LDS/Mormon Testimonies... are they just that?

[sadie_Mormoncaptain of 1,000]

This Sunday as I sat through our Fast & Testimony meeting I was overwhelmed with thought about our Testimonies. Most times they seem stiff almost scripted. Children go up like clockwork to bear their own Testimony... sounding quite similar in content and tone. Many times I have witnessed parents walking up with their children and standing behind whispering in their ear what to say in the microphone. Is this a real Testimony?

The elderly Sister stands there in a cracking whispering voice unable to bring the words quickly to mind while the elderly Brother seems lost in his passion for all the callings he's been blessed with in his lifetime. The mother while making her way up to the podium is followed by the tiny toes of her littlest ones determined not to leave their mothers side tugging at her skirt while she struggles to keep her composure. There is a father who holds back his tears which seem to be filled with exhaustion and release. The woman whose children have long left home seems to take this time to spill her every obstacle and sadness that has passed through her years. Of course there is the one man who everyone cringes when he walks up because like clockwork he update us on his genealogy find in great detail. Then there are those who sit quietly in the pews listening to each person as they make their way up there. It seems to always be the same people… same children… same Testimony.

I remember when I went to my first Testimony meeting in the LDS church some years back. To be honest I found it odd… somewhat orchestrated… and many times mentally draining. It was a far cry from what I was use to when someone shared their Testimony. It was most always unscheduled, random, and emotional. It spoke about how G_d had helped them find their way, or how they had went through a trial in their life and they found the L_rd, or how they knew Jesus Christ personally by way of faith… nothing more nothing less.

I still to this day find the F&T meetings very difficult to get myself through each month. To me a Testimony isn’t about a particular thing that you have a Testimony about that week, month, or year. No, it has to do with what got you to where you are at today. What was it that saved you from the sinful life that you were living and put you on the path of the straight and narrow. We all have experienced that moment and if you haven’t well I pray you will. My Testimony NEVER changed from the day I experienced that miraculous moment in my life. The content of my Testimony has went unchanged for all these years nor has its impact on others. No, I do not share my Testimony during F&T Sunday. Why? Because my Testimony comes when it wants to come not when I put it up in cue. It’s not memorized or scripted… it’s from my heart that I bear it.

Sure, there is that once in a blue moon that someone stands there and shares their Testimony how it should be and it’s amazing. However of all the years I’ve only see it enough times to count on one hand.

This past Easter I was with family all of which are not members. There was a family friend who engaged me in conversation and I found myself bearing my Testimony right there to her. It just came rolling out of my mouth. She could feel my passion and love for Christ in my words as the tears flooded her eyes. She cried for nearly 30 minutes and she couldn’t shake what I shared with her that was so personal. I felt overwhelming joy in her tears because they were tears of happiness. She felt it.

My question to you is when you bear your Testimony do you feel that it is what it’s meant to be? Are you only bearing what you think ought to be by LDS standards? i.e. I know this church is true. I know that JC is the Savior. I know that JS is and was a Prophet of G_d and that he reestablished the Church of Christ upon the earth. I know that President Monson is a true Prophet of G_d on her as a mouthpiece of G_d. I know that G_d lives… so on and so forth.

[Gadcaptain of 1,000]

I share my testimony when directed by the spirit. Recently that has happened during family dinners, during a drive with my son, online on this forum and another, to neighbors, to co-workers, in Sunday school, in priesthood, and to a few strangers I've run across.

I haven't felt directed to bear my testimony in F&T for a few years. However, the wards I've been in have been large and there have never been moments of silence during F&T meeting. I don't mind how others bear their testimony. Getting up in front of a large crowd takes a certain amount of faith for most anyway, even if they do not quite know what or how to say things when they are there.

I bear testimony on whatever principle as guided by the spirit. Mostly that is to follow Christ and His scriptures. I use terms know and believe carefully to distinguish knowledge and belief.

[kathyncaptain of 1,000]

None of us knows what motivates other people, but I have listened to some very wonderful and heartfelt testimonies in my ward. It's rare that children get up to bear their testimonies because so many adults are at the podium. There is nothing wrong with testifying of certain principles and how they have helped in our lives. If you are looking to criticize others' testimonies, it's hard to feel the Spirit, I would think. Yes, there are some trite things said by various speakers, yet this is where they are on the spiritual ladder at the time, and hopefully they will be able to mature in the Gospel. I am grateful for others' testimonies because they help build mine.

