Mormons: Do you sometimes feel guilty about doubts that you have concerning your religion's authenticity?

Question

Have you ever taken God's counsel in James 1:5 to ask God if you should leave your religion? According to your doctrine, you are supposed to study the issue in your mind, then make your decision, and ask God if your decision is right.

"But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right." -Doctrine and Covenants 9:8

Will you study it out in your mind this weekend and ask God if you should leave the LDS Church?

Answer 1

What makes you think that we didn't? We all, at some point in our lives, have to decide whether or not to believe. How is it that you teach me to do that which I already have done. And by what authority do you teach anyhow?

And I tell you, my bosom has burned within me...I have studied it out this weekend as I have listened to the Conference and I now tell you that I am more committed than ever to live the teachings of the Gospel. And my testimony of the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as laid down by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is stronger than it was before.

Thanks for asking.

Answer 2

Be realistic now. I can only speak for myself. I have NEVER had any doubts about my church.I know that this church is true because when I was a teenager, I could no longer be satisfied with the testimony of others, and being told that it was true. I as you say, was not sure. SO, I followed the advice of James 1:5-6, and prayed in ernest, and fasting, to know what I should do, and if my church was true. I have never felt such conviction as I do when I say that the answer I got was a definate YES. When you know something that is true, you don't turn from that truth.
I would like to ask you why you are so bent on asking us Mormons why why why. What is it that you just cant understand? Why don't you think about what it is that is driving you to wonder so badly. Why does the Mormon religion take up so much of your energy. I asked a question the other day, and you answered saying that you research and then ask questions. While research is good, you should first check how reliable your sources are, and then ask yourself what is driving this , can I be so bold as to say obsession? Maybe no that bad, but for lack of a better word I will say it.
I give YOU a challenge. Why don't you take your own advice and pray to see if the church is TRUE. And don't forget to remember James 1:5-6. Not just 5. It says with a pure heart, true intent. You cant pray about something unless you are willing to hear any and whatever answer God gives you. May God bless. Have a wonderful day.

Answer 3

Uh, no, never felt guilty...there have been times when I have had questions...we are encouraged to question because that will bring about answers and answers build testimony. I already KNOW it is right, so I don't need to keep asking. I seek counsel for my own life, decisions I need to make, things i don't quite understand and things like that...so I am always seeking answers.
Also, I am not saying once we have a testimony or knowledge the gospel is true, that doesn't mean we are "done". We should be constantly feeding and nourishing our testimonies - going to church, paying our tithing, attending the temple, keeping the commandments, reading our scriptures, praying...all those wonderful things that our Heavenly Father asks us to do and in return gives us blessings.
Of course, everything is contingent upon faithfulness and obedience...


P.S. - Hey you forgot your disclaimer...:)
***ONE MORE edit- I wonder, Do YOU ever feel guilty about bashing another person's faith? What is your faith? Do you treat others the way you wish to be treated?

Answer 4

I have prayed to ask if the church is true, I have never prayed and asked Heavenly father is I should leave the church. When I prayed and asked if the church was true, I recieved a warm fuzzy feeling that it was true (I know that sounds funny). Seriously I am happy with my church. Lets say I prayed to God and I received an answer that I should leave the church. Where do you think He would tell me to go?Guarentee he would not speak to me directly (usually not his cup of tea) Then what is the true church? I can't spend my life running around joining every church to see if it is true.
I have a question for you: What religious beliefs do you have? It is okay if you do not want to answer, I am only curious.

Answer 5

I have taken the question to God. (Yes, whether I should leave or stay in the Mormon Church.) God's spirit has spoken to my mind and my heart over and over.

I know that this is His restored church, with the fullness of the gospel.

There are good things about every church (not only Christian churches). But the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only place where God's authority is on the earth. He speaks to the world through His prophets today.

This does not mean that only Mormons can hear from Him. He loves every one of His children and will answer every sincere prayer.

Answer 6

Why should I? He's already told me that I am right where He wants me.

Why don't you ask Him if you should leave your church?

Iceprincess, the "Mormon Bible" is the KJV.

Answer 7

Yes, I did that, long before you ask the question.

The answer is, The church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints is true.

Answer 8

Listen as a Mormon for 36 years I read the mormon bible 3 times and it never did anything for me, nothing ever popped out to help me thru my day. I can't remember a #@%& thing I read in that bible, but now that I am a Christian I ma finding all kinds of stuff I didn't know that was there and I know that verse you speak of was there. Satan blinds the eyes of those who are being brainwashed and mind controled, so asking them to think is like talking to a brick wall. But you can try.