Hello. I have been taught by the missionaries of the LDS church for 3 weeks now. I have even been to the church once last Sunday, and again for a scottish traditional event and then again to witness the baptism of a new member last Friday. Well, it is surprising even to myself how I can be so open to the LDS faith although I can consider myself a very strong and rooted Catholic. I have been through a lot as a child to remain in the Catholic church and to stand up for the faith as the opposite to my late father’s religion which was Muslim. In my home country, when one of the couple is a Muslim, it is a law for the other to convert to the religion or otherwise face a very serious consequence. So, I have a very deep love and faith for the church which I was brought up with. I am just confused that I might be only attracted to the human being of those missionaries who come to teach me every week. I am away from my family and I do feel lonely. But when I had these missionaries visiting me since 3 weeks back, I thought maybe I do enjoy their company. I don’t want to be clouded by these human thoughts when I am supposedly be inspired by the Holy Ghost to know and discover the truth about the LDS church. How do I differentiate these feelings. How do I expel all of the flesh’ desires. How do I know for sure that this is God’s work in my life. Please give me something concrete like a ‘test’ that I can run or a given scenario that I can evaluate. I am a nurse-a science person-i need to see the signs and symptoms’ rather than just a phrase saying that I will know’. Please. Thank you. God bless you!
6 Responses to “Hello. I have been taught by the missionaries of the LDS chu…”
Shalon
2011-01-30 20:48:27
You want a fleece. That's what my father called it. Like the one gideon laid down in Judges chapter 6. Have you read the Book of Mormon? Have you prayed about it? When they say, "You will know," it's true. It's a feeling of absolute knowledge. Like the way a nurse 'knows' when a patient's breathing is simply labored from exercise or needs monitoring. You have probably taught yourself to know those signs very well right? It's something you had to learn, but now... You can't exactly tell me when you learned it so well. You just know.
The missionaries are cute, they are young, generally attractive males paying attention to you. Tell God your worry. Sit down, pray, and tell him they're cute, and you're lonely and worried that it might be clouding your impression. Ask him if the church is true. Then wait. May take a week, a month, or you might get confirmation that night. It's God's timing really. But if this church is where he's leading you... You will know. As if you had learned it. Some people have it hit them like a lightning bolt, all at once in the midst of their prayer. I had it happen differently. I read third Nephi. I recognized the beatitudes. I picked up my own Bible. I opened to the beatitudes there... When I realized that the Book of Mormon showed Jesus teaching the same principles to the next people he taught. It made sense. Why would he teach something different? I prayed. And all I felt was that feeling that it made sense. I didn't join the church for another 3 1/2 years. I had forgotten about it really, hadn't seen a missionary since that first set of lessons. Until my fiancee broke up with me. The very first thought in my head when he broke up with me was "now I can join the church," and I felt that sure knowledge, and the "peace that passeth uderstanding down in my heart" It wasn't a lightning bolt. It was as if I had gone to school long enough and gained enough practical experience of the world that I no longer had to think about how I knew. I just knew. I hope this helps you.
Richard
2011-01-31 00:23:11
The experiment is this, read the Book of Mormon, and pray about the promise in Moroni 10:3-5
If a person came to you and asked you to describe what salt tasted like, how would you know how to answer? You know what salt tastes like, we all know, but how do we describe that taste to someone who doesn't? It tastes like salt, right?
Do as Joseph Smith did and ask of God (see James 1:5)
You can pray for certain feelings you might have for the missionaries to be removed while you are taught. Perhaps they could even give you a priesthood blessing to help. You might want to ask them about it.
You are on the right course, just keep at it, and don't get frustrated. Turns out you're just mortal like the rest of us.
This church is true and I can witness that to you because I have had it witnessed to me by the Holy Ghost, and you will just know.. Like the taste of salt.
Gabriel Duarte
2011-01-31 02:07:02
Hi friend. You have a very interesting story! You've raised a number of questions. First, I think many people raised in other religions struggle when studying the LDS faith. Some feel like they are abandoning their old faith. However, this is an inaccurate perception. There are many true and beautiful principles taught in the Catholic faith, principles also taught in the LDS faith. During your childhood, you went through a lot to hold on to those true principles. You most certainly would not have to give up the truth you've found to join the LDS Church. President Gordon B. Hinckley, a president of our church who passed away a few years ago, said the following on the Larry King Live Show: "I say this to [people of other faiths]: you develop all the good you can. We have no animosity toward any other church. We do not oppose other churches. We never speak negatively of other churches. We say to people: you bring all the good that you have, and let us see if we can add to it."
I know a number of Catholics who have converted to Mormonism, including my own wife. They don't abandon their faith in God, nor to they abandon the many true teachings that can be found in the Catholic faith. They take that which is good from Catholicism and add to it the teachings of the restored gospel.
