Our testimony meetings have become something of a dog and pony show, where people get up to bear testimonies about things the think they know, with every fiber of their being, mind you, even though it’s really only a belief. People jump up to testify of an increasingly dogmatic culture that stifles the spirit (my opinion) while altogether ignoring Christ. We bear our testimonies of men, of titles, of programs, of buildings and everywhere in between, but I can’t remember the last time someone actually bore testimony of Christ and his saving grace. Actually, I can – and it was about 2 full years ago.

I realize your post wasn’t about this, but our culture seemingly dictates that we run people out of town who have different opinions on our theology, stifle any discussion that doesn’t support the “follow the prophet” mindset and otherwise clamp down nonconformists, if they even exist inside the Church(tm) these days. And, what’s worse, when people come to us with problems, as the above story indicates, we simply redirect them to more things “to do.” Earning salvation. Earning spirituality. Earning blessings. Earning a testimony.

So, no, I don’t have a testimony of the Church(tm). I have a testimony of the church (D&C 10:67-69), but not of the Church(tm), and actually think that sort of testimony is counterproductive. We need to focus a whole lot less on the institution, her programs and her officiators, and a whole lot more on our Savior. I don’t believe a spiritual “checklist” will ever keep me free from “spiritual viruses” – only my relationship with Christ can do that, and that means following His will for me and me alone.

Thank you for this post. I was just contemplating this very thing this morning. It is very easy for each of us to fall into a simple routine or go through the motion. I definitely needed a reminder to get back to the basics of scripture study and personal prayer before saying that I know longer believe. Thank you.

Thanks for your comment. I am moved deeply by your words and example. My prayers will include you and I hope I can wage my battles with the “natural man” with the same courage you display.

May God bless you to be true and faithful.

Just my guess.

All of mankind are spiritual beings. We all have the same Father in Heaven, but we’re at different places in the great plan of happiness. The key is to understand the Doctrine of Christ and this will be my subject in future blogs.

I have noticed that I use being busy as an excuse not to set aside time to study and pray. And that is the foundation of testimony.

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