On Testimony, Confirmation Bias, and Belief

[Limnor]

Today I had a conversation at work with a Mormon colleague who had served a mission and later as a bishop. The conversation started over the BYU lanyard he was wearing. I thought it was interesting that his immediate posture was one of “Yes, I’m one of them” with an odd but not over the top emphasis on “them” as if there was a pre-existing stigma associated with being Mormon. It reminded me of another conversation I had with a Mormon years ago who asked me if I wanted to feel his horns—he was joking but there was just enough of an undercurrent of expectation or pre-formed “anti” bias that I wondered if that was common?

I asked him about the 1826 “glass looker” trial (or maybe it was more like a deposition? I’m not a lawyer) and said that the fascinating part to me was the examination (not sworn) of Joseph in which he said he “pretended.” I said that the word may have had a different meaning at the time of the hearing or maybe the stenographer wrote down what he or she understood Joseph to mean.

I didn’t raise it as a gotcha, and confessed to not having all of the historical picture. At first he seemed hesitant to talk about it but then said he remembered the trial. I asked what he thought the statements by Stowell and others that they believed Joseph in spite of no actual results and right after hearing Joseph say he pretended. He said it was a bit confusing but that he didn’t think much about it.

We talked a little bit about how the mind works and confirmation bias, and I mentioned the Packer quote about testimony coming with the bearing if it and I asked if that might be comparable to an adrenaline rush you get when you do something you know is wrong. Another thing I thought was interesting about the conversation was the openness to groupthink and testimony bearing. He emphasized that no one is forced to bear testimony but stated there may be an underlying pressure or expectation to do so, mirroring what has been explained here. He said one person had got up and spoke about how good the chicken was here, repeating it a few times before sitting back down.

I mentioned Fast and Testimony and the potential for a visit—I asked him if he could gatekeep the missionaries from me and he laughed. I haven’t committed yet but probably will go, though he didn’t come right out and invite me either.

Any advice?

[Res Ipsa]

You should go. It would be an interesting experience that would inform you directly in a way that none of us can. If approached by missionaries (I have no idea how likely this would be), just politely but firmly tell them that if you are interested in talking with them, you'll contact them.

[Gadianton]

Obviously I think you should go. Maybe find a chapel a few minutes out so it's not your neighbors and slip into a back row just for F&T meeting. If anyone asks, just imply you're a member and there for work that week. I don't think you need to worry about being harassed by the members, as Mormons are extremely cliquish and most hate doing missionary work and feel like visitors are invading their home. If the Missionaries notice you, that could be an issue, if it's a small ward or branch. Worst case just shoot the breeze for 20 seconds and affirm you've got to go. You could even buy a cheap CTR ring or a Moroni tie clip or something.

[Limnor]

Thank you both. My intent is to treat it as you mention, Gad, as if it were their home and I will respect that. Also I laughed at the ring or tie tack.

I have a beard—would that expose me?

[drumdude]

Fast and Testimony meeting, when I was a member, was largely for 2 things: therapy and virtue signalling. Both with the obligatory crying from the person bearing said "testimony."

Neither were very comfortable or fun to watch. But your mileage will vary greatly by the people in the ward.

[Gadianton]

Thank you both. My intent is to treat it as you mention, Gad, as if it were their home and I will respect that. Also I laughed at the ring or tie tack.

I have a beard—would that expose me?

I don't have any membership credibility to say how you should treat it, however, if my dad is looking on from above, feel free to make a ruckus as he was a huge missionary and couldn't stand the insular, uninviting attitudes of the typical membership. He loved it when an outsider visited and made people uncomfortable with how they dressed, acted, or things they said. I kid you not, if you get up and bear your crime scene testimony he might enjoy it even more than I would.

I haven't been in forever, just guessing given all the alt-right Dez-nat nuts that there are a lot more beards than there used to be.

[Limnor]

I briefly considered showing up dressed as an angel with a seer stone.

[Fence Sitter]

I have actually been attending occasionally. I’m dating a TBM woman I’ve known for a very long time, and I’m enjoying church on my own terms. When I visit her—she lives in another state—I go with her. I’ve found that when you don’t have unruly kids sitting next to you, as I did for many years, you can actually pay attention to what’s going on, and some of it is genuinely interesting.

If you want to blend in, a beard is fine, but I’d suggest a white or light-colored button-down shirt with dark slacks, and possibly a dark, solid-color tie. If you really want to blend in and are comfortable doing so, a dark suit with a white shirt and tie is what about half the men will be wearing.

I’d recommend arriving a few minutes early and sitting toward the back in one of the side pews. You’ll probably have one or two people come up and introduce themselves. You can simply say, “Hi, I’m John, and I’m just visiting.” If the missionaries approach you, you can use the same response and politely decline further information.

If you feel motivated, after the Fast & Testimony (F&T) meeting—which lasts one hour—there is an adult, hour-long class called Gospel Doctrine that’s open to everyone. It will give you a sense of how instructional classes are presented, and you may find it quite interesting. This year’s lessons focus on the Old Testament. Most classes take a scripture passage or a talk by a senior church leader and examine how it supports what Mormons are expected to believe and how they are encouraged to act.

The F&T meeting begins with announcements, followed by an opening hymn and an opening prayer. Next comes what is called the sacrament, which is preceded by another hymn. A group of teenage boys will pray over small pieces of bread, which are then distributed to the congregation. After the bread, the same boys pray over small cups of water, which are also passed out. You are not required to take either the bread or the water—you can simply pass the tray along to the next person. You may also take it if you wish; no one will care either way.

After the sacrament, the meeting is opened for members of the congregation who wish to, to stand and bear their testimonies. The meeting then concludes with a closing hymn and a closing prayer. All hymns are sung by the congregation.

When the meeting ends, you can either leave or ask any adult where the Gospel Doctrine class meets. You may even find the class more interesting than the F&T meeting itself. It is taught by a designated instructor and begins and ends with a prayer offered by a volunteer.

[Limnor]

If you feel motivated, after the Fast & Testimony (F&T) meeting—which lasts one hour—there is an adult, hour-long class called Gospel Doctrine that’s open to everyone. It will give you a sense of how instructional classes are presented, and you may find it quite interesting. This year’s lessons focus on the Old Testament. Most classes take a scripture passage or a talk by a senior church leader and examine how it supports what Mormons are expected to believe and how they are encouraged to act.

This is very helpful, thank you! I appreciate the practical detail and orientation. I have a question about the lessons you mentioned—are the lessons standardized across the church? I mean, is it a pre-approved lesson plan that is disseminated to each congregation?

Bible study in Protestant settings have always been the most rewarding part of church attendance over the years for me. On the carrier, every Sunday a group would get together and study.

So I’m curious about the structure—like is it open for members to give their insight during the lessons or is it one-way?

[canpakes]

I briefly considered showing up dressed as an angel with a seer stone.

Have you considered a flaming sword? That might raise a few eyebrows.