Mormons have told me that if you read the BOM and pray about it, then God will reveal to you that it is true.
“Though the principle of studying something out in one’s mind and seeking confirmation through the burning of the bosom or a stupor of thought was given to Oliver Cowdery to use in translating the Book of Mormon, this process of receiving revelation can be of value to all Saints. President Joseph Fielding Smith explained that ‘a similar privilege is given to any member of the Church who seeks knowledge in the spirit of prayer and faith. The Lord will cause the feeling of security and truth to take hold of the individual and burn within the bosom, and there will be an overwhelming feeling that the thing is right.’”
I’m concerned it might be considered proselytizing.
Hello Lenten ashes,
I'm no longer involved with any of the Mormon groups but I'll go ahead and share my experience anyway. For me it was like an instinctive feeling that the BOM was true. That it would be a value to me.
The BOM is largely about the world of religion. With the Missionary discussions I was becoming involved in this world and being encouraged to determine "which church is right". The BOM proved to be valuable to me during this time in my life.“Non-Catholic Religions”
It is the “Non-Catholic religions” section, but there are still very strict rules for non-Catholics here, including getting banned for any semblance of proselytizing. I too fear that me honestly answering your question would be viewed as proselytizing by some here (hence why I have declined answering thus far). An LDS board would really be a better venue for asking such questions.
Right I understand that but you are being asked and I’m sure the mods understand the difference.
Baloney.
It’s about feelings and Mormons interpreting what your feelings mean, for you. If you read the BoM and have nice feelings about it then Mormons interpret those good feelings as an indicator of truth. “I feel it is true” is usually expressed by Mormons as “I know it is true”.
Very simple way to avoid proselytizing is to start with: For me it was…then describe your reaction.
I think so too, but was wondering if any of them have any extraordinary experiences like ‘angels’ appearing to them or something.
For the most part God/ the Holy Ghost, have been content not to influence my religious beliefs. There has only been one time in my life when I can claim that I received a clear message from God which had to do with theology. I was sleeping outside alone and when I woke up I heard a voice say “Jehovah is one, one is Jehovah”. I’ve had other experiences with concerned living my life, but this was the only one which concerned theology. I would like to have an experience telling me thee actually was an Atlantis but I realize I’m never going to get it. I’m free to believe in an Atlantis or not. The same can be said for the historicity of the BOM. Neither of these affect how we live our lives.
Our heavenly Father bless you for responding here!
God bless you for your kindness! Not to belabor the point but Matthew 16:13-17 also shows this principle.
The Apostles had at this point been traveling and being taught by Jesus for 3 years. They had seen many miracles and knew that Jesus wasn’t ordinary, by any means. The Father gave to them, Jesus Himself. God brought them to their understanding through reason, and by faith the Holy Spirit confirmed what they knew via intellect.
The Apostles could not have known via their intellect that Jesus was divine since 1 Corinthians 12:3 clearly states “And no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the holy Spirit.” I have no argument with anyone who states that seeing Jesus’ miracles and hearing His teachings will bolster one’s faith in Jesus’ divinity. However, the Holy Spirit is necessary to confirm belief.
