Mary K. Baxter ( 1940-2021) was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee and later moved with her parents to Detroit, Michigan in the mid 1960's. She later relocated to Belleville, Michigan where she began to have private revelations from God. In 1976, Jesus appeared to her in human form in dreams, visions and revelations and spent 40 days showing her an extended vision of Heaven and Hell which she recorded in her book, "A Divine Revelation of Hell".

I want to note that the Catholic Church is skeptical regarding private revelations, and formal Ecclesiastical approval of them only comes after a period of discernment to confirm there is nothing in their message contrary to faith and morals. Private revelation is distinguished from public revelation which is found in Scripture and Sacred Tradition, and is not binding on the entire Church throughout history as public revelation is.

In fact, we are not bound to accept private revelations at all! In the 1700's, Pope Benedict the XIV stated, “It follows that anyone may, without injury to the Catholic faith, give no heed to these revelations, and differ from them, provided he does so modestly, not without reason, and without contempt.”

That being said, I was intrigued with Mary Baxter's testimony which I first learned of from a video on near death experiences (NDE's). I believe she may have experienced what's referred to as an "Illumination of Conscience" in which God reveals His truth to us, shows us the state of our souls and provides us with an opportunity to repent, increase our faith and draw nearer to Him.

As I begin to read her private testimony and revelation, I hope to better discern whether her experience passes the litmus test of conforming to Scripture, Faith and Morals and if so, how her message might inspire us to reject sin and choose Christ.