I share my testimony when moved to do so. Sometimes, it's probably more beneficial for me than for others, but the Lord knows it's something I need to do for my own spiritual growth. And I have shared my testimony with others--and not in any meeting, but just as I feel to do so.

[sadie_Mormoncaptain of 1,000]

Thank you both for sharing.

Also just a note I always sit with my heart open and not looking to criticize. I don't want you to think I sit there and try to find fault. I guess being a convert I have something to compare it to. I just want to see what others experiences are like during F&T meetings.

[7cylon7captain of 1,000]

You bring up a good point. I think it all depends on two things. 1. YOU. I can look at those same testimonies with the best attitude and try to learn from them in my own life or I can (and I do many times) say to myself, this person is wasting my time. This testimonies is driving me crazy would they please just sit down. I can tell after years and years of hearing testimonies which ones are real and which ones are fake. 2. Your ward. If you ward has a good group of solid folks the testimony meetings rock. If you have a group of how shall I put this a group of folks that are hillbilly then you will not have great testimony meetings.

Many bishop have to re-announce the guidelines for testimonies. Children should never be prompted by a parent, or the famous whisper in the ear should never happen. Some of the best testimonies are from those children that really do do it on their own with no prompting.

Testimonies that turn into thankimonies or travel logs should not be given. I understand telling experiences that happen while traveling is fine with a proven gospel principle at the end are great.

Or I love the TALKimonies. someone decides to give a talk on some subject he likes and then tells us how we are need to do this when I bet he or she needs to do it the most.

So in short when I bring an investigator to church I make sure it is not testimony meeting for the first one.

The worst testimony ever I heard was in my youth some youth came back from youth conference and one girl started to tell us about the terd in the punch bowl. Yes, a terd in the punch bowl story that really was a baby ruth candy bar but it looked like a terd. ha ha ha. great testimony. I think I was only 11 or so but I still remember this testimony fail to this day.

I know they can be great or they can be really trying. That is way I always have my scriptures near me. Once I know it is a travel log speech I just start reading scriptures.

[Gadcaptain of 1,000]

Thank you both for sharing.

Also just a note I always sit with my heart open and not looking to criticize. I don't want you to think I sit there and try to find fault. I guess being a convert I have something to compare it to. I just want to see what others experiences are like during F&T meetings.

Well, I have to agree with you that many F&T meetings are a little lacking at times. I think that is normal. Spiritual growth is more individual anyway. I think church meetings are more about providing opportunities to fulfill baptismal covenants.

Mosiah 18:9 Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life—

F&T provides many an opportunity to show that they are willing to stand as a witness of God at all times. Just the act of getting up provides a spiritual benefit despite whatever words that come out. Our act of listening also shows that we are willing to mourn and comfort others.

As far as spiritual growth, that is more individual anyway.

[sadie_Mormoncaptain of 1,000]

2. Your ward. If you ward has a good group of solid folks the testimony meetings rock. If you have a group of how shall I put this a group of folks that are hillbilly then you will not have great testimony meetings.

I’ve been in 3 wards and yes they were different. The one I am in now is very different from the other 2. Also it’s in an area with very few LDS compared to where I use to live. Certainly does make a difference what the ward is like.

The worst testimony ever I heard was in my youth some youth came back from youth conference and one girl started to tell us about the terd in the punch bowl. Yes, a terd in the punch bowl story that really was a baby ruth candy bar but it looked like a terd. ha ha ha. great testimony. I think I was only 11 or so but I still remember this testimony fail to this day.

Thank you so much I needed this laugh! Got to love children. I do have to say this one boy got up on Sunday and it was his last Sunday at our Ward (they are moving) and his eyes where full and he was speaking from the heart.

I know they can be great or they can be really trying. That is way I always have my scriptures near me. Once I know it is a travel log speech I just start reading scriptures.

I do the same thing. I read my scriptures. Then I feel guilty that I should be giving that person my undivided attention.

Thank you for sharing.

