So you base your testimony on science too? All hail and now to science because it’s settled.
There is “truth” in all things, you are supposed to base your testimony on “Truth”.
“We seek for truth wherever we may find it. Yes, we do have the fulness of the everlasting gospel, but that does not mean that we know everything.”
By Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf
You base your testimony on science? I base it on Jesus Christ…One of the authors of science.
“What no one shows the ability to defend is quickly abandoned. Rational argument does not create faith, but it maintains a climate in which faith may flourish.” ---- Austin Farrer (friend of C.S. Lewis)
The problem with insisting that science, reason, etc. are irrelevant to testimony is that a testimony of “I just believe in Jesus Christ” is unconvincing to people who are reachable but need a reason to “put it to the test.” If we appear to cling to belief only with no consideration for reason or science, people won’t even consider our statements of belief. We have to show them that faith is consistent with reason and science.
That doesn’t mean we can (or have to claim) that we can explain everything, but we do need to be convincing enough for people to even consider being open to the possibility that we might right.
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The Apostle Thomas, doubting Thomas, needed empirical evidence. He lacked the faith that the other Apostles had concerning the resurrection. I recently had a discussion with someone about the virgin Mary conception of Jesus Christ. I presented scientific evidence by mentioning in vitro fertilization. That it is possible scientifically. He still denied the possibility.
There was a woman in our Ward a few years ago who we baptized. Every time she would get up and bear her testimony, it was something to do with how science proves God and the Church. She went inactive and still inactive as of today. A friend of hers was baptized at about the same time. That woman has two sons who are gay. They and her daughter tried to use the nonsense of biology to show that there is a scientific reason for being gay. The woman asked to have her name removed from the records of the Church.
Faith are those things hoped for that aren’t seen but are true. Science isn’t necessary and won’t pass the test in the long run. Something will come along that shows science isn’t settled and it will destroy the small testimony they may have had. It’s better to teach theory and technical personality people how to overcome their doubting Thomas challenges and develop a true testimony before they make the covenants of baptism and temple ordinances. That’s my opinion.
So sad what happened out there in SP… no more ward. You have provided numerous examples of why this happened but it is still a bummer.
The reason is quite simple. Santa Paula used to be an inexpensive town to live in. Not so much anymore. In fact, anywhere in Ventura County is difficult financially. Most of our young families left as quickly as they moved in. Some up to Santa Maria and others out of state where the cost of living is better. As the old folk died off, the numbers of active members diminished until the Church said combine with Fillmore. Other wards are having similar issues. But, this isn’t what my response is about. Testimonies have nothing to do or should not have anything to do with man’s truth. Oh, it can be interesting and get people interested in finding out more. I agree with him on this. It did with me with archeology. But, that isn’t what my testimony is based on. You can tell me Joseph Smith did this or that, Bruce R. McConkie did this and that, doesn’t matter. I know the Church is the only Church of Jesus Christ with all the authority given to man from God.
Amazing you would even argue with an Apostle of the Lord that said “Truth can be found everywhere”
"“There is no conflict between science and religion, conflict only arises from an incomplete knowledge of either science or religion, or both. … Whether truth comes from a scientific laboratory or by revelation from the Lord, it is compatible.” President Russel M. Nelson
“There is no truth but what belongs to the Gospel. … If you can find a truth in heaven [or] earth, it belongs to our doctrine.” Brigham Young
If you really want to understand this concept, you should read the life of John A. Widstoe who was not only an apostle, but a scientist. He explains how they can both be faith building events in our lives.
According to Alma, we are “Seek truth” wherever we can find it.
As for your example, I can also show you people who was so focused on the gospel that could not see the bigger picture of God’s plan. Many left the church and organized the true religion as they decided it should be.
The point is this “you can find truth anywhere that testifies of God, the Savior and his many blessings in our lives”.
As president Nelson said, "Whether truth comes from a scientific laboratory or by revelation from the Lord, it is compatible.” Many of the modern miracles of science was found because of Inspiration from the Lord.
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Let me ask you this, does science have to be compatible with the true Gospel Doctrines or does the true Gospel Doctrines have to be compatible with science? And, which science has the truth that will lead you to eternal life? And, where’s the line drawn? Are you descended from apes or are you descended from Adam and Eve?
Am I against science? Of course not. Science is a tool that can benefit mankind. But, it can also be a tool to destroy mankind. Not just physically but spiritually too. How many times must we hear to not trust in the arm of flesh when it comes to our spiritual growth? When you clearly comprehend what both Prophets stated in your quotes, truth in science must fit into the Gospel of Jesus Christ and not the other way around. Read Brigham Young’s quote again.
Your example simply means that those who left the Gospel and the Church to make their own never had a testimony that could withstand the attacks from Satan. I too know people who left the Church because the teachings in our meetings weren’t elite intellectual discourses or theory enough for them.
What is the greatest tool we have for conversion that often scientifically is attacked as being fake? The Book of Mormon. How come the ancient cities that have been dug up have nothing about what’s in the Book of Mormon? Yet, the fact that it was believed in Joseph Smith’s time there were no ancient cities like we know of today that got me interested. But, my testimony is Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior and trust only in Him. Not the archeologists who claim people lived here 30,000 years ago.
blah, blah, blah, truth… blah, blah, blah, science… blah, blah, blah, gospel…
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I finally get it. When the science doesn’t fit, We turned it into a gospel discussion. Because sports in the gospel go hand-in-hand.
Here’s my gospel.
If Kansas State beats ISU. BYU will be in the final. That’s my Sports gospel.
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Hopefully, your science is settled 
Well stated fish. You spotted the obvious deflection ploy/tactic inserted about 10 posts ago when someone’s position was obliterated by facts.
Sorry Jcoug, you’re credited with an assist on that one.
I’m in a unique position here that none of the rest of you are in. I gotta do what I gotta do and I think I do a pretty good job managing it. Nothing more to say.
Yes you are. Fair enuf.
No one else wants THAT “calling”!
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Interesting that ASU, SMU and Miami all leading 21-0
They all want it bad
Hope Kstate does
Ya, we can’t hope on AU as they look really bad. Why kick a field goal down 21-0. Stupid.
Baylor just put the “big hurt” on Kansas 45-17 ouch!
ASU is over Arizona 35-0 at halftime.
we’re down to one shot — go other Wildcats
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Lots of blowouts in the Big 12 this week. Hope we aren’t on the wrong end of one.