Establishing One's Own Testimony

In my last post I discussed the importance of developing a personal testimony of the Gospel, I would like to expand on that point a bit more.  Currently, I am at home on Christmas break.  On Christmas Eve, I attended a Episcopalian midnight church service with my parents.  It was a very nice service as always, and one part of the pastor's sermon really stuck with me.  He spoke to the congregation telling them they needed to find God and His word on their own; they have to read the Gospel for themselves.  Too many rely on their belief which is simply built on tradition or on what church leaders or authorities tell them, not from finding or developing a belief, or testimony, of their own.  I was surprised he was 'calling-out' the congregation in this manner, but I agreed completely, and so does much of the Church of Jesus Christ I believe.  The Church encourages members to find and develop their own testimony of the validity of the Church and the Gospel as a whole.

Often in talks one may hear a member speak of a time when they relied on the testimony of their parents, before they developed their own.  I think this problem is all too common for many people, whether of this Church or of another, one cannot rely on others to find the truth; they must discover it on their own and have it confirmed by the Holy Ghost.  One cannot know or understand the Gospel, or God for that matter, unless they discover and confirm it themselves.  This may sound like a lot of work, and perhaps for some finding a testimony is, but it really is a blessing that we have the freedom to choose to follow the Gospel.  This blessing is our agency.

Agency is our freedom of choice.  It is an essential part of the Plan of Salvation.  We choose to find a testimony or not, but whatever our choice may be it is our own and we must take full personal responsibility.  The concept of agency does not refute or attempt to falsify God's all-powerful or all-knowing nature, in fact, agency is really a testament of Heavenly Father's love for His children.  He still knows what we will choose, and He does indeed have the power to force us to do things, but because of His love, for us, He allows us to make that decision on our own.  One, whether man or deity, cannot establish a testimony for you, that would infringe on the freedom of choice we all have.  Agency is essential, and is why one must develop a testimony on his or her own.  

This agency must also be used in gaining a testimony of the Book of Mormon.  Now it is up to the individual whether to test it or not, but if they do decide to seek out its validity, they need to test it themselves through the Holy Ghost, not rely on others beliefs or feelings.

I stumbled upon a page on Catholic.com that is entitled "Problems with the Book of Mormon", well after a title like that I just had to read on.  And I have to say the title was perhaps not best suited for the actual contents of the article.  It talked mostly of ways of 'not getting fooled by the Book of Mormon' and really only two claims of invalidity (I actually might do a post on this article later, just because I like it so much, but for the sake of not getting completely off track, I should move on).  At the end of the article it states, 

Tell the Mormon missionaries: "Look, it is foolish to pray about things you know are not God’s will. It would be wrong of me to pray about whether adultery is right, when the Bible clearly says it is not. Similarly, it would be wrong of me to pray about the Book of Mormon when one can so easily demonstrate that it is not the word of God."

Well firstly one could still pray about adultery if he or she really desired I guess, but the reason we probably don't need to is because it is blatantly commanded that it is a sin.  As for the Book of Mormon part, I don't remember the commandment about God saying scripture is wrong...  Jesus however did warn us "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves," (Matthew 7:15) therefore we should test all things by means of the Holy Ghost if they are indeed true and good.  Without that confirmation we are lost and cannot know the truth.

I urge everyone to read the Book of Mormon earnestly and to truly pray of its validity and if one truly does so I know they will find a testimony of its truth.  And not only is this true for the Book of Mormon but in all things, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him" (James 1:5).  I can truly testify this is the only way one may find truth, and I testify of this in Christ's name. Amen.

What is Faith?

So yeah, I haven't updated in a long time... I mean a long time... Sorry about that; I wish I had a good excuse but... yeah.

Anyway a while back someone posted a comment on my entry entitled "Heeding the Voice of the Prophets".  Their comment addressed "faith", through the use of an extended metaphor about driving.  While I feel his or her point was a little jumbled in the mix, the part about faith hit me hard.  He or she stated,

When you drive your car on city streets, you have "faith" that others will obey the laws, be vigilent and kind. Without this "faith" you would not dare to drive. 

When you see someone injured or killed on the highway, your faith is "challenged." You realize the connection between what preserves you in faith is your own imagination or construct of the world.

