Lyndon Lamborn, another ex-Mormon who has written a book ) describes the Mormon truth test thus:
He points out that the basic method for determining the truth is central to most religions. Read, study, look within, and wait for the answer---a feeling of certainty will ensue. And the amazing thing is that for most people, a feeling of certainty does ensue. Sometimes a feeling of such certainty that they are willing to martyr themselves in it's name.
The problem is of course that this method for obtaining the truth frequently produces demonstrably wrong answers. Also, not surprisingly Christians look within and find Christian answers, Hindus look within and fine Hindu answers, Muslims look within and find Muslim answers, and so on. It works well with belief in ESP, and ghosts too, not to mention past lives.
And since the truth test produces certainty, no outside facts or contradictions are entertained. Certainty (faith) has been achieved.
Lamborn goes on to state the circular reasoning that often results when Mormonism itself is subjected to the truth test:
I used Lambon and the Book of Mormon, rather than fundamentalist Christians and The Bible because this reasoning is more common with the Bible. The book believed in differs, but the process is the same.
It's the illusion of certainty that is dangerous.
Quote:Read and study and contemplate the issue. Approach God in prayer with real intent, having faith, and then what you feel to be true by the influence of the Holy Ghost. If you do this, you will feel either a burning in the bosom or other unique feeling is unequivocal confirmation of the truth, or a 'stupor of thought' or feeling of confusion and you will know that the idea or concept is false. Using the recipe is the method used to determine the truth of all things in Mormonism.Standing For Something More: The Excommunication of Lyndon Lamborn page 19.
He points out that the basic method for determining the truth is central to most religions. Read, study, look within, and wait for the answer---a feeling of certainty will ensue. And the amazing thing is that for most people, a feeling of certainty does ensue. Sometimes a feeling of such certainty that they are willing to martyr themselves in it's name.
The problem is of course that this method for obtaining the truth frequently produces demonstrably wrong answers. Also, not surprisingly Christians look within and find Christian answers, Hindus look within and fine Hindu answers, Muslims look within and find Muslim answers, and so on. It works well with belief in ESP, and ghosts too, not to mention past lives.
And since the truth test produces certainty, no outside facts or contradictions are entertained. Certainty (faith) has been achieved.
Lamborn goes on to state the circular reasoning that often results when Mormonism itself is subjected to the truth test:
Quote:Q. How do you know The Book of Mormon is historically true and accurate?page 25.
A. I have received witness of its truthfulness for the Holy Ghost.
Q. How do you know that this witness form the Holy Ghost is certain and reliable?
A. It is promised in the Book of Mormon.
I used Lambon and the Book of Mormon, rather than fundamentalist Christians and The Bible because this reasoning is more common with the Bible. The book believed in differs, but the process is the same.
It's the illusion of certainty that is dangerous.
If there is a god, I want to believe that there is a god. If there is not a god, I want to believe that there is no god.
