing “anonymous sources”, but perhaps the lack of further citation or explanation is warranted out of respect for Doug and/or those that are or were within his proximity. I don’t know, so I’ll simply trust that there’s a good reason (or at least good intentions) for being vague here.
Your claim, “I’m not aiming to persuade or debate” is a bit difficult to believe when your personal reflections are shared publicly online for others to view. However, I’m willing to believe that you genuinely have no desire to contend, particularly since you repeatedly try to redirect from mentioning Doug back into the specific teachings you find issue with. I appreciate the calmness you’ve generally conveyed and I hope that same measured demeanor persists outside of what you write down for public viewing.
Dear Robert,
Thank you for your thoughtful and measured reply. I can see you’ve spent considerable time reflecting on these matters, and I respect your effort to engage with nuance and sincerity.
I don’t feel any desire to enter into an extended discussion or debate, especially on topics so personal and sacred to many of us. My original post was an attempt to express concerns that have weighed on my heart for some time—concerns shared with me by individuals I trust and love, some of whom have carried heavy spiritual burdens as a result of their involvement with certain teachings.
I recognize your point that Doug may have been sincerely exploring difficult theological questions. My concern has never been with speculation per se, but with how certain teachings were received and applied in the lives of others—and the consequences that followed.
I accept your challenge to be more careful and specific, especially regarding the first point I raised. It is a delicate matter, and I understand that without further substantiation, it can appear vague or unfair. That was never my intent.
I truly do not wish to contend or convince. I am content to share what I’ve seen and learned in the hope it may help someone who is quietly wrestling, as I once was. If others see it differently, I’m at peace with that. I trust the Lord to work in each of our lives as He sees fit.
May we both continue to seek understanding, to follow Christ in humility, and to love those with whom we may not always agree.
With respect,
Tim
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Dear Mr. Malone,
RE: curiosity to clarity – discernment of past writing
Thank you for the opportunity your website presents for the many to truly consider.
After carefully reading and praying about your post, there was the strong sense you have become quite fearful and therefore felt the need to express the possibility of gross error. After diligently searching for what was pointed out, apparently by the “trusted friends”, I found nothing to support the accusations. However, what has been discovered very much refutes your conclusions. Case in point, from the Doug Mendenhall funeral:
Doug Mendenhall Funeral & Interment – Dec. 29, 2020
Speaker — Merrilee Webb (Friend)
I don’t want to appear stalkerish, but I need to let you know that’s my screen saver right now. That’s Doug. That’s how I knew him, that face with his sweet wife. My name is Merrilee Webb and I had the privilege of being in the same ward with the Mendenhalls. Their lives have changed my life. I’m grateful and humbled about the opportunity to speak at a funeral about my friend Doug. That’s one of the nicest things you can do—play, make food, sing, pray. I’m grateful for the opportunity that I’ve been given to do this.
Doug taught me a long time ago—Joseph Smith actually taught—that funerals are to be about Christ. That’s easy for me, especially at this funeral, because 99.9% of my conversations with Doug (which were many) were about Christ. So, I’ve picked a few things that are bullet points for me about what I learned from being with Doug Mendenhall Doug taught me a long time ago—Joseph Smith actually taught—that funerals are to be about Christ. That’s easy for me, especially at this funeral, because 99.9% of my conversations with Doug (which were many) were about Christ. So, I’ve picked a few things that are bullet points for me about what I learned from being with Doug Mendenhall.
• I’ll Go Where You Want Me to Go
Doug Mendenhall is the role model for “I’ll go where you want me to go, dear Lord.” He would ask the Lord constantly throughout the day, “What next?” He gave his life to the Lord. The Lord asked him to do things he was not comfortable doing. He hated to speak in public, hated to speak in public. I had the privilege of teaching gospel doctrine in the ward, and Doug would sit in the back with Rob Lake and Tim Christian, very involved, but in the back. But he spoke because he was asked to. He went where he was supposed to go. It’s interesting—sometimes we sing that hymn, usually at a mission farewell, but I wonder. I’ve heard people say, “Well, we’ll serve a mission, but I won’t go there. The Lord would never ask me!” Don’t ever say, “I won’t go then because the Lord will never ask me…” because it will be followed with the very thing that He knows you need to do.
