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Fittingly titled, the text outlines the methodology and steps behind uncovering the answers that might not be readily visible without eyes of faith. Unlike other spiritual nonfiction, Foster’s text does less preaching and more observation through concrete visions from his dreams. From the get-go, he puts his audience at ease and builds a connection with them by sharing intimate details about his own life. What’s more, the Bible verses cited in the book are not standalone. On the contrary, they are necessary complements to the particular segment of the book.
Foster’s compilation of dreams and visions are intended to act as a guide to be further supplemented by the study of scripture. While it is clear that the author has studied, researched, and possesses extensive knowledge about the Lord, the author’s work and voice, in particular, exhibit a refreshing sense of humility and the ability to embrace his imperfections. The central focus of the book revolves around Foster’s spiritual growth through dreams and visions that unveil, piece by piece, the task that the Heavenly Father has assigned to him.
The dichotomy between the white doors (what lies beyond) and the sheer devastation in the Salt Lake Valley—so insightfully illustrated via black and white images—is quite compelling. There is a calmness to both. However, the ruins of the temple in Utah are almost apocalyptic, an eerie calm after the storm, while the white doors are soothing, creating an incomparable serenity. Subsequently, after viewing the destruction, Foster’s guide shows him a close-up of two pointed-ear dogs where the temples would have been. His curiosity piqued, the author resolves to uncover the meaning of the dog. What he finds is a parallel between the dogs and the ancient Egyptian god, Anubis, a guide that helped spirits travel through the underworld to paradise—Miati.
Foster himself states that in his dreams he has asked and prayed, and, as a result, he has been shown future events that shed light on mankind’s purpose. One of the more intriguing concepts that the piece dives into is the phrasing of spiritual service as “the Lord’s work.” According to the text, the work belongs to the human spirit just as much and is to be done for the salvation of the living and the dead that passed without hearing the gospel.
Holistically, this book is tailor-made for both an enriching, educational, and spiritual learning experience. In addition to being a relatively well-flowing and straightforward read syntactically, the use of imagery and metaphor helps readers conjure the image of places like the underworld, the pre-earth life, afterlife, etc. A vision that stands out, in particular, is Foster’s entry on November 19, 2002, where, while tasked with preventing the production of ill-natured spirits, he envisions a spirit world as a transportation station with countless hallways and escalators. In another, Foster has a standing vision while working in the yard where he is giving a patriarchal blessing, and the individual’s entire life flashes before him.
Throughout the book, Foster is helping readers understand the concept of service and faith through various metaphors of life, from life being a battery to climbing ladders and going through white doors. As with Foster himself, the journey is rife with challenges, adversity, and pain, but only through such experiences can an individual truly and wholeheartedly believe. Overall, for aficionados of spiritual literature, Foster’s work provides a unique method of presenting the age-old topic of faith and spirituality from a completely unique angle.