Is it possible that you are encouraged to bear your testimony so that you can convince yourself of the truths you claim? Is there really a purpose or benefit for other people to hear it (Other than to feel inadequate because obviously theirs is not as strong as yours)?
2007-07-01 18:48:03 · 12 answers · asked by Cheese and Rice 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
But, Moonman... You know the Moon is NOT green because you can look up and see it almost every night. so that's a really bad example. To properly compare, you need to use something more relevant.
2007-07-01 19:09:35 · update #1
I should flag you for mentioning the backstreet boys in the same sentence as Van Halen.
2007-07-02 17:14:30 · update #2
Have you ever wondered why it's fast and testimony meeting? Well, fasting actually alters the state of your mind, and makes you more susceptible to suggestion. Especially if it's a 24 hour fast, which is highly encouraged. If you think that sounds crazy, go read up on techniques of brainwashing.
2007-07-02 07:54:59 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 5⤋
Here's an idea. There is so much darkness in the world--sin, error, selfishness--that if you think about it, Satan already has more than enough "air time," and every single testimony that is given of Jesus Christ and the Atonement strengthens and magnifies the spirits of those who are loyal to Jesus Christ and who are here at this specific time on our world to help combat evil, along with helping to prepare the world for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Every fast and testimony meeting is a practice meeting for the kinds of meetings we will have in the Millennium when Jesus Christ is here to reign. Sorry if you have got bored with them in the past, but practice and repetition are important to developing spiritually as well as physically. Think of learning a musical instrument, for example. Have a happy day, and I send you a gummy bear. Oh, yeah, and no matter what you say, Jesus Christ will still win out.
2007-07-03 11:14:36 · answer #2 · answered by Cookie777 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do not bear testimony of things which I do not already believe. So, no it is not to convince myself that these things are true...
The benefit to others is that sometimes, during the bearing of testimonies they can feel the Holy Spirit confirming the testimony...
I have never felt inadequate because my testimony was not as strong as others.. and I don't hear anyone at Church mentioning that either.. I think most of us know that people are at different stages of faith.
2007-07-02 02:14:11 · answer #3 · answered by ♥Tom♥ 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
We bear our testimonies, because they do grow stronger when we bear them. We believe the the Holy Ghost grants each person a witness of the truth. We can feel this as an answer to prayers or as truth is being shared. By sharing our testimonies we invite the Holy Ghost and it bears witness to others of the truth of what is being said.
Trust me, there is a difference that is felt between something being repeated and repeated and when the Holy Ghost bears witness of the truth. I have experienced both situations on numerous occassions.
I could get up in front of people and say, "The moon is green" as many times as I want, and I would never believe it.
2007-07-02 01:59:38 · answer #4 · answered by moonman 6 · 4⤊ 2⤋
And Dallin Oakes spaketh unto the children of men (actually women) thus: "The best way to gain a testimony is by bearing it.." Over and over, starting at age four.
What I understand by this is the act of repetition in which you visualize or convince yourself of the result. Evel Knievel had this ability, but also broke every bone in his body.
2007-07-03 16:58:26 · answer #5 · answered by Dances with Poultry 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A testimony can be a gift of the Holy Ghost. The least eloquent may speak the words in their heart, and out of the mouth of babes comes the truth.
2007-07-02 15:47:16 · answer #6 · answered by Isolde 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Hey Frank!
Yes, we are to bear our testimonies to others so that we can strengthen our own, and theirs. And, if another person who is not a member hears it and is willing, they will feel the Spirit manifesting that what we say is true,
2007-07-02 14:25:12 · answer #7 · answered by . 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Bearing ones testimony is not just some attempt to convince ones self or others that Your beliefs are stronger than others. Its a public declaration of ones wholehearted knowledge of the truth of our faith in our religion, and our God. We're not trying to brainwash ourselves, or anyone else. We are simply feeling the spirit to go and publicly declare our testimony of Jesus Christ and his church to those in attendance. This does have the benefit of sustaining those whose faith may be lagging, and it's been known to convince those trying to decide about the church to join.
We're not brain washers, we're simply people who love the lord, and our faith, and aren't afraid to proclaim it publicly
2007-07-02 02:04:30 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
They call any deep emotions the spirit, almost as if it would be impossible to have deep feelings or thoughts with out the Holy Ghost. Testimony meeting is designed to make every one all emotional thereby brainwashing them deeper.
The German masses that gathered at Hitler’s speeches weren’t brainwashed, they just felt the "Nazi Spirit". Mormons aren’t brainwashed, they just feel the "Mormon Spirit".
2007-07-02 02:11:03 · answer #9 · answered by . 3 · 3⤊ 3⤋
A better question: Do mormons give testimonies and talks so that the bishop doesn't have to actually do anything himself?
2007-07-02 01:55:33 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 3⤋