• Jesus Christ
Everything for Doug was about Christ. You hear that a lot and it’s nice—especially at funerals we always say the nice things. (I’ve told my dear friend Erin that at my funeral you can tell people I complained and I was a whiner about things.) But, when I say to you that Doug Mendenhall was of Christ, that is truth! He wanted to know and have a very real relationship with Jesus Christ, his Savior and Redeemer. Based on the fruit of Doug’s life, I believe he had z very real, personal, constant, actual relationship with Jesus Christ (born in Bethlehem of Mary). Doug saw Christ everywhere, in people, in their diverse beliefs, in their ordinances, in nature, ii music, in trials, test and opposition. He had—this is really important because he taught me a lot—he had an informed understanding of the role of Satan in his life. The more Satan was allowed to put Doug through, the more he turned to his Savior. (That’s how you know a real follower of Christ is their understanding of the role of Satan. Satan was put here to do the very thing he’s the best at, which was to be an opposer and an accuser.)
• Self-evaluation
I believe that Doug went to the God that he served when he passed away, and that’s where we will go. We will go to the god we serve. I think part of the reason funerals are so important is because it’s a time for us to evaluate our lives. Because that could be us sitting in an amazing casket made by his friends from a tree in his yard. How beautiful is that!
• Scriptures
Doug took the scriptures literally. They said it, they meant it. Doug wanted to know what the prophets knew. He wanted to prophesy of Christ. He needed to know. He studied. He taught me to weary God with my questions. Weary Him. Ask, continue to ask. More asking.
• Judgment
I learned a ton about judgment. I had no idea how much judgment was a part of my life, how ingrained it is in our society until Doug and Denise and their whole family taught me. To this
day I struggle, but I know my struggle now, and I “Hello McFly?!” when I find myself judging. Doug was brilliant at that, recognizing and stopping.
• Friends
Doug talked to me about The Chosen—that amazing series that’s out now. As I watch it, I see that Christ surrounded Himself with the oddest most discombobulated group of people, and that is Doug Mendenhall. Because Christ wants everyone to feel comfortable, and Doug made everyone feel comfortable. He was brilliant at that, and I think he’s still doing that, and he was following the example of his Savior. Take a look at your friends’ circle. How big is it? Who is welcome with you? Who feels safe around you?
• Service
My last thing. Some people thought that Doug wanted to create a following, people who would worship him and do everything he said. These people are ill-informed and never knew Doug Mendenhall. People who want to have a following usually end up fairly wealthy, are very popular, encourage others to do the work for them, become less and less accessible to their followers, and turn the focus of the cause to themselves. Doug Mendenhall died exhausted and poor, serving anyone who asked, whether he knew them or not. He never charged for anything he did. He travelled thousands of miles on his own dime, helping those who emailed or called. He gave away thousands of books and products to those who wanted or needed them. He did everything the Lord required him to do. Whenever anyone would thank him he would say, “Thank the Lord, praise God!” (Always showing where our focus and gratitude should be.)
I know this because for over twenty years I watched him live his life. I was often the beneficiary of Doug Mendenhall’s service. Tiny short example: in November, I had a very tragic, sad thing happen in my life and I needed some money because I didn’t have any more. Doug Mendenhall offered me his rent, because he knew that the Lord would take care of him. Our God is a fourth watch God, and often the take-care-of came at the very last second. He offered me his rent.
That is Doug Mendenhall—a follower, a believer, a worshipper of Jesus Christ. I love you Doug Mendenhall. (I’m a little ticked. It wasn’t supposed to end this way—my way.) I’ve been asking Father what am I to learn, and I think one of the lessons is that maybe I was relying on Doug too much to be my second witness. Maybe that’s why he had to remove himself, so that we would rise up, go to the source, and be who we said we would be. I’m grateful for all of you, for real. (Hi Arbons, it’s good to see you.)
I say these things humbly in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Doug Mendenhall Funeral & Interment Dec. 29, 2020, Mt. Pleasant, Utah Community Center.
The book you mentioned containing “The Parable” which may have been quite uncomfortable for the many was downloaded and read. It is not recommended to the general public because it presents possibilities that could cause much misunderstanding for those who cannot or do not turn to Jesus Christ and gain a personal revelation from Him. Other books were also downloaded, carefully, prayerfully read. Nothing could be found to support the posted accusations.
“There’s one instance in one of the 1844 discourses , Joseph Smith really opens up, and it’s worth sharing with people. It’s at the end of the 21 January 1844 discourse. He talks about some of the frustrations he’s had, and it is really telling.”
