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After patiently listening to some of my concerns about the gospel-doctrine/culture/people-my dh posed an interesting question that I thought I’d share: He asked me of all the books I’ve ever read, have I ever received answers to prayers from any of them the way I have countless times from the scriptures? (btw he is extremely considerate of the process I am going through and NEVER tries to persuade me to “come back” in fact, I try to be pretty guarded about the concerns I have doctrinally because I don’t want to impose my doubts on him, so the question was just a simple query.)
To be perfectly honest, my answer is no, I have never received answers to prayers, or received spiritual support from any other book I have read, no matter how amazing it is. But I have very often received “answers” or guidance, much needed rebuke, etc. from the scriptures even throughout this process of disaffection. It could be that I don’t read other books looking for those kind of answers… I often am inspired by good books, and usually completely dissect them (for thesis, arguments, evidence), thereby gaining a far greater understanding of secular books than the scriptures. However, I have never found other books to provide the same kind of spiritual support that I find in the scriptures, even though intellectually I question some aspects of all of the scriptures (Bible, BofM, D&C). Has anyone had similar experiences?
overit wrote:After patiently listening to some of my concerns about the gospel-doctrine/culture/people-my dh posed an interesting question that I thought I’d share: He asked me of all the books I’ve ever read, have I ever received answers to prayers from any of them the way I have countless times from the scriptures?
Unfortunately, this type of situation can commonly lead to cognitive dissonance that leads to disaffection and questioning. I can think of quite a few exit narratives where people talked about feeling those same feelings, but then realizing they were watching a great movie or listening to something beautiful, then it hits them like a 2×4 in the face … that was exactly how they felt when they prayed about _________ [fill in the blank with Church item, BofM, Church is True, etc.]
So I am not sure that is a great question for a faithful member to toy with.
Me personally. I don’t really look for a feeling to confirm factual truth. Don’t get me wrong. I am not diss’ing that process. I use emotional feelings to validate what is good and beautiful, not so much to verify factual truths. I pray a lot. I meditate a lot. I still value that process. I just don’t use that tool the way a lot of traditional members think of using it anymore.
That’s just me. I don’t knock anyone else either way on this issue. Seriously. To each their own. We area all on our own journeys.
Quote:Unfortunately, this type of situation can commonly lead to cognitive dissonance that leads to disaffection and questioning. I can think of quite a few exit narratives where people talked about feeling those same feelings, but then realizing they were watching a great movie or listening to something beautiful, then it hits them like a 2×4 in the face … that was exactly how they felt when they prayed about _________ [fill in the blank with Church item, BofM, Church is True, etc.]
Sorry for the confusion. I am not refering to “is the church true?” type of questions leading to TBM faith promoting answers. I think I ditched that method of scripture reading years ago. For me, it has been answers to personal struggles, directives that have prompted me to make positive changes in my life, or comforting words that have soothed hurt feelings, and I always read whatever I open the scriptures to, rather than a purposeful course of study (with the exception of institute classes). I don’t think I could really get into dissecting the scriptures to prove historical accuracy or doctrinal absolutism because from the little bit of that I have done in school, I already know that I would find that problematic. But, for me that is not really the point either. I think the point is that they have been a profoundly useful tool in my spirituality, however that has transformed through the years in relation to my acceptance and/or rejection of certain doctrine. What I think I am trying to say is that it is my link to spirituality, not doctrinal veracity. And my dh husband’s question was not posed to challenge me to think of anything along the lines of whether or not I thought the church was true, more to consider what had worked for me spiritually. Am I making any sense??
overit wrote:For me, it has been answers to personal struggles, directives that have prompted me to make positive changes in my life, or comforting words that have soothed hurt feelings, and I always read whatever I open the scriptures to, rather than a purposeful course of study (with the exception of institute classes).
Am I making any sense?? That makes more sense. Yes. It sounds like you are talking about the practice of opening the scriptures randomly to read, sort of as an oracle to examine problems or feelings in your life. This is a common practice for both Mormons and mainstream Christians. If it works, do it. That is all the “proof” or reason you need.
I’ve never really been one who does that in particular, but there’s nothing wrong with it. Like I mentioned above, I don’t think the experience is a factual “truth” experience. It can be a personal truth experience. The scriptures are valuable because they act as a mirror for us to examine our world and our souls. I feel the same good feelings when I read really great religious texts from other traditions at times. In particular, I enjoy the poetry of Rumi lately. I feel the Spirit when I read his poetry.
I don’t think any other books besides our scriptures would really do the same thing that you are describing for you. Scriptures can take on much more symbolic power. They are special books. A book on philosophy or history doesn’t even pretend to be the direct word of God or revelation.
Overit you are making good sense and I would agree with you that the scriptures do seem to have that effect in large measure whereas most other material does not. I would add that it is only when reading the scriptures that I ever get the what appears to be “random” inspiration or answers , that is a clear message from the Holy Ghost that I should do something that I haven’t even been thinking about at all consciously but as soon as it comes I recognize just how right and important it is. I agree with Valoel as well that it isn’t the kind of approach that I would want to use with others to try and help shore up their faith, I think you would find that many people experience some kind of inspiration when listening attentively to classical music or perhaps just about any music.
Valoel: Quote:It sounds like you are talking about the practice of opening the scriptures randomly to read, sort of as an oracle to examine problems or feelings in your life…The scriptures are valuable because they act as a mirror for us to examine our world and our souls.
Yes, this is exactly what I am trying to say…you just say it so much better Valoel!
Bill:
Quote:I would add that it is only when reading the scriptures that I ever get the what appears to be “random” inspiration or answers , that is a clear message from the Holy Ghost that I should do something that I haven’t even been thinking about at all consciously but as soon as it comes I recognize just how right and important it is.
I can very much relate to this. I think the reason my husband brought that up was to remind me that in my process of questioning/doubting I did not need to abandon my spiritual foundation, but to look to that for the peace and comfort I have received in the past.(My dh might have wanted to tell me to take a pill too!
😆 )I very much agree that others find the same spiritual guidance through other sacred texts, music, etc. but this was a good reminder to me to look for peace in the process.
I believe there is real power in God’s words. Think of all the things God has accomplished by the power of his word. The Bible says in Isa. 55:11, “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” I have found this to be true! I’m not sure exactly how it works, but I believe there is a real power in God’s words. They will do the work they are meant to do to our souls, and we will propser…grow…develop. This is the beauty of the scriptures. They are maco and micro in nature. We can each read something and it will affect us each differently. God is accomplishing his purpose in us through His word. There are answers in the scritpures for you. God’s word is powerful beyond measure…moreso than words of man in other sources. I truly believe God has sent out words for you in the scriptures and when you read them, you will prosper.
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