Had a testimony of the gospel’s overall truthfulness and/or had sacred experiences ~ 15 of the 20

There are many reasons for staying, but not all of them are created equal. This one is by far the best and is ultimately the only one that makes any real sense to me (although the others may be contributing factors). I think it’s very telling that 15 out of 20 people listed this as a reason. It is THE reason, and I’m glad it’s mine.

I’m so glad I was able to hear many of these people present these reasons for staying essays while attending various Sunstone Symposiums over the years and ask them questions in person. I understand their presentations will be back online via Sunstone’s website in the near future.

Thanks to Bob Rees for editing them and presenting them to a wider audience.

I am not thinking of leaving, but like others, I have had too many direct answers to prayer as well as tender mercies and serendipities to doubt.

I’m buying this book. I love to read heartfelt, sincere essays like these. I am always interested in the whys of testimonies. Fast and Testimony meetinss never have these kinds of explanations. I am interested to note that 3 of the reasons closely tie together, # 2,3 and 5. All of them show the importance of social ties. #2 is the ability to accept people even when things aren’t perfect (just like in a family) and 3, 5 are the rewards of friendship, emotional closeness and shared history that social scientists blather on and on about.

I asked one of my Amish clients why they thought most of their children decide to stay with the community. It came down to emotional connection. Yes, the financial security is a doozy, too but in the end, the draw from having your whole life protected by a closely knit family/church/work community is very rewarding. Why would they leave a good thing? I think church can do the same thing. The most interesting thing about the Amish explanation is I have never had an Amish bear their testimony about their religous beliefs. It is implyed in their comments, but not like in our church where we teach children, ” I know Joseph Smith was a true Prophet, I know the Book of Mormom is true.” With them religion is such an integrated part of their daily lives that their testimony is best described as “I know living an Amish life is true.”

I also find it comforting to confirm that smart people who know important things have also wrestled with difficult things in the gospel. I like knowing I am not the only one and that it is not an automatic sign of weakness or lack of faith. Yep, this is one I am buying and adding to my living room book collection. An another book I have that I really liked was one I bought from my university bookstore in the religous studies section called Mormon Enigma. It is an oldie but goodie.

[...] In books, check out Ingrid Ricks’s new book, as well as new reviews of Heaven Up Here and a review of Why I Stay. [...]

Neither, Trevor. Or both. First, they had deeply spiritual experiences within the scope of their membership that reinforced their testimony that, despite their doubts or even convictions that some things were hogwash, the church was “true.”

Some loved the Book of Mormon, others, the Plan of Salvation, etc. Few expressed a basic “I know the church is true” kind of testimony. They’re not stupid, but they’d had undeniable spiritual experiences as members of the church.

This was illuminating for me because I’ve struggled with the same things and wanted to understand why I stay. That probably sounds crazy, but I’m so grateful for this book.

If we had sacramental wine, I could say that I don’t leave because I can’t find the door.