[Zowieinkcaptain of 100]

This is a really good question. For my part, I have held back not "formally" going up and sharing my testimony, although like Kathryn it could come at any time outside of Fast and Testimony meeting. It is a hard thing for me to do at the pulpit, however after 3 years, since my wife's death, I held back for other reasons. Yesterday, however, I was "overcome" by the Spirit (quite unlike me!) and I remembered all the blessing that came from serving in the temple, of passing through difficult times, etc. etc. etc. I was nearly pushed out of my seat with the intensity of the Spirit to get up and tell it! So, I did. Now, I can face TV cameras (I do every month at our City's Planning & Zoning meetings) and not get spooked, and to be a normal "talking head" as chairman. But, yesterday, I approached with fear and trembling, I dislike the public show of emotion unless the Holy Ghost is present. I related my testimony in halting voice, filled with emotion. I related the blessings that come from staying true, of temple service, and that Heavenly Father love us and how I felt His loving arms around me when all was black as night.

I do not know if the others felt the Spirit, but I did. I hope I didn't sound like an idiot, but what I related I felt down to my core. Perhaps, sometimes, when we are moved to share our testimonies in Fast & Testimony meeting, it isn't for the congregation...maybe it is for us personally, so we can show obedience by doing what the Holy Ghost directs us to do.

[davedancaptain of 1,000]

There is so much that we disagree on as people. Everyone has a different idea about the best way to do whaterver.

The amazing thing about the LDS Testimony, is that millions of poeple can get up and agree upon and be unified in our knowledge of a few very important things. The LDS Testimoy is what unifies us as a people, a community, a family.


As far a being rote. The basis of the LDS Testimony is 5 things: 1. God 2. Christ, 3. Joseph Smith 4. Book of Mormon 5. Living Prophet. The important thing to know is that getting up and declaring these 5 things is wonderful and is enough.

However, LDS can also get up and explain an experience that they have had that may have increased their testimony in one of these 5 areas. Such as; I had an experience this week (briefly describe) and this experience strengthened by knowledge of 1-5.

LDS Testimony shouldnt be a travel log, or a "thank-a-mony" or a "let me list all my friends- amony", or "let me confess all my sins-amony" etc, The LDS testimony shouldn't describe all the details of our summer vacation or try to impress everyone with how socially connected we are.

However, if we happened to be on a vacation and we had an experience that strengthened our knowledge in 1-5, or another principle of the gospel like helping the poor, or tithing, or whatever, then its fine to describe that very briefly but spend no time telling about how we went suba diving or saw this great cave and given other non-applicable details.

That said, you dont have to have some "experience" to share your testimony. It's perfectly fine to get up and give the 5, and sit down.

[Original_Intentcaptain of 1,000]

I had this experience a couple of months ago (and posted here about it.)

Based on feedback, rather than turn to the scriptures during a "thankimony" I just pour out my heart to the Lord in silent prayer of the many things I am thankful for, struggles I am having, asking for forgiveness, and etc. It made all three meetings much more enjoyable, I felt the spirit strongly.

I also wonder if everyone in the congregation were focused on worship, if more people with testimonies to bear would not be prompted to do so. People with powerful testimonies are not likely to throw their pearls before swine who either will not believe them, or will be critical of their sacred experiences, or flat out aren't paying attention.

If the majority are in tune and ready for powerful spiritual message, I am confident the Lord will move upon either ourselves or someone else in the audience to deliver that message.

[natashacaptain of 1,000]

I have been watching and listening carefully during our fast and testimony meetings...mainly because somewhere back in time on the forum someone else was critical of our testimony meetings. Every single person this past Sunday mention their testimony of the Saviour. About three children got up and each of them had a different "twist" to their testimonies....each saying how they loved coming to Church to learn more about the Saviour. A few adults at times do get a little carried away....but I still can glean from what they say something of importance.

[Melissacaptain of 100]

Testimony meeting is what you make of it. If you go to the meeting with the right spirit and listen to what people are saying, really listen to the person not just hearing the words then you will come out of the meeting uplifted.

You may find only certain words or certain messages by very few people to be of benefit to you. We cannot expect everyone to deliver the message WE want to hear or make us feel the way WE want to feel. Some of the testimonies you think are boring and pointless or lacking will be recieved by others just the opposite. I do agree that there are some meetings that seem to have the spirit more abundant because you can see it affecting everyone in the room.

Also, some people who seem so rehearsed might just be, because of nerves, but they are up there, that is their testimony and they are exercising faith in bearing their testimony so that it might continue to grow. Some of the best testimonies are plain and simple truths.

I am one of the type of people who don't get up because of terrible nerves and anxiety. If I was to bear my testimony I would have to go up there with notes written down or possibly read it all together. Everytime I have given talks I have read them (for the most part) and I'm sure there were some in the audience who turned off and checked out from what I was saying. I have never received a complaint and in fact have recieved just the opposite. Just know that there are people who struggle dearly to share things with others from the pulpit and when we then have the feeling of having to make it so great for everyone, it adds to the stress that is not needed.

