DCP: A Testimony is a "living thing"

[_sr1030]

Probably, but one thing is for sure--it's a proven way to brainwash one's self into believing whatever the mantra is that you might repeat, especially to others as if you already believe it.

When I was struggling with my testimony, my bishop explained how he gained a testimony. He had read the Book of Mormon and prayed about it repeatedly without answer. He wanted to believe, but he didn't think he did. He was asked to give a talk in sacrament meeting about the Book of Mormon, so he was very careful about what he wrote into his talk, and he avoided bearing his testimony of it because he thought that would be lying. After the talk, several people told him how impressed they were with his testimony of the Book of Mormon, so he thought, If they think I have a testimony, I must.

I have read the Book of Mormon many times, and the first time I did, I prayed about it just as the missionaries requested. I was very sincere and God told me the Book of Mormon was not true and Joseph Smith was not a prophet of God. I suppose there are millions just like me that have rejected Mormonism.

sr

[_just me]

It was devastating for me to realize that the church wasn't, in any real sense, true, but it was far worse a few months later to acknowledge that I had never been happy in the church. I gave willingly of a lot of my time, my efforts, my faith, and my income to the church. I prayed every day to be more valiant, more faithful, and diligent. And I told myself and others I was happy, for happiness was to be found in making and keeping church covenants. But a relationship must involve giving and receiving; a relationship wherein one partner gives all and gets little to nothing in return is abusive. And yet that's the kind of relationship I had for 40 years.

According to DCP, you're lying if you come to the realization later that you were never happy. Or deluded. Take your pick.

Some of us can provide documentation. :)