Mormon Questions: What If I Felt a Burning in My Bosom?

One of the central experiences many members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), commonly known as Mormons, testify to is a feeling described as "a burning in the bosom." This phrase is derived from Doctrine and Covenants 9:8, where it speaks of a spiritual confirmation through an internal feeling of warmth or peace. Mormons often interpret this experience as the Holy Spirit confirming the truth of the Book of Mormon or other LDS teachings. But what should Christians make of this experience? How does it compare to the Bible's teaching on spiritual discernment and truth?

D&C 9:8 But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.

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One of the central experiences many members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), commonly known as Mormons, testify to is a feeling described as "a burning in the bosom." This phrase is derived from Doctrine and Covenants 9:8-9, where it speaks of a spiritual confirmation through an internal feeling of warmth or peace. Mormons often interpret this experience as the Holy Spirit confirming the truth of the Book of Mormon or other LDS teachings. But what should Christians make of this experience? How does it compare to the Bible's teaching on spiritual discernment and truth?

The Subjective Nature of Experience

The concept of a "burning in the bosom" is subjective and relies heavily on personal feelings as a way to confirm religious truth. Mormons are taught to seek personal confirmation of their beliefs through this emotional experience. While experiences are certainly part of a believer’s life, they are not the foundation of truth in Christianity.

The Bible warns against relying solely on feelings to determine truth. Proverbs 28:26 says, "He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but he who walks wisely will be delivered." Jeremiah 17:9 echoes this by stating, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?" In other words, while emotions and internal feelings may feel compelling, they can be misleading if not anchored in objective truth.

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Truth According to the Bible

Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). He points to Himself as the embodiment of truth, not a subjective feeling. The Bible emphasizes knowing God through His revealed Word and by the Spirit’s illuminating work, not by relying on emotions or spiritual experiences alone.

When discerning truth, the Bible consistently points us back to Scripture. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Paul writes that "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for...