LDS Freedom Forum

I have suffered from "shaken faith syndrome" in the last couple of years. I am a lifelong member of the LDS church, served a mission, married in the temple....always attended church. I have seen the hand of the Lord direct my life, and have never doubted Him, nor the blessings He has given me. I just went through the motions for years, and when my husband started on his journey of disbelief in Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon, I started questioning it myself. Ultimately, I know that this church has more of the true doctorine than any other. I would never go anywhere else. Lately, I have had strong feelings that I need to come "home". I feel the need to put forth the faith to study the scriptures again and would like to hear suggestions on where and how to start. I would like to start with the Old Testament, but want a companion "study guide" to help me understand what I am reading. I don't want to use the church's seminary guide book. I enjoy Cleon Skousen, and have read "The Cleansing of America". I would enjoy reading something by him or even someone of another faith. Suggestions would be appreciated.

Thank you not judging. I think there are a few on here that have "been there, done that" and understand where I'm coming from (I hope).

I would recommend starting with The Book of Mormon due to the fact that this area may be where your testimony needs to be strengthened. I have read countless commentaries, but the best commentary by far is called "Second Witness: Analytical and Contextual Commentary on The Book of Mormon" by Brant Gardner. It is the most detailed commentary that goes into the spiritual insights, history, archaeology, geography, linguistical, etc... of The Book of Mormon. You will learn more from this commentary than any other, guaranteed. It is a six volume set and can be found in Deseret Book or online at the FAIR bookstore or Amazon. I would *highly* recommend it.

http://www.amazon.com/Second-Witness-An ... 981&sr=8-4" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Although not nearly as good as reading in my opinion, or if you find yourself having a hard time sticking with it, I'd recommend using this audible Bible online at
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/audio/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

You can start in Genesis and go right thru to Revelation. Again, it is not as good as reading and pondering, but it can get you into a daily habit and in my opinion get you hungering and thirsting more for the scriptures.

Indeed, I can relate with what you are going thru. God Bless.

C.S Lewis has also written a lot of great books - Mere Christianity or God in the Dock or maybe Surprised by Joy...

Thanks Livy and OI. I really appreciate your kind words and suggestions. I'm looking forward to this journey.

waking, definetly, DEFINITELY begin with the Book of Mormon. Trust me. As President Ezra Taft Benson said, "...And there is example after example of how that question will be answered. For example, in the Book of Mormon we find a pattern for preparing for the Second Coming. A major portion of the book centers on the few decades just prior to Christ’s coming to America. By careful study of that time period, we can determine why some were destroyed in the terrible judgments that preceded His coming and what brought others to stand at the temple in the land of Bountiful and thrust their hands into the wounds of His hands and feet.

From the Book of Mormon we learn how disciples of Christ live in times of war. From the Book of Mormon we see the evils of secret combinations portrayed in graphic and chilling reality. In the Book of Mormon we find lessons for dealing with persecution and apostasy. We learn much about how to do missionary work. And more than anywhere else, we see in the Book of Mormon the dangers of materialism and setting our hearts on the things of the world. Can anyone doubt that this book was meant for us and that in it we find great power, great comfort, and great protection?

The third reason why the Book of Mormon is of such value to Latter-day Saints is given in the same statement by the Prophet Joseph Smith cited previously. He said, “I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book” (History of the Church, 4:461). That is the third reason for studying the book. It helps us draw nearer to God. Is there not something deep in our hearts that longs to draw nearer to God, to be more like Him in our daily walk, to feel His presence with us constantly? If so, then the Book of Mormon will help us do so more than any other book.

It is not just that the Book of Mormon teaches us truth, though it indeed does that. It is not just that the Book of Mormon bears testimony of Christ, though it indeed does that, too. But there is something more. There is a power in the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book. You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path. The scriptures are called “the words of life” (D&C 84:85), and nowhere is that more true than it is of the Book of Mormon. When you begin to hunger and thirst after those words, you will find life in greater and greater abundance...."

You will feel the Spirit flow into your life like a pitcher of water that overflows. You will not feel emptiness. You will not feel the heavy burdens of your current trials, but you will handle them with ease and even rejoicing. I testify that this is TRUE.

Hello, waking.

I understand what you are experiencing. I "wandered in the wilderness for 40 years", but about a year ago, well, early in Dec of '10, I decided to read the Book of Mormon before 1 Jan. I found that as I read and studied, I came to have a great desire to pray, and spent several hours each day in each. I finished a few days before 1 Jan, 2011. I rarely use words such as amazing, but the outpouring of the Spirit was just that. I didn't have a commentary, just read, pondered, and then spent time in prayer, asking for understanding, guidence, and forgivness. Not in that order. It has changed my whole life, not without struggle, but I can testify that The Book of Mormon can, will, and does change lives.

My wife and I are preparing to go to the Temple to do the work for our deceased. We have been meaning to for about 35 or more years, and the changes in our lives are remarkable. I hope this helps answer your question, and I can be of futher help, please let me know. May God Bless you and your husband.

Mr Lonely, (but not anymore)

I would suggest never ever ever ever missing a day of BOOK OF MORMON study again.