Historically, revelatory dreams have played an important role in Mormonism, protecting, guiding, and encouraging the Saints—especially during trials. In this paper, I will analyze revelatory dreams as discussed by general authorities since 1971. My analysis will suggest that dreams are still considered revelatory and used in the context of telling faith-promoting stories—but with a difference: While leaders once were eager to share with the church their most personal intimations, more recent leaders have retreated to a less charismatic mode, preferring to retell famous dreams from the past rather than sharing their own.

Hugo Olaiz