“Joseph talks about the Latter-day Saints. He says, “But there has been a great difficulty in getting anything into the heads of this generation. It has been like splitting hemlock knots with a corn dodger for a wedge and a pumpkin for a beetle; even the Saints are slow to understand. I have tried for a number of years to get the minds of the Saints prepared to receive the things of God, but we frequently see some of them after suffering all they have for the work of God will fly to pieces like glass as soon as anything comes that is contrary to their traditions, they cannot stand the fire at all. How many will be able to abide a celestial law and go through and receive their exaltation? I am unable to say, but many are called and few are chosen.”
https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/articles/road-to-carthage-podcast-episode-2-transcript
Joseph Smith, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, p. 520.
Sir, please, consider AI is a deeply flawed medium for searching for truth. It is my belief it is best to view personally what others have purported then search for all in support of accusation(s) or teachings including the prophet. There is far more information in books and various websites supporting the fact Mr. Mendenhall never advocated or taught for anyone to lie in the least. Nothing could be found to support Mr. Mendenhall teaching everyone has to experience being evil in order to attain heaven. Perhaps the fear your friends have may be a factor and needs to be taken to the Savior, Jesus Christ in prayer. What has been posted by both you, Mr. Malone, and Mr. Frost has been read and taken to the Christ. What Mr. Frost posted was of great value. There was much peace of heart and mind. Respectfully, what was posted by you, sir, brought fear and almost a feeling of doom.
Thank you for your kind regards and seeking to bring what you feel everyone should be aware of.
Respectfully,
Careline
Response to Carline (also identified as Clarline, Careline):
Thank you for your thoughtful and heartfelt comment. I sincerely appreciate that you took the time to read and respond to my post. I can see that you love and respect Doug Mendenhall and that his life and writings have brought meaning and encouragement to you. I honor that. I also found much to appreciate in Doug’s work over the years and have previously written in praise of his courage and candor in exploring difficult spiritual topics.
Your inclusion of Merrilee Webb’s touching remarks from Doug’s funeral reminded me of the best qualities I observed in him: his focus on Christ, his desire to serve, and his willingness to go where the Lord called him, even when uncomfortable. I have no desire to dispute or diminish those who saw him as a true friend and disciple.
At the same time, I believe we are each responsible for testing the fruits of every message we receive — including from beloved teachers — against the words of Christ, the scriptures, and the whisperings of the Holy Spirit. Over time, and especially in recent months, I have felt impressed to revisit and prayerfully re-examine some of the doctrinal ideas Doug taught or allowed to circulate in his books. A trusted friend, who kindly reached out in private correspondence, helped me see more clearly some troubling implications — particularly two ideas:
That it is acceptable to lie for the Lord to bring about a supposed greater good, and
That to truly become like Christ, one must willfully choose to participate in sin or evil.
These are serious assertions that deserve careful scrutiny. I do not make such claims lightly. Because I still own and have read every one of Doug’s books — both in printed form and original PDFs — I was able to reverify the wording and confirm that these ideas, in some form, do appear, especially in “The Parable” within I See… Awake.
My intent in writing my post was never to inspire fear or judgment, but rather clarity and honesty — both with myself and with those who may have followed my earlier endorsements. The Lord has been exceedingly patient with me over the years, and I am grateful for the loving correction He continues to offer through both personal revelation and the voices of inspired friends. My desire has always been to walk the path of a peaceable follower of Christ — one who repents, adjusts, and seeks to reflect more light as understanding deepens.
As for your concern about my use of AI: I understand the skepticism. Many are rightly cautious about new technologies. But I would add a small clarification — I’ve been working with ChatGPT for over two years now. It is not a source of spiritual truth, but it is an excellent tool for writing, research, analysis, and reflection. Like any tool, its value depends on how it’s used. For me, it has helped clarify complex ideas, refine tone, and offer structure to thoughts I already hold. I use it prayerfully, just as I would any other instrument of communication.
Lastly, I want to affirm that I do not regret anything I’ve written in my spiritual journey, even when later corrected. My blog is a record of that path — now approaching two decades. I have not taken down old posts, but I have occasionally added clarifications, updates, or corrections where needed. This recent clarification was one such moment.
Again, thank you for sharing your perspective. I truly wish you peace and joy as you continue your journey with Christ.
Warmly,
Tim Malone