Please, be careful about criticizing or holding meetings to a certain standard - you will be disappointed!

Maybe next time you see the spirit of the meeting dwinling or not there all together, I invite you to get up and share with others, who may be weaker than youself, the truth that you have in your heart. I have noticed that it often takes one brave soul to invite the spirit for the remainder of the meeting!

[buffalo_girlcaptain of 1,000]

F&T meetings can be a trial of patience if the very same people get up time after time and 'go on' much longer than they should, but I figure they must NEED that or they wouldn't do it.

The testimony I looked forward to every month was from a Down's man who lived in our present Ward until very recently. (He got in to some kind of spat with his roommates and moved across the street to another apartment which took him into the other Ward.) Bless his heart! I understood very little of what he said each time, but oh, with what joy he declared his love for his family, his 'mentor' as he called the church custodian who worked with him every week, and for Jesus Christ! After bearing his testimony he always went through the congregation patting babies on the head and hugging people he knew he could trust. He lost his adoptive mother in the past year which he took very hard, but still he continued to declare his love for her and to witness that Jesus gives him 'power' to live his life.

Doctrine & Covenants 62
3 Nevertheless, ye are blessed, for the testimony which ye have borne is recorded in heaven for the angels to look upon; and they rejoice over you, and your sins are forgiven you.

I rarely go to the podium to bear testimony. As I teach certain principles I am often moved to bear witness to the truth of that principle based on its workings in my life or in the life of someone close to me.

I felt the power of that witness yesterday as I was prompted while teaching GD to relate my mother's righteous example of purity as having been the most important influence in putting my own life in order as a young woman living a less than exemplary life. That testimony came out of questions I posed to the class; a testimony which I had NOT planned to include in the lesson. I felt the Spirit bear witness to the power of a righteous parent's example in assisting the Lord to rescue a lost child.

WHAT can we learn from Alma's example of counseling children? HOW was "I Command" justified in counseling with his children?

I think testimonies and witnesses must be 'living', but I'm not the 'quality' judge in this instance. Maybe no one else felt the Spirit as I did when I recalled my mom's example of righteousness. Maybe that witness was for me.

[karend77captain of 100]

None of us knows what motivates other people, but I have listened to some very wonderful and heartfelt testimonies in my ward. It's rare that children get up to bear their testimonies because so many adults are at the podium. There is nothing wrong with testifying of certain principles and how they have helped in our lives. If you are looking to criticize others' testimonies, it's hard to feel the Spirit, I would think. Yes, there are some trite things said by various speakers, yet this is where they are on the spiritual ladder at the time, and hopefully they will be able to mature in the Gospel. I am grateful for others' testimonies because they help build mine.

I share my testimony when moved to do so. Sometimes, it's probably more beneficial for me than for others, but the Lord knows it's something I need to do for my own spiritual growth. And I have shared my testimony with others--and not in any meeting, but just as I feel to do so.

Thank you for you positive post. I too have heard wonderful testimonies born. Testimonies bearing witness of many things- 65 year old had a miracle of being healed, a 12 year old who bears witness that when he reads his scriptures Heavenly Father answers his prayers; sweet testimonies of the Tender Mercies of the Savior.

[sadie_Mormoncaptain of 1,000]

I do not know if the others felt the Spirit, but I did. I hope I didn't sound like an idiot, but what I related I felt down to my core. Perhaps, sometimes, when we are moved to share our testimonies in Fast & Testimony meeting, it isn't for the congregation...maybe it is for us personally, so we can show obedience by doing what the Holy Ghost directs us to do.

Thank you for sharing. I'm sure you didn't sound like an idiot! I've yet to hear someone who did no matter how silly it all seems. Obviously it means something to them

[sadie_Mormoncaptain of 1,000]

There is so much that we disagree on as people. Everyone has a different idea about the best way to do whaterver.

The amazing thing about the LDS Testimony, is that millions of poeple can get up and agree upon and be unified in our knowledge of a few very important things. The LDS Testimoy is what unifies us as a people, a community, a family.

Very true that there is so much that we all disagree on as people yet there is that commonality that holds us together.

Thank you for sharing.

[sadie_Mormoncaptain of 1,000]

I had this experience a couple of months ago (and posted here about it.)