People are always saying "I have faith in God and faith in religion and I want everyone to have the feeling of peace I have in religion," but this missionary zeal is just the dissimination of opiates, just as telling yourself everyone will obey traffic laws enables the feeling of security while driving.

This is where I think we must define faith. Paul stated "Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1).  We see faith is an "assurance", it is a confirmation, it is a truth.  I believe the "faith" defined by Paul and the "faith" that is talked about in the quote above are very different.  I believe "hope" not "faith" might be a better word.

I, personally, hope others will obey the law, be vigilant, and kind.  I hope for a safe journey.  That is all I can really do, because what the author wrote above is absolutely correct I cannot control what other drivers do or what ultimately happens.  And this is the key distinction between hope and faith.  In faith, I know, "Faith is the assurance".  Hope is simply a desire.  Hope is an aspect of faith, as Paul stated, but I also believe the two are very distinct.  

When trying to see if something is true one must first have a hope of its validity, a confirmation of its validity, and finally knowledge of its validity may be obtained.  The basic "Scientific Method" if you will.  Well the same is true for the Gospel.  Whether it be a question of "Am I doing what is right?", "Is this the correct church?" "Is there a god?" or even a tiny prayer, one must first have a hope that what they are asking will be answered, will be true, or will come to pass.  Once this "hope" is established, one must recieve a confirmation that this hope is true.  I had a hope, or a desire, to know if the Book of Mormon was true, so I prayed and recieved a confirmation through the Holy Ghost; this confirmation then lead me to know that the Book of Mormon is true.  I believe it is only through this confirmation of the Holy Ghost may we obtain true faith.  (By confirmation, I am not saying every answer will be yes, it can easily be no, or not even be able to be answered in simple "yes or no", "true or false" terms).  Through the Holy Ghost we establish faith.  This faith is as true as any fact or truth established by empirical evidence.  

Now as for the last part of the quote.  I do indeed "want everyone to have the feeling of peace [love, happiness, knowledge, assurance, etc (my additions)] I have in religion."  Now I do have faith that if one truly looks at the Church of Jesus Christ, and genuinely and wholeheartedly ask God if it is indeed the true church of Christ he or she will recieve confirmation from the Holy Ghost that it is.  Again the key of obtaining true faith is through the confirmation of the Holy Ghost, but this process is indiviual.  My faith cannot act in place of someone else's.  Faith must be found on one's own, only through personal confirmation.  I can bear my testimony all day but it will not give one faith, it may strengthen one's faith, but to obtain faith first hope must be wrought, then confirmation of its truth, and ultimately the assurance of faith will be given.

Heeding the Voice of the Prophets

We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth. (Articles of Faith 6)
We believe all God has revealed, all He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God. (Articles of Faith 9)

One very distinguishing characteristic of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, that sets it apart from 'traditional' Christian churches, is it has modern day prophets and apostles. You can't find that anywhere else, and I have to say it was one of the biggest things that first attracted me to the Church.

The Church is lead by a prophet of God, whom we call the President of the Church. The current prophet is President Thomas S. Monson. We also have a structure of organization and church leadership similar to that of the Primitive Church Christ established here on the earth.

The 'job', or a 'job', of the prophets, apostles, and leaders of the Church is to give the world guidance and tell and help us to live good, prosperous, and Christlike lives. Now this seems to be a popular point of contention by those who have problems with the Church, "I don't need people to tell me how to live my life." Well, I agree none of us need guidance in our lives, but man it sure does help, and we're pretty lucky to have it.

Some look at our Church as being "controlling" and "restrictive", telling us what we can and can't do, or what we can or can't consume. But these rules, commandments, and other forms of guidance we have received in these latter-days, actually does the opposite of "restricts" us, it helps keep us free. It keeps us free from the crutches of addiction to many things (alcohol, drugs, tobacco, eating to excess, pornography, etc.). Freedom is integral part of the Plan of Salvation, without it we cannot practice agency (the ability to have and make free choice). We lose that freedom of choice when we allow outside forces to make decisions for us, addiction being one of them. I know some of you may argue that, "I use my 'agency' to choose to do these things." That may be true when you first start these things it is often because you want to, but there comes a decisive point when a dependency is developed and whether you realize it or not you allow these substances to dictate you, your time, and your finances. Before I was introduced to the Church I had my fair share of addictions. Like most I started these things because I wanted to, deep down I knew they were wrong but I did them "because they were pleasing unto the carnal mind". For example I started drinking once in awhile, maybe a Friday every 2 weeks. Then I wanted to do it more, so every Friday and Saturday. Again, wasn't enough so started doing it after school. Then I started actually doing in school, even in some classes; I would just fill up a water bottle with it and sip it during class. Now did I feel like I needed it? Not necessarily. I realized I craved it when I didn't have it, but I enjoyed it still, it was still pleasing, 'unto the carnal mind'. I realize now that there is a distinct difference from the 'happiness' things such as alcohol brought me and the true happiness I receive from friends, loved ones, and the Gospel. The happiness I received from those were temporary and fleeting, and when I didn't have it I felt bad, at times miserable and depressed, but true happiness, that fills you forever, it stays with you no matter what problems you face; you turn to those things that give you true happiness, not to the bottle or the bowl, and you may overcome any adversity.

