Testimony of the gospel/Just a set of feelings

FAIR Answers—back to home page

The Latter-day Saint "testimony" and its relationship to "feelings"

Jump to Subtopic:

• Question: Is a Latter-day Saint testimony simply based on "feelings"?
• Robert D. Hales (2013): "Gaining a testimony and becoming converted begins with study and prayer, then living the gospel with patience and persistence"

Question: Is a Latter-day Saint testimony simply based on "feelings"?

A testimony more than simply "feelings", and requires study and prayer

Latter-day Saints bear "testimony" of the truthfulness of the gospel and of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

• Is this testimony simply based on "feelings?"
• Are logic and evidence part of gaining a testimony?

A testimony is more than just spiritual experiences and feelings. Gaining a testimony requires more than having "spiritual experiences and feelings," and it requires more than simply listening to "the correlated narrative" provided by the Church. We are not taught to base our testimony on mere historical narratives but rather study combined with revelation. See attached article for more information.

Robert D. Hales (2013): "Gaining a testimony and becoming converted begins with study and prayer, then living the gospel with patience and persistence"

Robert D. Hales:

Gaining a testimony and becoming converted begins with study and prayer, then living the gospel with patience and persistence and inviting and waiting upon the Spirit. The life of Joseph Smith and the pattern of the Restoration are excellent examples of this process. As you listen to my message today of the events of the Restoration, look for the steps that lead to testimony: desiring to know the truth, pondering in our hearts, then feeling and obediently following the promptings of the Holy Ghost. . . .Like Joseph, we must search the scriptures and pray. For many, this means overcoming feelings of doubt and unworthiness, being humble, and learning to exercise faith.

Notes