Based on feedback, rather than turn to the scriptures during a "thankimony" I just pour out my heart to the Lord in silent prayer of the many things I am thankful for, struggles I am having, asking for forgiveness, and etc. It made all three meetings much more enjoyable, I felt the spirit strongly.

So glad to hear you felt the spirit so strongly

Thanks for sharing.

[sadie_Mormoncaptain of 1,000]

I have been watching and listening carefully during our fast and testimony meetings...mainly because somewhere back in time on the forum someone else was critical of our testimony meetings. Every single person this past Sunday mention their testimony of the Saviour. About three children got up and each of them had a different "twist" to their testimonies....each saying how they loved coming to Church to learn more about the Saviour. A few adults at times do get a little carried away....but I still can glean from what they say something of importance.

It is always wonderful to have testimony meetings that are full of mention of our Saviour!

Thank you for sharing.

[sadie_Mormoncaptain of 1,000]

I have been watching and listening carefully during our fast and testimony meetings...mainly because somewhere back in time on the forum someone else was critical of our testimony meetings. Every single person this past Sunday mention their testimony of the Saviour. About three children got up and each of them had a different "twist" to their testimonies....each saying how they loved coming to Church to learn more about the Saviour. A few adults at times do get a little carried away....but I still can glean from what they say something of importance.

It is always wonderful to have testimony meetings that are full of mention of our Saviour!

Thank you for sharing.

[sadie_Mormoncaptain of 1,000]

Please, be careful about criticizing or holding meetings to a certain standard - you will be disappointed!

I think we all in some way hold a certain standard of expectation. It's just human.

Thank you for sharing!

[sadie_Mormoncaptain of 1,000]

F&T meetings can be a trial of patience if the very same people get up time after time and 'go on' much longer than they should, but I figure they must NEED that or they wouldn't do it.

The testimony I looked forward to every month was from a Down's man who lived in our present Ward until very recently. (He got in to some kind of spat with his roommates and moved across the street to another apartment which took him into the other Ward.) Bless his heart! I understood very little of what he said each time, but oh, with what joy he declared his love for his family, his 'mentor' as he called the church custodian who worked with him every week, and for Jesus Christ! After bearing his testimony he always went through the congregation patting babies on the head and hugging people he knew he could trust. He lost his adoptive mother in the past year which he took very hard, but still he continued to declare his love for her and to witness that Jesus gives him 'power' to live his life.

What a wonderful experience! Thank you for sharing it with us.

[sadie_Mormoncaptain of 1,000]

Thank you for you positive post. I too have heard wonderful testimonies born. Testimonies bearing witness of many things- 65 year old had a miracle of being healed, a 12 year old who bears witness that when he reads his scriptures Heavenly Father answers his prayers; sweet testimonies of the Tender Mercies of the Savior.

We seriously need a "LIKE" button for these posts

[r0ck$74r15captain of 10]

I am still new to this forum, and feel much younger than many here. I am still attending a singles ward and have been home from my mission only a few years. I will admit, while on my mission, I tried as hard as possible to make sure an investigator's first visit was not during F&T meeting, but I find them to be uplifting to not only myself but know that it is to those who testify.

It is nearing the end of summer, so in my singles ward, this was the last F&T meeting for many before they move on to school in other places. It was nice to hear how many of them had great experiences in the ward this summer that helped strengthen their testimonies.

Now I do agree that there are many testimonies that seem that they are fake or very rote, but whenever I hear those, I think of this scripture.

Nevertheless, ye are blessed, for the testimony which ye have borne is recorded in heaven for the angels to look upon; and they rejoice over you, and your sins are forgiven you. -D&C 62:3

Even though it may not uplift you the way you are expecting, it is needed for them. We all need forgiveness of our sins, and testifying of the things that we know to be true can bring that forgiveness that we seek.

[drjmecaptain of 100]

This Sunday as I sat through our Fast & Testimony meeting I was overwhelmed with thought about our Testimonies. Most times they seem stiff almost scripted. Children go up like clockwork to bear their own Testimony... sounding quite similar in content and tone. Many times I have witnessed parents walking up with their children and standing behind whispering in their ear what to say in the microphone. Is this a real Testimony?

