For those with confirmations

[Archaea]

of a "spiritual" nature, why do you trust them, over your other senses?

That means apostates probably don't have any useful insights into this question.

[BigFatMeanie]

Originally Posted by Archaea

of a "spiritual" nature, why do you trust them, over your other senses?

That means apostates probably don't have any useful insights into this question.

From a logical perspective, I know it is irrational to trust them. But I still do. I'm rationally choosing to accept something irrational. The mind is truly an amazing thing.

[BlueHair]

Originally Posted by Archaea

of a "spiritual" nature, why do you trust them, over your other senses?

That means apostates probably don't have any useful insights into this question.

What if the spiritual confirmations are the reason for the apostasy?

[YOhio]

I look at Moroni 10:3-5 as the LDS version of the scientific method*: define the question; gather information; form hypothesis; perform experiment; analyze data; interpret data and draw conclusions; etc. As Moroni puts it: receive the word; ponder in our hearts; consider the mercy of God throughout history (context); ask God if these things are not true; and the HG will witness to it's truthfulness.

After following the steps outlined in Moroni's promise, I received a spiritual witness that the Book of Mormon was of divine origin. This witness was different than any other feeling I had felt before or since. The conclusion of this test was profound in my life and has been somewhat of a lodestar. No matter what doubts I may have, I can look through the haze and find guidance.

*Granted, this is a very loose interpretation of the scientific method, but it works for me.

[Indy Coug]

Originally Posted by Archaea

of a "spiritual" nature, why do you trust them, over your other senses?

That means apostates probably don't have any useful insights into this question.

Because not only have I experienced them, but when I've acted in accordance with those witnesses, I have been blessed as a result.

It's More Than A Feeling....

[BYU71]

Originally Posted by Archaea

of a "spiritual" nature, why do you trust them, over your other senses?

That means apostates probably don't have any useful insights into this question.

Do people actually trust something "spiritual" over their other senses. If your other senses tell you something, why would you even get a "spiritual" sensation to go another way.

Maybe I don't understand the question.

[UtahDan]

Originally Posted by Archaea

of a "spiritual" nature, why do you trust them, over your other senses?

I know I'm a broken record when it comes to matters of spiritual evidences and faith, but my answer to your question is because I chose to. When it comes to "spiritual" feelings, I know I have had them in many contexts where I have been told that what I am feeling is the spirit testifying to me. I also get those same feelings in patriotic scenarios and when I hear particularly pretty harmony, regardless of the content of the song. So for me it is not a feeling unique to a spiritual setting.

Nevertheless, I choose to believe that I am feeling the spirit as opposed to just experiencing human emotions which are attached to subjects and experiences which I have been culturally conditioned to believe should elicit these emotions.

Now, why should I believe this set of emotional responses over other emotional responses or even over reason? Again, it is a choice to do this. To me, there is nothing intrinsic in that set of emotions that would overwhelm other evidences, rather, it is only overridden by my exercise of free will in electing what I desire to be true and acceptable. That is, my hope is the tie breaker. That is my understand of what faith is, from what Alma seems to say.

[Jeff Lebowski]

Originally Posted by UtahDan

I know I'm a broken record when it comes to matters of spiritual evidences and faith, but my answer to your question is because I chose to. When it comes to "spiritual" feelings, I know I have had them in many contexts where I have been told that what I am feeling is the spirit testifying to me. I also get those same feelings in patriotic scenarios and when I hear particularly pretty harmony, regardless of the content of the song. So for me it is not a feeling unique to a spiritual setting.

Nevertheless, I choose to believe that I am feeling the spirit as opposed to just experiencing human emotions which are attached to subjects and experiences which I have been culturally conditioned to believe should elicit these emotions.

Now, why should I believe this set of emotional responses over other emotional responses or even over reason? Again, it is a choice to do this. To me, there is nothing intrinsic in that set of emotions that would overwhelm other evidences, rather, it is only overridden by my exercise of free will in electing what I desire to be true and acceptable. That is, my hope is the tie breaker. That is my understand of what faith is, from what Alma seems to say.

Well said.

[BlueK]

Originally Posted by BlueHair

What if the spiritual confirmations are the reason for the apostasy?

when are they? I've very rarely met anyone who falls into that. It's always a logical reason or "biblical" reason for those who go the evangelical route. Evangelicals tend not to believe very strongly in personal revelation. They generally argue against it and go with the literal interpretation of the Bible instead. Those who go towards agnosticism/atheism generally don't believe in spiritual confirmations, so they don't cite them as a reason either.

[Indy Coug]

Originally Posted by BlueHair

What if the spiritual confirmations are the reason for the apostasy?

Is that what you've had? Would you care to share your experience(s)?