DiscussMormonism.com

On FAIR/MAD, the poster known as Matthew G lets his anger over Temple proselyting fly,

Matthew G wrote:The Great Aaron is trying to organize a group to WEEKLY evangelize SLC Temple Square. What the @*$$ does that accomplish besides annoy people? You're not getting paid for it, you most likely aren't going to see an increase in your flock (congregation) by doing it, it irritates people around the temple, and you waste valuable time you could be using to do something much more productive like I dunno, TAKE CARE OF YOUR OWN MEMBERS!

So what does it accomplish except you feel better about yourself for "doing your part" to free the Mormons from bondage.

The obvious response is to simply substitute "The Great Aaron" with "The Mormon Missionaries" and to substitute "SLC Temple Square" with, well, any other location on planet earth including Temple Square. But to fully answer the question, it hit me for the first time today that the greatest value of these protests is that it converts those doing the protesting to their own cause. Yes, isn't it wonderful? Just as a mission may amount to bringing to the Mormon God save it be one soul -- that being the soul of the missionary in Europe -- the Temple Square evangelizing will bring the soul of the evangelizer. I'm sure it works just as good for them when Mormons yell at them, flip them off, and use cuss words as Mathew did. In fact, I'm sure the Mopologists will be the greatest converter of the EV proselyters to their own cause. Isn't it marvelous.

Good point, Gad. Evangelicals gain a testimony the same way Mormons do: by preaching their message in the face of opposition.

The Dude wrote:Good point, Gad. Evangelicals gain a testimony the same way Mormons do: by preaching their message in the face of opposition.

C'mon Dude, your smarter than that. No one gains a testimony that way, and if they do its a false one that will whither and blow away at the first sign of trouble.

A testimony is based on revelation or nothing.

Gazelam wrote:

The Dude wrote:Good point, Gad. Evangelicals gain a testimony the same way Mormons do: by preaching their message in the face of opposition.

C'mon Dude, your smarter than that. No one gains a testimony that way, and if they do its a false one that will whither and blow away at the first sign of trouble.

A testimony is based on revelation or nothing.

Actually, I'm not so sure. A testimony seems to be valid no matter what it is based on. Even Elder Packer has offered an alternate theory on where it might come from, which includes publicly bearing your testimony before you have one as a means to "get" one. That's some interesting psychology at work:

Oh, if I could teach you this one principle. A testimony is to be found in the bearing of it! Somewhere in your quest for spiritual knowledge, there is that “leap of faith,” as the philosophers call it. It is the moment when you have gone to the edge of the light and stepped into the darkness to discover that the way is lighted ahead for just a footstep or two.

The Candle of the Lord

I wonder if that methodology would work for EV's seeking a testimony of Evangelical Christianity? If they stood outside Temple Square and bore testimony to LDS passerby, might they find it? Or does Elder Packer's prescription only work for LDS (i.e. true) testimonies?

Bullseye! That BKP quote is exactly what EVs are doing.

The doctrine is found in the Bible. John 7:17

A testimony is to be found in the bearing of it!

Self-indoctrination?

What is this a form of mental masturbation?

The true purpose of F&T meeting!

How do we, as a society, implement morality, love, and companionship with Mormons when they prohibit our homosexuals as being fully vested citizens in society? Those who actively demonstrate enmity toward equality do not presuppose mutual love and affection will be desired by all, much less the victims of their rage. That said, to be outraged at the outrage beget by one's hate is simply another form or tactic the aggressor uses to oppress the object of his ire. To deny equal rights to our citizenry only lays the foundation of one's eventual subjugation. It's inevitable.

Gazelam wrote:

The Dude wrote:Good point, Gad. Evangelicals gain a testimony the same way Mormons do: by preaching their message in the face of opposition.

C'mon Dude, your smarter than that. No one gains a testimony that way, and if they do its a false one that will whither and blow away at the first sign of trouble.

A testimony is based on revelation or nothing.

What the hell are you talking about. Before your mission, your shackles are just bolted on.

After your mission they are welded securely around your ankle, making confirmation bias much easier because you don't want to believe you wasted two years of your life bothering people to join your cult.

Gazelam wrote:

The Dude wrote:Good point, Gad. Evangelicals gain a testimony the same way Mormons do: by preaching their message in the face of opposition.

C'mon Dude, your smarter than that. No one gains a testimony that way, and if they do its a false one that will whither and blow away at the first sign of trouble.

A testimony is based on revelation or nothing.

Then how do you account for Muslims, Hindus and Catholics having testimonies? Certainly they do not call them that, but their experiences are very similar.