Spiritual experiences as a foundation for testimony

[Anonymous]

mom3 wrote:

I could spend days explaining my interpretation of Moroni’s promise. I try not to run and scream every time I hear it used the way we do in church. I can’t even find how it got started this way.

When I read it – This is what I hear/read. Beginning with verse 3 “…when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that you should read them (maybe not everyone gets to read them), That you would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things and ponder it (God’s mercy unto the children of men) in your hearts.

Verse 4 – And when ye shall receive these things (The Book of Mormon and the reflections of God’s merciful history with man), I would exhort you that ye would ask God, The Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things (God’s mercy again) are not true;

Then the promise – And if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith (hope) in Christ. He will manifest the truth of it ( His mercy unto the children of men) unto you by the power of the Holy Ghost. (The same Holy Ghost who works individually with each of us.

When I read the promise this way – I do see a truth, I look back the scriptural history we have and see God’s efforts in all of our lives. I know my position can be debated. I know horrible things have happened, will happen, and do happen. But the most merciful gift he gave us was life – or a chance to try. From there it looks as if the eternal struggle of agency is in play no matter, who, what or why is going on.

This is also why I believe in my spiritual experiences so deeply. They came to me from unexpected places. My siblings have never had the types of experiences I have had, or if they have, they have never shared them (not that they need to or should). I only say that to present the idea that there are myriad ways of knowing the truth of God’s mercy toward mankind.

Thanks Mom3. You made a difference today.

[Anonymous]

Thanks Ray and DJ. Ray I had never read your blog post, but if a teacher was reading our posts, they would accuse us of copying. I also love the point about missionary work and taking your time. As I listen to many of our faith challenges my heart aches for Heavenly Father. I know He will find all of us, I know He will use our entire experience for our good as well as His. How exactly I don’t know. I have imaginations about it and some ideas from the experiences of my life – but the big picture is still a guess.

But to me, somehow this Book of Mormon, is important to Him. Whether it’s mid-rash, a golden-plate translation, or an inspired idea that came to Joseph’s mind – the lessons from the result to me are the key. I struggle so much when we don’t follow the suggestion – “A man would get closer to God by following it’s preceptsthan by any other book.”

I love the bible. There are things the bible alone has the Book of Mormon lacks, but the human story the Book of Mormon tells sheds so much light on how we might respond to life and each other, I wish deeply that we spent more time reading it for those nuggets and making them the precepts of our lives. If we did, with sincerity, I see a city on a hill, beaming bright, drawing others toward it and healing great ills.

Instead it’s PR pamphlet more often than not. And I don’t blame the members, I don’t even know who to blame, I only know it’s like having dinner in front of the television. You have food, you shove it in your face, watch the show, still have the munchies, pork out, get fat and are done. Sorry. This is a nerve spot of mine. Any editing that needs to done or moderated, I accept.

[Anonymous]

Very good points. I know my math example doesn’t fit into a situation of individuals and faith. My issue isn’t specific to Monroni’s promise, although that’s a big one (probably because it’s referenced so often in the church). There are many scriptures which give a similar promise. “Ask and ye shall receive”, “knock and it shall be opened”, “seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him”, and others.

There is a theme that, to me, says something like, “I’m your Father. I love you. I want you to know Me. If you will just try to find Me, I will make Myself known to you.”

I’m fine with the idea that we all get answers in our own way. Burning in the bosom, angelic visitation, hear a voice, lightning bolt, still small voice, or whatever. As long as it is recognizable to the receiver.

The thing I struggle with is seeking, reading, pondering, praying, fasting, etc. and not receiving anything I can identify as an answer. These days my prayers aren’t “Is the Book of Mormon true?”, I frequently find myself asking things like “Are you there?”, “Can you hear me?”.

Usually the best way for me to think of how Heavenly Father deals with us is to look at how I deal with my children. I know my kids are different. They respond to different things. I have to use different techniques to get through to them. So while my methods vary, there is always a method, there is always a response to the questions. I wouldn’t pick one child to talk to and ignore another.

So hearing spiritual experiences of others usually leads me to ask “What is wrong with me?”.

The only answer I can come up with is D&C 46:13-14.

Quote:

13 To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world.

14 To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful.

Maybe I’m just one of those that has to believe on the words of others. It’s just not easy to do, and honestly sometimes it feels like I’m a fool for just believing what others say.

So in the spirit of the OP, if a persons testimony isn’t based off of spiritual experiences are there other valid options?

[Anonymous]

Quote:

if a persons testimony isn’t based off of spiritual experiences are there other valid options?

Yes. I believe that strongly.

[Author]

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