Mormons...?

Question

How strongly do you believe your religion? Is it just something you believe because it is all you know- or do you believe it with your whole heart and soul? What is the strength of your testimony? Do you have to interpert your relgion to make it feel right, or is it right to begin with?

Answer 1

Lots of good answers to this question. I'll just add my two cents.

Each year about two thirds of the growth of the Church is due to convert baptisms. Most of the growth comes from people who were first taught something else, and became converted to Mormonism.

We believe that living the principles and commandments that we have been taught will make us happier and better people than we would have been if we had chosen to disobey those rules. Yet, in today's world, it requires strength of character to be different from the rest of the world. That challenge to remain true to what we believe makes us stronger in our testimonies.

About twenty five thousand young men and young women go into the world each year and spend 100% of their time as missionaries. They learn a lot about what others believe. They come away stronger than ever.

There is no need to interpret what our religion believes to feel right. It is right as it comes from the scriptures and the prophets.

Answer 2

I was baptized a Mormon after being a Catholic for twelve years. I didn't get baptized because I was convinced it was the TRUE religion at first, but because of the people and how friendly and sincere everyone was to me.

About maybe 3 years later, I found out for myself how much more correct this religion is, in my opinion. I do believe that this is the true church with my whole heart. I don't try to justify anything.

It took me a long time - 3 years - to learn this because most people want to know the core beliefs, such as:
Why do Mormons believe in life after death?
Why do Mormons get baptized for the dead?
Why do Mormons get married in a temple for forever and not just until death do them part?
Why do Mormon think that God, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost are three different beings?

All these questions need the understanding of basic gospel principles, which without them...most of these core beliefs don't make any sense and seem really far fetched.

According to what I've learned, to the way I've changed in how I view myself as a divine being - a daughter of God, and everyone else as my spiritual brother and sister...I feel I have a unique perspective which is different from a lot of people.
My beliefs affect the way I live, the way I treat others, and what I value most in life. My purpose is to return to God, with my family as a family unit after death, and there are certain things I need to do to make that possible.

All the incorrect, anti-Mormon literature I've come across, it stems from not understanding the basic gospel principles and it's sad that most people don't get to know them and have the opportunity to come to even understanding the whole picture, but rather see the end result contributed by some false and misleading opinions.

I also don't try to convert anybody, because it takes 100% effort on the person's own part to understand, part of that understanding is wanting to as well. I know this from first hand experience.

Everything I learn just makes sense, by this definition the, the religion is correct and right to begin with, and I'm still learning.

The strength of my testimony comes from taking part in God's work on earth, and I see the happiness it brings to people's lives. I can't possibly be involved in something bad if it brings happiness to myself and to others. I also pray, study church doctrine, read my scriptures, have church assignment and callings, and pay my tithing. I am putting my faith into action and I see the good works that result in my efforts.

Answer 3

I am a sixth generation Latter-day Saint. I was raised in an active family. Thus, to begin with, I learned and accepted what I was taught. I knew nothing else. As I grew and thought about what I had been taught, it all made good sense to me. As I grew through my teen years, I had some spiritual experiences that added strength to what I had learned. As I grew into adulthood, I put the scriptures to the test. I did what the scriptures said to do and I got the results predicted. I proved for myself that the scriptures and everything I had been taught was indeed true. It is not something you can prove with the mortal senses but rather what you feel inside your mind and heart that confirms the truth of the teachings. Christ said "if any man will do my will, he will know of the doctrine, whether it be of God or if I speak of myself." In Malachi it says to "prove me now herewith, sayeth the Lord of Host, if I will not open you the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing" In Moroni it says that we will know the truth by the power of the Holy Ghost and "by the power of the Holy Ghost, you may know the truth of all things". In the Doctrine and Covenants it says that you will feel a burning in your bosom and the Lord will speak peace to your mind if it be true. If not, you will feel a stupor of thought and you will forget that which is wrong. I tried all of these and the word was confirmed in my soul. I knew that I did receive answers to my prayers. I felt the peace and comfort of a correct decision and the confusion and stupor of a wrong decision. I have paid my tithing and we have had our needs met.
I testify to you that Jesus is the Christ, that He is at the head of this church guiding by inspiration and revelation all that we do.

