The Latter-day Saints have a unique form of knowledge we call “testimony.” And a testimony, when expressed, is a particularly strong statement of belief. And yet, a testimony is expressed humbly, quietly, gratefully. It is not an expression of personal superiority.
To an outsider, a Mormon testimony may appear to be a self-delusion or a religious fantasy. Yet, every Saint who HAS a testimony had to go through a very science-like process of finding, gathering, and examining evidence, through study, prayer, fasting, experimentation, discussion, contemplation, and personal experience, over a period of time.
Not infrequently, the process of testimony-building includes very specific, very enlightening, intensely personal, experiences that are rarely spoken of. I believe the moment of realizing truth through religious experience is similar to the “Eureka!” moment in scientific discovery. It is the point, after much effort, at which the truth becomes clear.
Even then, at the point of enlightenment, in both science and religion, one should remain open to further knowledge, further understanding, and further truth, if one wishes to continue to progress.
Therefore not leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God.
JST, Hebrews 6:1-3
Of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, and of the resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
And we will go on unto perfection if God permit.
Too many people, including far too many Latter-day Saints, after having reached some level of understanding of the world and of the church, decide they have figured everything out and don’t need to learn anything else that is new. They either become complacent and stop striving, or they become dogmatic and imperious about their beliefs. (Many of this second type can be found on the Internet).
People who stop listening and stop learning halt their own progress and deliberately close their own minds to further growth and enlightenment.
Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
Proverbs 4:7
Sources: Kendra Cherry, “What Is the Dunning-Kruger Effect?” VeryWell Mind, March 13, 2019.
Rachel Ross, “Eureka! The Archimedes Principle,” Live Science, April 25, 2017.
Mindy Raye Friedman, “Gaining and Keeping a Testimony,” Youth, ChurchofJesusChrist.org, February 3, 2012.
Amen. My own testimony really took root during a pre-mission reading of the Book of Mormon. Ether 12:39. But a lot has happened in the 46 years since then. Much by study, seeking out of the best books, and much by faith. All contributing to expansion of the mind, enlightened understanding, enlargement of the soul, discovery of much unexpected, many changes and discoveries, and more promised worth seeking.
Getting a testimony in a very science like process is exactly what we do. What I find sad is how we either stop using the science process or ignore it when it comes to things scientific or political. We should study all things, gather and find evidence, compare it to our knowledge, values, and ethics and finally not be afraid to make a decision even if others of “faith” don’t see it like we do. Faith should not be a one off way to gain knowledge but should be a building block, a step in a journey, or a piece of a puzzle. Faith leads to knowledge when it doesn’t stop and says “I know.” It’s shame on us if we believe most what we have the least amount of evidence for.