Now these addictions to substance is all very different from that of "heeding the voice of the Prophets". I always have the freedom to choose to listen to what they say. I can can choose not to listen to God's commandments, I can choose not to listen to Church leaders, I can choose to do whatever I want. And there in lies the key difference we, as the body of the Church, listen to and obey guidance given to us by our leaders because we choose to, not because we are forced to. And I know that through adherence to both commandments new and old and to guidance given to us by revelation, we will experience rewards greater than we can fathom, and we all will be blessed for doing so.

I am trying to truly heed the guidance we receive from the Church leadership (everything from food storage to trying to remain debt free). Have I been the best at it? No. For awhile I viewed things like not watching R rated or inappropriate movies as something that was maybe for some people but I didn't need to adhere to it. But I ask myself, does it make sense to follow just some of the commandments, just the ones that you like to follow, or are easiest? I think the answer is obvious.

I can't tell you how many times my life has been blessed by listening to guidance from the Church leaders. One recent example is our Ward goal (I really don't know if that is the correct term...) for our Ward Mission was to know the Articles of Faith. Well I didn't go to Primary so I had some memorization to do. I wrote out the Articles on a piece of paper and decided to practice memorizing them during my lunch break at work. One night (I work nights) my boss asked me what I was doing, and I told him I was memorizing scripture for my Church. He asked what scriptures and I told him it was the Articles of Faith. This lead us into a lengthy conversation about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (which he had really never heard of, just knew about the "missionaries on bikes" whom he thought were awesome). As we talked I could tell he liked a lot of the things he heard and was eager to have another conversation about it. Immediately after talking, it clicked in my head, this is why we were given that direction by our Church leadership.

I believe that the continuation of prophetic guidance is not only necessary, but also testifies the love that God has for His children is not fleeting. We in this dispensation are not sheep lost from the flock, doomed to wander in the dark, no, we have a constant torch that stays lit with the power of revelation by Heavenly Father. I testify of these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

The Word of Wisdom

I was thinking idly today about the average Friday night down at a typical public university; there's hardy a better setting to study the effects of alcohol, tobacco, and other substances. Now I don't hate alcohol, in fact prior to my discovering the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints I had tried it (I had decided to stop drinking well before my investigations though), but it is blatantly obvious the harm it does to the human body, psyche, and mannerisms. Self-control is a huge issue when it comes to alcohol: A. most can't keep it to one or two (a somewhat healthy amount) and B. most lose their ability to control their actions completely, when partaking of it in excess. Also, alcohol is addictive (I'll address this a little later). I don't mean to be picking so much just on alcohol, and we all know the "evils of alcohol" now, but what about 170 years ago? Research into alcohol and tobacco and their effects did not really begin until quite recently; therefore the harmful effects of these substances were only, formally, recognized recently.

Back in 1833, the Prophet Joseph Smith received the revelation now known as "The Word of Wisdom"(D&C 89), which more or less are dietary guidelines. It states, among other things, that alcohol, tobacco, and drinks with high amounts of caffeine (it actually says hot drinks but Church leaders later said this referred to tea and coffee) are harmful and should be eliminated from our diets.

Now take yourself back to the 1830s, temperance had not really taken off. I mean some famous temperance organizations had formed such as the Sons of Temperance but were not established in the United States until a decade after "The Word of Wisdom" was revealed.^[1] Other groups like the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, Templars of Honor and Temperance, and the Prohibition Party were all established quite a bit after the revelation.^[2][3][4] So I believe it is safe to say Joseph Smith was not just 'latching onto a fad' because movements desiring the prohibition of alcohol, although had some supporters, had really not become popular yet (not for another decade at least).

