Problems with good feelings and the Spirit

The Problem with Faith as a Feeling

Faith, within the context of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is often characterized by a reliance on spiritual feelings as evidence of truth. This emotional cornerstone has become a point of intense scrutiny. In an era where critical thinking is prized and information is plentiful, the notion that spiritual affirmations or "good feelings" should guide one's belief system is increasingly challenged. As dissected in the Mormon Stories Podcast, this topic reveals deep questions about faith, evidence, and belief.

To question the validity of feelings as the keystone of faith is to engage directly with the heart of LDS theology. The Official LDS Church doctrine defines faith as belief in things not seen that are true. However, Jeremy Runnells' CES Letter, a well-known critique, flips this definition by suggesting that faith, when applied to things already disproven, veers into delusion. This perspective forces a confrontation with the idea that empirical evidence and spiritual experiences must coexist or find resolution within a believer's worldview.

Historical Tensions between Faith and Evidence

Mormonism, from its inception, has placed immense weight on personal revelation. Joseph Smith, the Prophet and founder of the LDS Church, taught followers to seek the "burning in the bosom" as a confirmation of truth. While this approach empowered early converts, it simultaneously set a precedent that spiritual feelings are the ultimate arbiter of religious truth. This blend of personal spiritual affirmation and historical narrative was vital to the Church's expansion but has not been without its complications.

Historical records show that not every spiritual claim has withstood scrutiny. Issues such as the Kinderhook Plates, initially presented as an archaeological validation of the Book of Mormon, were later exposed as a hoax. Yet, some members reported spiritual confirmations of their authenticity before disavowal. Incidents like these underscore a problematic intersection where spiritual experiences and empirical evidence clash.