The uncomfortable truth about the Holy Ghost

The Holy Ghost is framed as a tool for personal truth, but the method is designed so that it's not actually possible to get disconfirmation. If your personal revelation differs from the prophets, you are told you are wrong, which effectively replaces individual guidance with institutional obedience. Watch this video about competing spiritual confirmation    • 8.0 - My LDS Journey - Follow the Spirit   ​Video Chapters ​[00:00] Introduction: Epistemology and Certainty Jeff introduces the concept of the "LDS epistemology of knowing" and how the promise of individual certainty through the Holy Ghost can paradoxically lead to blind obedience. ​[01:27] The "Bait and Switch" and "Package Deal" An explanation of how the Holy Ghost is presented as an individual guide (the bait) but comes attached to a requirement to follow church orthodoxy and prophets (the switch). ​[02:48] The "Package Deal" of Moroni’s Promise A breakdown of the logic used in the LDS faith: if the Book of Mormon is true, then Joseph Smith is a prophet, and therefore the current LDS church is the only true church. ​[05:12] The Doctrine of Prophetic Infallibility Quotes from church leaders like Brigham Young and Wilford Woodruff asserting that the Lord would "sweep" a prophet from the earth before allowing them to lead the members astray. ​[08:45] Stewardship and "False Revelation" A discussion on how personal revelation is invalidated if it contradicts church leaders, citing Elder Oaks on the dangers of "concocting" answers or receiving "false revelation." [11:01] ​[12:37] Comparing Spiritual Witnesses Across Faiths Examples of individuals in other religions (Islam) or even cults (Heaven's Gate) who describe receiving the exact same spiritual "witness" or feelings of certainty to validate conflicting beliefs. [14:27] ​[17:33] Gaining a Testimony by Bearing It An analysis of the LDS practice of "finding" a testimony by speaking it out loud, and how this acts as a form of self-persuasion that bypasses critical thinking. [18:06] ​[19:48] Conclusion: Reason vs. Feeling Final thoughts on the importance of staying objective and using reason as a guide when deconstructing faith.