The elderly Sister stands there in a cracking whispering voice unable to bring the words quickly to mind while the elderly Brother seems lost in his passion for all the callings he's been blessed with in his lifetime. The mother while making her way up to the podium is followed by the tiny toes of her littlest ones determined not to leave their mothers side tugging at her skirt while she struggles to keep her composure. There is a father who holds back his tears which seem to be filled with exhaustion and release. The woman whose children have long left home seems to take this time to spill her every obstacle and sadness that has passed through her years. Of course there is the one man who everyone cringes when he walks up because like clockwork he update us on his genealogy find in great detail. Then there are those who sit quietly in the pews listening to each person as they make their way up there. It seems to always be the same people… same children… same Testimony.

I remember when I went to my first Testimony meeting in the LDS church some years back. To be honest I found it odd… somewhat orchestrated… and many times mentally draining. It was a far cry from what I was use to when someone shared their Testimony. It was most always unscheduled, random, and emotional. It spoke about how G_d had helped them find their way, or how they had went through a trial in their life and they found the L_rd, or how they knew Jesus Christ personally by way of faith… nothing more nothing less.

I still to this day find the F&T meetings very difficult to get myself through each month. To me a Testimony isn’t about a particular thing that you have a Testimony about that week, month, or year. No, it has to do with what got you to where you are at today. What was it that saved you from the sinful life that you were living and put you on the path of the straight and narrow. We all have experienced that moment and if you haven’t well I pray you will. My Testimony NEVER changed from the day I experienced that miraculous moment in my life. The content of my Testimony has went unchanged for all these years nor has its impact on others. No, I do not share my Testimony during F&T Sunday. Why? Because my Testimony comes when it wants to come not when I put it up in cue. It’s not memorized or scripted… it’s from my heart that I bear it.

Sure, there is that once in a blue moon that someone stands there and shares their Testimony how it should be and it’s amazing. However of all the years I’ve only see it enough times to count on one hand.

This past Easter I was with family all of which are not members. There was a family friend who engaged me in conversation and I found myself bearing my Testimony right there to her. It just came rolling out of my mouth. She could feel my passion and love for Christ in my words as the tears flooded her eyes. She cried for nearly 30 minutes and she couldn’t shake what I shared with her that was so personal. I felt overwhelming joy in her tears because they were tears of happiness. She felt it.

My question to you is when you bear your Testimony do you feel that it is what it’s meant to be? Are you only bearing what you think ought to be by LDS standards? i.e. I know this church is true. I know that JC is the Savior. I know that JS is and was a Prophet of G_d and that he reestablished the Church of Christ upon the earth. I know that President Monson is a true Prophet of G_d on her as a mouthpiece of G_d. I know that G_d lives… so on and so forth.

I made a comment about this a few threads ago. There is a huge difference between indoctrination and pure testimony. I often think as I have sat listening to smal children's testimony if they really do "know the church is true" and that they " know Joseph smith was a prophet of God" maybe they do but when several five year olds gt up and recite the same thing with or without a parent standing behind them I think I can be given the benefit if the doubt for thinking that they are being taught "what to say"instead of "how to seek."

There's the token young ethnic girl that starts sobbing as soon as they start speaking( hear the collective sigh and eye rolling of most of the males), several small children with or without parents and a few old folks that like to tell stories. But then you get those few whose words penetrate directly to they heart. I love those testimonies. I think this is the purpose of a testimony and should oly be given when the spirit directs. Because it has that sort of impact and benefits not only the bearer, but edifies those who listen. For myself a testimony is Intensly personal, and when you bear it it feels like you are opening yourself up completely, a feeling of complete vulnerability yet absolute trust in the lord that what you are saying is right and true.

At some stage or another those that have adopted the established testimony guideline find that it loses its meaning. Though some are happy to continue in the culture " because it's what they know" many will become disillusioned and leave, some will struggle and stay, many will find Christ and become even more dedicated. I dont think this problem is exclusively Mormon I think all religious groups have their indoctrination guidelines.

[sadie_Mormoncaptain of 1,000]

At some stage or another those that have adopted the established testimony guideline find that it loses its meaning. Though some are happy to continue in the culture " because it's what they know" many will become disillusioned and leave, some will struggle and stay, many will find Christ and become even more dedicated. I dont think this problem is exclusively Mormon I think all religious groups have their indoctrination guidelines.

True this is with any church. However what I find with the LDS church is part if not much of it sounds scripted. It's like how we all end our prayers saying, "I say these things in the name of JC Amen." I think it's safe to say that the LDS church is the only one that ends talks, prayers, and testimonies with this line rather than simple saying "Amen" i.e. "so be it".

Like I've said before there have certainly been times that someones testimony touched my heart.