Okay so I've heard a few people say, "What's wrong with alcohol? Jesus drank wine, are you saying He was wrong?" To answer no, Jesus was not wrong, for it was not a commandment at that time. God does not reveal things all at the same time. Heavenly Father gives us prophetic messages pertaining to the times we live in. I read somewhere (unfortunately I cannot remember where...) that during biblical times water often carried diseases and had a great deal of harmful bacteria, so in a way wine was a safer alternative to water.

Lastly, alcohol is addictive. I have seen many people develop a dependence on alcohol. This isn't to say all people who drink are addicts, but alcoholism and binge drinking are all too common problems in our society. Now alcoholism is not necessarily a physical addiction like nicotine, but I believe it is often as, if not more, debilitating.

Now it's tobacco's turn (I don't think I'll need to say too much here). Look at all we know of tobacco's horrible effects: carcinogen, a addictive substance, causes asthma, weakens lungs, breaks down skin and tissue (chewing tobacco especially), etc. I wonder why God warned us about this... Again we all know these horrible effects now, but would we have known if we lived almost 200 years ago? I highly doubt it. Modern science had not determined the harmful effects of tobacco usage, again, until quite recently.

Now at this time there were no real organizations or movements against the use of tobacco. So again as with alcohol, Joseph Smith was not just going along with the 'popular' thing.

What the Word of Wisdom does is tell us how to lead healthy and long lives. Our body is a temple; adherence to the Word of Wisdom (keeping our body clean) is almost like "temple work" (okay, kind of a stretch...). To be healthy (both in a physical and mental sense) we must be free of dependencies and addictions. Another ill effect of the addictive substances warned against in the Word of Wisdom is they impede on our 'agency' (agency means 'freedom of choice' it is a term commonly used in the Church and is a central part to the Plan of Salvation).

In closing there is no doubt in my mind that the Word of Wisdom was a prophetic message given to the Prophet Joseph Smith by our Heavenly Father. It is a blessing to have such a message given to us and I have no doubt it is a reason why Latter-day Saints have a longer life expectancy than the average American, and even the Japanese (who for a long time were believed to have one of the highest).^[5] Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God and this is only one example of the important and wonderful revelation given by God, in these latter days.

Also here is a link to a good Ensign article on the Word of Wisdom: Cancer, Nutrition, and the Word of Wisdom

[1] New York Times. Sons of Temperance. 1892. 09 Jul 2008
[2] The Woman's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU). 09 Jul 2008
[3] McGowan, Denis P. "Temperance Orders". Phoenixmasonry. 09 Jul 2008
[4] Prohibition Party. "Outline of History". The Prohibition Party. 09 Jul 2008
[5] Hu, Arthur. "Arthur Hu's Index of Diversity: Life Expectancy." Arthur Hu's Index of Diversity. 29 Jul 2008

True Knowledge of the Gospel

I was speaking with a friend of mine about the Church and she said she believed that I "know more" about the scriptures and such (I don't actually believe I do, she knows a lot more than she gives herself credit for ;) but nonetheless...). But what is "knowledge"? She meant it as I am able to rattle off some scripture, maybe a date or two, and maybe cite some apologetic research about certain things in support of the Book of Mormon. But does that "knowledge" really matter in terms of the Church? Sure it's good to be able to cite a verse or rattle off a few facts, but really is that what gets you into His Kingdom of Glory? No, it's faith.

Now don't get me wrong I still think studying scripture and memorizing and such is a good thing, but only if it is done in accompaniment of the Holy Ghost. Words are empty and meaningless unless they come with the Holy Ghost. So I think the "knowledge" we should put emphasis on is the knowledge of the Spirit. There are plenty that do not know specific facts or scriptures but that does not mean that their faith is any weaker than that of a scholar in matters of the Gospel.

I've heard some great talks by some of the most articulate speakers, and I have heard talks where the diction and vocabulary is not as vibrant, or the words are not always painted into beautiful sentences and many times that talk that is not as polished and refined as the former is so much more powerful; that is because you can feel the person's testimony and faith through the Spirit. It is not about the words, it's what is behind those words that matter.