Regarding enjoying the company of the missionaries and struggling to differentiate between that and the Holy Ghost, you are right to proceed cautiously. Conversion should come from a sincere change of heart and a real faith, even if still in development, that Christ's ancient gospel has been restored. The situation is complicated further because the good feelings you get when you converse with the missionaries may themselves be manifestations of the spirit, God's encouragement that you continue to learn more about the LDS faith. It can be difficult, especially in the beginning, to differentiate between mere peaceful feelings and personal revelation.
With continued study and effort on your part, however, in time you'll certainly learn to distinguish between feelings and revelation. God can communicate with us through our feelings, but He can also communicate in other ways. For example, Joseph Smith once described revelation as a "quickening of the mind." That notion certainly resonates with me personally. Others may experience revelation differently; I believe God tailors His communication with us according to our specific needs. I've written about additional ways the spirit can reveal truth elsewhere on this site, in case you're interested.
I also found this quote by Dr. Victor Ludlow of Brigham Young University to be informative: "Some people feel a burning sensation in the body when the Spirit is present. (See D&C 9:8.) Some feel a sense of peace or joy, making them feel like praising or even singing God's glory and blessings. Others experience a tingling sensation or a quickening of the mind One common manifestation of the spirit is when a sudden idea or insight comes into our minds after we have been pondering over a question or problem The ideas and insights we receive from the Spirit are also confirmed by feelings of peace God reminded him [Oliver Cowdery, Joseph's scribe] again how to recognize the manifestation of his Spirit: I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart' (D&C 8:2)."
Finally, I'm a scientist myself, so I can appreciate your desire to prove gospel truths scientifically. Unfortunately, because personal revelation is so personal, it is not always possible to reproduce, measure, and quantify spiritual experiences, the exciting field of neurotheology aside. Consequently, spiritual things cannot always be proven in the scientific sense, just as things like "love" cannot be scientifically proven.
However, if we accept spiritual experiences and perceptions as evidence, something akin to the scientific method can be applied. Alma 32, an excellent chapter in the Book of Mormon, describes this kind of spiritual experiment: "Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselvesIt must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me. Now behold, would not this increase your faith? I say unto you, Yea; nevertheless it hath not grown up to a perfect knowledge."
Alma then goes on to describe how with continued nurturing through prayer, pondering/meditation, and study, the seed of faith can metaphorically grow into a tree. That's the experiment, really. As we strive to learn more about the gospel over days, months, years, and decades, we can spiritually "measure" an increase in our faith. It takes effort and dedication, but it can transform our lives if we let it.
Anonymous
2011-01-31 17:06:58
Thank you, Gabriel Duarte, Richard and Shalon for your time and your answers. I truly appreciate it. I must admit that I am so touched by each of your response. But what's really weird is, as if I already knew all the answers-They sound really familiar and they resonate to the very core of my heart.
Well, I think that I am in fear. I fear that I may lose it all if I knew' about the truth of the LDS church. I will continue to pray and discern and be open to the divine providence to give me the knowledge and the perseverance I need.
To be honest, Yes, I was expecting thunderbolts and a thousand of angels singing in the midair about the truth of the Book of Mormon.
However, despite all of these struggles between cute missionaries and my childhood faith, I have a testimony to make. Since three weeks ago, I feel that my prayer life has improved. Much better than only attending mass every Sunday morning and recite the rosary everyday; I began to have real conversations' with Heavenly Father. I feel energised every morning when I got out of bed to talk to Him and I look forward for the time I can be alone and pray. I feel blessed! I feel great! But I am just human. So please pray for me. Thank you once again, Gabriel Duarte, Richard and Shalon!
Hi again friend. Thank you for your beautiful words. I get so excited by the level of spiritual maturity I see in so many people investigating the LDS Church! :) Of course I'm excited when I think about the wonderful changes the Church could bring into your life, but I also think about the many lives you could touch and bless with your growing testimony.
The missionaries are cute, they are young, generally attractive males paying attention to you. Tell God your worry. Sit down, pray, and tell him they're cute, and you're lonely and worried that it might be clouding your impression. Ask him if the church is true. Then wait. May take a week, a month, or you might get confirmation that night. It's God's timing really. But if this church is where he's leading you... You will know. As if you had learned it. Some people have it hit them like a lightning bolt, all at once in the midst of their prayer. I had it happen differently. I read third Nephi. I recognized the beatitudes. I picked up my own Bible. I opened to the beatitudes there... When I realized that the Book of Mormon showed Jesus teaching the same principles to the next people he taught. It made sense. Why would he teach something different? I prayed. And all I felt was that feeling that it made sense. I didn't join the church for another 3 1/2 years. I had forgotten about it really, hadn't seen a missionary since that first set of lessons. Until my fiancee broke up with me. The very first thought in my head when he broke up with me was "now I can join the church," and I felt that sure knowledge, and the "peace that passeth uderstanding down in my heart" It wasn't a lightning bolt. It was as if I had gone to school long enough and gained enough practical experience of the world that I no longer had to think about how I knew. I just knew. I hope this helps you.