Answer 4

I'm a convert...so It isn't all I know. I looked into a lot of different areas before I settled where I am.

My Family was very much against me joining...so I had to deal with a lot of anti material...so My testimony is pretty strong.

I found that,Like with anything dealing with God...there are many things that I need to study ponder and pray about...but I don't have to figure out how to fit a square peg in a round hole. When I do the studying, pondering, and praying...things pretty much line up without problems.

Answer 5

When you know that the gospel is true then you know it with all your heart, might, mind, and strength. Everyones testimony is different when it comes to strength, but I know that our religion is the strongest, truest, and the only religion that has the gospel. I know that, I don't believe or think it, I know that because how strong my faith is in the church.

Answer 6

Very strongly. I was baptized when 8 years old, but not truly converted until about 21 years old.
I see the church organization as a tool to develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, the church is full of sinners (me being one) but we are also repenters.
I do know the authority used in the church is truly using God's power. With the priesthood power or authority I have been the instrument used to heal some people. I some times am challenged to live properly to clearly receive guidance from the Holy Spirit (holy ghost) That is necessary to give blessings like that of healing.
I can't say I have any different problems in my life then anyone else. I do have a very strong testimony of paying tithing, as I have seen many occasions where blessings have come to me as promised when obeying that principal.
I do not interpret my religion, I take it at face value, as a tool to be used to improve my personal relationship with my Lord. I need his attonment! for me and my family. I go by faith, but am finding more truth constantly. I am a High Priest in the church, I have 12 children (8 adopted) and no neither they or I am perfect. I have had my share of problems in my life, they are not over yet.
I have a rock to hold onto, a anchor in the storm of life, That Rock is Jesus Christ! The way I find him and lean on this strength and redeeming power is through the Church. The church is not what I worship, but a tool for learning how to worship. The Temple is a retreat for me, to spend time worshiping God in a place more free from this world.
The church dose not make me perfect, nor my wife and children. It dose show me how to become more perfect, I work on it day be day. I have had to learn to truly forgive others, and hope that I can be forgiven as well. I would like to continue, but am short on time.
May God bless you!

PS. I did not address your question of this being all I know.
I have good knowledge of many other religions, I find good teachings and friends in most of them. I served a mission in LosAngles, and was exposed to many other's then. I have taught religious doctrine classes for many years, and received responsible jobs (callings) in the church. I have interacted with local ministers of other faiths in this area, becoming friends with them. I am not brain washed, I know or at least have heard most if not all of the anti mormon stuff out their. I do know poligimest (just not how to spell) they are no longer members of this church.
Again, thanks for posting the question, I like to respond to this type of honest sounding question.

Answer 7

I studied various world religions in college, and found many very interesting ideologies, but I like the LDS Church the best. It simply makes sense to me. I've had trials in my life that have truly tested my faith. My beliefs were a great support and helped me to overcome those difficult times. My marriage and family benefit from the peace that the LDS Church brings to our lives. My religion bring comfort in knowing where I came from, why I'm here, and where I'm going when I leave this Earth.

Answer 8

I grew up in the Church, but I went inactive and questioned the existance of God when I went to college and had to do some soul-searching. I ended up going back, I served a mission, and have been married in the temple. I love my religion. I can't imagine any other way to get closer to Jesus.

Answer 9

I have never meet a Mormon yet that didn't put a very strange interpretation on the Scripture then as I quoted to them ONLY what it says they have come back and said. "Oh yes when you interpret it that way" Example
John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
And John 1:12
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Both of these verses they have to find some other meaning in or they they are the square peg in the round hole..

I say that eternal life comes by believing in Jesus Christ.

I say that we aren't all children of God but must become such by believing in His Name..

Bet they don't buy that?! Jim

Answer 10

I believe in my religion very strongly. I believe it with my whole heart and soul.

gw