Human beings develop knowledge and beliefs about truth based on several different factors.
Does it matter HOW you know what you know?
Some things I believe to be “true” based on the teachings of others – either individuals I know and respect or experts in their fields. For example, when my grandmother told me how to make a certain kind of gravy I took it as absolute truth, because my grandmother was a great cook. When one of my college professors explained certain laws of macroeconomics I believed him because he was one smart guy with a reputation for being very accomplished in his field. When the mechanic tells me my car’s clunk clunk sound is due to needing a certain hose, I trust that is based in reality and not just his desire to sell hoses.
However, it is quite clear that basing one’s beliefs about truth on the council of others has its dangers. Those who followed Jim Jones, David Koresh or Korihor were led to destruction for believing the wrong man. On more than one occasion in my own life I have lost a significant chunk of money or gone through some painful/humiliating experiences because I used bad judgment in whose words I believed.
Some things I believe to be “true” based on my direct experience. My understanding of the laws of physics and gravity have a lot more to do with having dropped various objects or fallen down than they do from what I learned in textbooks. If I drop a glass jar on the carpet it MIGHT break and it might not. If I drop it on the ceramic tile in my kitchen it WILL break. I know this from more than one dropped bottle of pickles. The assumptions I make about human behavior, the world, and my place in it have also been heavily influenced by certain experiences. However, that too has its downfall. The story of the Blind Men & the Elephant demonstrates how limited, isolated experiences can lead to false interpretations of what is true.
When it comes to believing the gospel of Jesus Christ, what do I base my belief on?
1) Following the admonistion from D&C 9:8 I have studied it out in my mind. I have read the scriptures, plus quite a few books/articles by various church authorities and some church history. The things I have found there appear to make sense.
2) I have followed the Alma 32:27 charge to “experiment upon my word” by living the principles and observing the outcomes.
3) I have asked in faithful prayer if these teachings were true, as taught in James 1:5
4) I have felt the witness of the Holy Ghost, the baptism by fire that has confirmed for me that the gospel is real. Moroni 10:4-5
So, for me, there is very little doubt. I believe the teachings of Jesus Christ as relayed by the doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to be truth. My testimony came after a prolonged period of study, reflection and spiritual wrangling. For me, it was the only way I could arrive at the rock solid understanding I now hold. But I do not think my testimony is any better or more valid than those who know the church is true based on having been raised in the gospel and being told their whole life that it was. I get really annoyed by some who rather arrogantly (IMHO) claim that convert testimonies are inherently stronger than those of cradle Mormons.
Furthermore, we’ve all known people who joined the church based on finding friends and enjoying the social association, or in some cases based on the resources of the Church welfare system, or maybe (as in previous post) based on enjoying the sports activities (although I HAVE heard it said the biggest war in heaven got started over a disagreement at a church basketball game.) Some people say those individuals are misguided to make a decision as important as baptism on factors that have little to do with understanding the significance of the covenants baptism brings. Other people say it doesn’t really matter what brings people to the waters, so long as they get there, because the gospel really IS true. This line of reasoning trusts that once someone is affiliated with the church he or she will have opportunities to grow and mature in understanding down the road.
Some might argue that it is better for someone to join the LDS church because they needed the welfare or liked the people - EVEN IF THEY DON'T really get the doctorine - than it would be for that same person to join some OTHER church after careful study & prayer and feeling convinced of its truth.
What’s your take on all this? Does it matter why people come to the gospel so long as they come? What do you base YOUR belief on?