Thank you for sharing.

[Visioncaptain of 100]

Here is a good read on what a testimony is and is not.

http://emp.byui.edu/marrottr/Thankamony.pdf

Our Stake has had an emphasis on bearing "pure testimony" for 8 years now. We have been taught over and over that loving your family, being grateful that your garden overflows with veggies, and that traveling to Nauvoo for the pageant is not a testimony, but the amazing thing is that some people are so stuck in the traditional cultural habit of bearing testimony that they cannot change the way they bear testimony. It is not limited to the elderly either.

I liken this cultural phenom similar to living the "law of Moses" but not having Christ in your life. I feel for the most part we are so busy trying to be good Mormons that we have shut Christ out of hearts because all the rules, and regulations, and most of all the cultural traditions that dominate mormon life.

[natashacaptain of 1,000]

None of us knows what motivates other people, but I have listened to some very wonderful and heartfelt testimonies in my ward. It's rare that children get up to bear their testimonies because so many adults are at the podium. There is nothing wrong with testifying of certain principles and how they have helped in our lives. If you are looking to criticize others' testimonies, it's hard to feel the Spirit, I would think. Yes, there are some trite things said by various speakers, yet this is where they are on the spiritual ladder at the time, and hopefully they will be able to mature in the Gospel. I am grateful for others' testimonies because they help build mine.

I share my testimony when moved to do so. Sometimes, it's probably more beneficial for me than for others, but the Lord knows it's something I need to do for my own spiritual growth. And I have shared my testimony with others--and not in any meeting, but just as I feel to do so.

These are my feelings, too, Kathyn. We are all on different levels of progression. I choose to try to find the message in EACH person who bears their testimony. We need to BRING the spirit to that meeting just as much as the person trying to bear his/her testimony. The spirit can teach when we are open to be taught.

[5tev3captain of 100]

Everyone is at a different level of growth and experience. F&TM might be a display of some who are just trying their best to speak the truth within. Criticizing them might say more about you than them.

[buffalo_girlcaptain of 1,000]

I liken this cultural phenom similar to living the "law of Moses" but not having Christ in your life. I feel for the most part we are so busy trying to be good Mormons that we have shut Christ out of hearts because all the rules, and regulations, and most of all the cultural traditions that dominate mormon life.

There's a lot of that, for sure!

I guess our responsibility is to be examples of a Christlike life in which we serve to inspire others to a higher level of commitment & conduct.

I'm convinced that when we attain that level of commitment & conduct all those 'rules, regulations, and cultural traditions' will become meaningless. I know they will.

[drjmecaptain of 100]

I liken this cultural phenom similar to living the "law of Moses" but not having Christ in your life. I feel for the most part we are so busy trying to be good Mormons that we have shut Christ out of hearts because all the rules, and regulations, and most of all the cultural traditions that dominate mormon life.

There's a lot of that, for sure!

I guess our responsibility is to be examples of a Christlike life in which we serve to inspire others to a higher level of commitment & conduct.

I'm convinced that when we attain that level of commitment & conduct all those 'rules, regulations, and cultural traditions' will become meaningless. I know they will.

I think the rules and regulations, conduct etc are the easy part. Theyre tangible and controllable. I think stepping towards Christ it outside those things. Im Not meaning that they aren't important, but I believe the will to live them comes after a conversion to Christ.

I think when people do it the other way they can be come too dependant on their ability to live those rules themselves, putting their ability and trust in their own arm of flesh to 'be righteous'. In my experience i indulged In religious hobbies because they were easy and they were a predominant focus of the culture.
In my experience gaining a testimony of Christ was gained in vulnerability, when I wasn't in control, because when I was in control I was trusting in my own flesh.

I thought about how to explain my process of when i was searching for Him. It's like Christ as asking me to step of a cliff, guaranteeing that he would catch me yet the religious hobbies and rules that I was living in were like safety harnesses and nets stopping me from stepping off in complete trust so that He could catch me.
The things I trusted in (that I placed in front of him) were taken away one by one, every other thing I would run to instead of him was painstakingly removed from my life, out of my control and with much fear and vulnerability as everything _I_ had built myself up to be was taken away. The funny thing is through the whole process I thought I completely trusted in him. It wasn't until afterwards that I realised how many layers and walls I had placed in front of him. And when I was finally vulnerable and broken and weak, there He was, saying "gosh....finally, I've been waiting here for ages".