My Testimony.

[_RayAgostini]

Let me reaffirm my testimony here, on Mormon Discussions, once and for all to read.

I am not an active member of the Church. In fact, I am not even a member, having withdrawn my membership in early 2001.

Regardless of speculation, I affirm that notwithstanding my questions and doubts about the historicity of the Book of Mormon (views which may change), I have never doubted that the Book of Mormon is divinely inspired, and came through revelation to the Prophet Joseph Smith. I reject the so-called "Spalding Theory", and any theories which claim to explain this Book otherwise, because I have found them unsatisfactory.

While I may not be a believer in the conventional sense, I want it to be known to God and men that I have never denied my testimony of the Book of Mormon, at any time. I love and cherish that Book, and I believe it speaks The Word of the Living God, and I agree with the Prophet Joseph when he said: "I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book."

In this regard, I have not changed my view of the Book of Mormon in 37 years, and should my mortal probation be terminated any time soon, I want it to be known that I believe the Book of Mormon to be a revelation given by God to us today, and that those individuals and nations who heed its teachings will prosper, while those who fight against it will diminish. It speaks truth and peace to me, but also serves as a warning against my own sins and weaknesses, for which I hope for some kind of redemption.

Out of one man, sometimes called the "boy prophet", came this great religion, which now permeates the earth, like the great stone rolling, until it will consume all other kingdoms, principalities and dominions, and will sweep the earth with righteousness, and lay the way for an earth where the lion and lamb shall dwell in peace, and there shall be no more war. All things shall be done in God's time, and all shall receive their just reward, whether it be good or evil.

Let no one say, henceforth, that I have ever denied the truth of the Book of Mormon, and let this, if necessary, be my dying testimony.

God Bless.

[_Doctor CamNC4Me]

That was retarded. You're a full grown man. Jesus.

That said, here's a cool song I discovered via Sirius:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tb1o42RdVzA

[_RayAgostini]

That was r*******. You're a full grown man. Jesus.

That said, here's a cool song I discovered via Sirius:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tb1o42RdVzA

Hey, Cam, that was cool. I like that song.

[_DonBradley]

Ray,

I think it's awesome that you bore your testimony right here on Mormon Discussions. And the way you responded to Dr. Cam's insult juxtaposed with a song link, ignoring the insult while enjoying the song? Completely classy.

Amen, brotha.

Don

[_RayAgostini]

Ray,

I think it's awesome that you bore your testimony right here on Mormon Discussions. And the way you responded to Dr. Cam's insult juxtaposed with a song link, ignoring the insult while enjoying the song? Completely classy.

Amen, brotha.

Don

Hi Don,

I really liked the song he posted, and I, in truth, hold no animosity.

Your presence here has lifted my spirits. Don't go away, Don, because you are one of the finest human beings I know.

[_Drifting]

Ray.

Do you believe that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the true Church as testified of in the Book of Mormon?

If not, why not?

If yes, then not being a member of it constitutes denying your testimony, in my opinion. For instance, if I claim a testimony that stealing is wrong but then go on to rob a bank - I can't then stand up and say I believe stealing is wrong. Because clearly I think stealing is right under certain circumstances.

[_LDSToronto]

Then why leave the Church? If I had the same testimony as you, I'd still be and active member, so this puzzles me.

H.

[_Bond James Bond]

Let me reaffirm my testimony here, on Mormon Discussions, once and for all to read.

I am not an active member of the Tolkien fanclub. In fact, I am not even a member, having withdrawn my membership in early 2001.

Regardless of speculation, I affirm that notwithstanding my questions and doubts about the historicity of the Lord of the Rings (views which may change), I have never doubted that the Lord of the Rings is divinely inspired, and came through revelation to the Prophet J.R.R. Tolkien. I reject the so-called "Inklings Collaborative Theory", and any theories which claim to explain this Book otherwise, because I have found them unsatisfactory.

While I may not be a believer in the conventional sense, I want it to be known to God and men that I have never denied my testimony of the Lord of the Rings, at any time. I love and cherish that Book, and I believe it speaks The Word of the Living Hobbit, and I agree with the Prophet Samwise Gamgee when he said: "I told the brethren that the Lord of the Rings was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to my master Frodo Baggins by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book."

In this regard, I have not changed my view of the Lord of the Rings in 26 years, and should my mortal probation be terminated any time soon, I want it to be known that I believe the Lord of the Rings to be a revelation given by Tolkien to us today, and that those individuals and nations who heed its teachings will prosper, while those who fight against it will diminish. It speaks truth and peace to me, but also serves as a warning against my own sins and weaknesses, for which I hope for some kind of redemption.

Out of one man, sometimes called the "hobbit prophet", came this great religion, which now permeates the earth, like the great stone rolling, until it will consume all other kingdoms, principalities and dominions, and will sweep the earth with righteousness, and lay the way for an earth where the lion and lamb shall dwell in peace, and there shall be no more war. All things shall be done in God's time, and all shall receive their just reward, whether it be good or evil.

Let no one say, henceforth, that I have ever denied the truth of the Lord of the Rings, and let this, if necessary, be my dying testimony.

Gandalf Bless.

[_lostindc]

Bond,

That was very inspiring and uplifting to read. I feel like we all got a special look inside your heart and mind. Thanks


Ray,

All the power to you, best of luck and God Bless!!!

[_Rollo Tomasi]

Let me reaffirm my testimony here, on Mormon Discussions, once and for all to read.

This sounds a lot like what David Whitmer said late in life -- he still had a very strong testimony of the Restored Gospel and the Book of Mormon, but believed that Joseph was a fallen prophet, and with him, the LDS Church. As for me, I have a lot of doubts concerning the current LDS Church "institution," but the Book of Mormon remains a strong pillar of my faith (the Book of Abraham and other "translations" do not hold the same place in my heart). I pretty much write for a living, and I remain in awe of the Book of Mormon and how it came to be. I know there are many evidences to suggest the Book of Mormon is not of ancient origins (I have not decided one way or the other), but there is something about it (when I read it) that tells me the book is more than just Spalding's or Rigdon's or even Joseph's attempt to pen a novel. I don't know if anyone would call this a "testimony," but it's how I view the Book of Mormon, for better or worse.