Thank you Brother Card for expressing this principle so clearly. As a long time gospel instructor (Gospel Doctrine classes, Institute, etc.) I have found myself at times sharing personal experiences as were appropriate to the class content and I have felt uplifted when class members were felt inspired to share something personal that fits the message in the lesson, however, I have never felt comfortable when asked by an instructor to share these experiences nor have I ever felt I should press others to do the same. Expressions of spiritual experiences are as personal as the experiences themselves and should only be shared when prompted by the Holy Ghost.

I also think that if we truly examined these experiences, most were confirming experiences of a testimony we had already gained, line upon line and precept upon precept.

We should be cognizant of those small or great spiritual experiences that happen in our lives, but we should also be faithful in doing those daily things that truly build testimonies and help us recognize those experiences when they happen.

Beautifully written. That was exactly my experience -- a slowly growing sense of peace, no "bolt out of the blue." I've learned to ignore what others say I "should" feel and "will" feel, and let the Spirit guide me.

You are so right on target with this column. Spiritual experiences are just that. Personal experiences. And sacred in this type of situation. And how much harm is done to a teen who is already just finding their way, rather than a seasoned adult strong in the gospel.

Presumably a teacher or whoever has good intentions, have the person focus on spiritual matters. Well, sacred is sacred and not to be tossed to the wind randomly.

Thank you.

If you were correct, Orson, then nobody would be judged harshly as an unworthy or inferior person because they don't have a testimony. Afterall, it is not ultimately in their control!

But the truth and the reality is that people are condemned for not working hard enough or having enough faith or reading enough scriptures to "gain a testimony", as if it is completely within their power and those who fail are sinners and horrible people.

Even in the Temple recommend interview, members are asked if they "have a testimony of..." the Church, the Restoration, and several other things. Then you are denied a temple recommend if you DON'T have a testimony! Why would the official Church stance be to deny otherwise good people from entering the temple simply because GOD hasn't gotten around to giving them a testimony?

Unfortunately, although I would love to agree with your point in this article, the official doctrines and policies of the Church, as well as the real, judgmental behavior of the members, completely contradicts your point.

Better luck next time.

Great article. You really hit the mark when you stay away from the gay-marriage debate.

to Lyle:

Whether you gain a testimony is within your power. Follow the admonition of Moroni and ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, and having faith in Christ and the truthfulness will be manifest unto you by the power of the Holy Ghost. Just be prepared for the sweet testimony to come over time through real effort on your own part. It is a gift given by Heavenly Father, but you have to truly desire it and ask for it.

It has been my experience through the years that most people who are unsure about whether they have a testimony do in fact have one. They are just waiting for some special effect (devine manifestation/sign)to confirm it. Those rarely come. However, once you learn that the Spirit has been whispering to you and begin to recognize those small interventions by the Father (His tender mercies), the truth of your testimony becomes an undeniable knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Keep working at it and the confirmation will come. Just remember that it will most likely come quietly and serenely into your heart.

I love the article and strongly agree with it. Lyle, I think that you have misunderstood things. People do not have to have a strong spiritual experience to have a testimony. I can't say that I have ever had a strong spiritual experience, even though I have been an active member for many years, yea, many decades. However, I cannot remember ever not having a testimony. It has always been a basic part of me. People CAN gain a testimony through prayer, study, etc. That does not mean that they have a strong spiritual experience. To expect that is asking for signs. The general authorities do not expect us to work until we gain a strong spiritual experience. But they DO want us to work to gain a testimony. They are two totally different things.

I agree with Lyle. Also, I have met too many members of the RLDS (Community of Christ), the temple lot church, the Restoration Branches, Cutlerites, Bickertonites, etc., who all have a testimony of their church being the true church. So, for me, the process and display of a testimony has lost meaning. I "believe" in things, I just don't "know" things.

I find the LDS Testimony process similar to the Muslim process of reading the Koran. Muslims read the Koran out loud, over and over again, repeating the same thing again and again. It is very methodical and hypnotizing. Boyd K. Packer stated "A testimony is found in the bearing of it." ("The Candle of the Lord," Ensign, Jan. 1983, pp. 54-55.) Just keep repeating a testimony over and over again until you finally convince yourself to believe it.

Lyle 12:17 pm: "... nobody [should] be judged harshly.... Afterall, [whether they have a testimony or not] not ultimately in their control!

Exactly.

As LDS Scripture says,

Some (not all) are given the gift of knowing.

Others are given the gift of believing those who know.

Both groups are saved.

keep working at it. You'll get there.

With brain washing we can believe anything and everything and happily share it with everyone, what a wonderful gify we have.