I really do believe some of the best talks are not from great orators who have studied public speaking for years, it's the timid person who when you look in his or her eye you can feel how powerful their faith is. My aforementioned friend is such a person. She's one of those people who does not always know the answer in Sunday School, or is able to rattle off verses word by word, but she has one of the strongest testimonies I have ever encountered. When she speaks, she speaks directly to the Spirit, and that is what is important. I know she loves the Gospel so much and I hope one day I too can reach that level, that level of faith. So I say to her now, that she is actually, by far, the more knowledgeable one, for I know of few who have as great a knowledge, and companionship, of, and with, the Spirit.

Taking the Plunge...

Well today I did it, I got baptized. Tomorrow, during Sacrament meeting, I will be confirmed as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and will be given the gift of the Holy Ghost. I want to thank first off my parents and all my friends who came and all those who have given me support through my investigating; even if you were not able to come you I truly felt you there in spirit.

I haven't wanted to talk too much about getting baptized on the blog here because well, pardon the idiom but I didn't want to count my chickens before they hatched. Things had not been the most solid these past weeks, and I did not want to get my hopes up, until I was actually sure it was going to happen. I have to say it took me until my head was completely underwater to finally realize it was.

As you may or may not know I have been exploring the Church for a time and have been wanting to get baptized for quite awhile. I have to say it's everything I could, and did, hope for. I was not exactly sure what to expect, and in the days coming up to the baptism I was pretty nervous; I did not really know if I would feel different, or I even worried what if it doesn't take? I was (and still am a bit) worried what if I mess up? What if I don't utilize this gift from God and from Jesus to its fullest? And a big factor contributing to my nervousness: What about my parents?

To answer these questions: I do indeed feel different. I cannot describe the feeling any better than feeling 'reborn'. I feel the Spirit so strongly right now. I still feel as if the water is on my skin, acting as a shield protecting my body from the sins of the world. I know some of this may sound cheesy but I do feel different. I feel cleansed, I feel clean, I feel protected, I feel forgiven... It's hard to describe it to other people. So many people have been congratulating me and asking me, "how do you feel?". I feel dumb because all I kept saying was "Thanks, I feel... great". But my lack of skilled oration and flashy diction to describe the new feelings I was experiencing was not due to any lack of emotions; it was because there are no words to describe it (I think I will try to talk a little more about this topic in a later post). Words are physical, they are of this world, but baptism affects our Spirit; it is larger, stronger, more real, and more intense than anything of this world. Fortunately I think the people who asked me knew this already, as they smiled watching my face as I tried to find the words to describe such a feeling, such an experience.

I'm not positive I won't make mistakes. Well to be honest I know I will, it is inevitable. But I will try to limit my mistakes, and I promise I will not and do not take this lightly. This is a second chance for me, and I am not going to let that go to waste. I will utilize this gift to the fullest.

My Parents. I've had some issues with my parents. They have not been the most supportive in my exploration of the Church. But they did something that took so much strength, more than I feel I could muster. They allowed me to get baptized and they came to the ceremony. They didn't 'give up' or anything like that. They simply explained to me how much they loved me and how they will (and do, I might add) support me in the things I do. They may not always like the things, or think they are right, but they will support me. I know my parents love me, I cannot describe how much I owe my parents, and I cannot begin to describe how thankful I am to my parents, and I can never describe just how much I love my parents and my family. I realize we butt heads at times (especially over this matter), but I know it will get better, and I know this is the first step in that lengthy process.

I realize now the nervousness that I felt up to my baptism was the works of Satan. Many warned me of this happening, Satan trying to tighten his grip, grabbing at loose straws while he still had a chance to catch someone before they came unto the Church, unto the Gospel. I just want to warn any investigators of the Church that as you get more and more into the Church, learn of its truth, and learn to love it Satan will try, frantically, to stop you from learning the truth. The closer you come, the more he will try to stop you. So don't give up or give in; pray to Heavenly Father ask what is true and wait for an answer provided by the Holy Spirit. I testify unto you that if you do hold strong and resist Satan the rewards... are too vast and too amazing to describe.

Thank you to all for your love and support.

Sorry for No Recent Posts...

I apologize for not having recent posts I've been working on a few, but I've been really, really, really distracted by school and other projects are taking up a great deal of my attention. So please bear with me, I will be posting soon finals start next week so once I'm through that posts should be coming more often. Thanks.