If a person came to you and asked you to describe what salt tasted like, how would you know how to answer? You know what salt tastes like, we all know, but how do we describe that taste to someone who doesn't? It tastes like salt, right?
How do you know that the LDS church is true? How do you know that the missionaries are telling the truth?
Do as Joseph Smith did and ask of God (see James 1:5)
You can pray for certain feelings you might have for the missionaries to be removed while you are taught. Perhaps they could even give you a priesthood blessing to help. You might want to ask them about it.
You are on the right course, just keep at it, and don't get frustrated. Turns out you're just mortal like the rest of us.
This church is true and I can witness that to you because I have had it witnessed to me by the Holy Ghost, and you will just know.. Like the taste of salt.
I know a number of Catholics who have converted to Mormonism, including my own wife. They don't abandon their faith in God, nor to they abandon the many true teachings that can be found in the Catholic faith. They take that which is good from Catholicism and add to it the teachings of the restored gospel.
Regarding enjoying the company of the missionaries and struggling to differentiate between that and the Holy Ghost, you are right to proceed cautiously. Conversion should come from a sincere change of heart and a real faith, even if still in development, that Christ's ancient gospel has been restored. The situation is complicated further because the good feelings you get when you converse with the missionaries may themselves be manifestations of the spirit, God's encouragement that you continue to learn more about the LDS faith. It can be difficult, especially in the beginning, to differentiate between mere peaceful feelings and personal revelation.
With continued study and effort on your part, however, in time you'll certainly learn to distinguish between feelings and revelation. God can communicate with us through our feelings, but He can also communicate in other ways. For example, Joseph Smith once described revelation as a "quickening of the mind." That notion certainly resonates with me personally. Others may experience revelation differently; I believe God tailors His communication with us according to our specific needs. I've written about additional ways the spirit can reveal truth elsewhere on this site, in case you're interested.
I also found this quote by Dr. Victor Ludlow of Brigham Young University to be informative: "Some people feel a burning sensation in the body when the Spirit is present. (See D&C 9:8.) Some feel a sense of peace or joy, making them feel like praising or even singing God's glory and blessings. Others experience a tingling sensation or a quickening of the mind One common manifestation of the spirit is when a sudden idea or insight comes into our minds after we have been pondering over a question or problem The ideas and insights we receive from the Spirit are also confirmed by feelings of peace God reminded him [Oliver Cowdery, Joseph's scribe] again how to recognize the manifestation of his Spirit: I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart' (D&C 8:2)."
Finally, I'm a scientist myself, so I can appreciate your desire to prove gospel truths scientifically. Unfortunately, because personal revelation is so personal, it is not always possible to reproduce, measure, and quantify spiritual experiences, the exciting field of neurotheology aside. Consequently, spiritual things cannot always be proven in the scientific sense, just as things like "love" cannot be scientifically proven.
However, if we accept spiritual experiences and perceptions as evidence, something akin to the scientific method can be applied. Alma 32, an excellent chapter in the Book of Mormon, describes this kind of spiritual experiment: "Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselvesIt must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me. Now behold, would not this increase your faith? I say unto you, Yea; nevertheless it hath not grown up to a perfect knowledge."
Alma then goes on to describe how with continued nurturing through prayer, pondering/meditation, and study, the seed of faith can metaphorically grow into a tree. That's the experiment, really. As we strive to learn more about the gospel over days, months, years, and decades, we can spiritually "measure" an increase in our faith. It takes effort and dedication, but it can transform our lives if we let it.
Well, I think that I am in fear. I fear that I may lose it all if I knew' about the truth of the LDS church. I will continue to pray and discern and be open to the divine providence to give me the knowledge and the perseverance I need.
To be honest, Yes, I was expecting thunderbolts and a thousand of angels singing in the midair about the truth of the Book of Mormon.
However, despite all of these struggles between cute missionaries and my childhood faith, I have a testimony to make. Since three weeks ago, I feel that my prayer life has improved. Much better than only attending mass every Sunday morning and recite the rosary everyday; I began to have real conversations' with Heavenly Father. I feel energised every morning when I got out of bed to talk to Him and I look forward for the time I can be alone and pray. I feel blessed! I feel great! But I am just human. So please pray for me. Thank you once again, Gabriel Duarte, Richard and Shalon!