You might know that I am enrolled in a doctoral program in Communication at the University of Pennsylvania, where I am interested in studying individuals’ religious experiences.  I have been particularly interested in learning about Mormonism, and this semester, I am enrolled in a course called “The Ethnography of Belief.”  In this course, we are learning about different ways that individuals experience their faith. Our final papers involve describing a spiritual or supernatural belief, and for my paper I am writing about Mormons ‘ experiences with the Book of Mormon, especially concerning the promise in Moroni 10:4 that says, “And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.”  I am interested in the various ways that Mormons experience receiving a testimony that the Book of Mormon is true.

If you are or have been Mormon… I’d like to request your assistance with this project.  I am sending this request in email form to many of my Mormon friends (some of whom have helped me with other projects in the past), so you may see a duplicate copy in your inbox.  I would also be happy to have you pass this request on to other Mormons you may know, male or female, young or old, who have or who once had a testimony that the Book of Mormon is true. 

Although a face-to-face interview would be ideal, I feel that giving you the chance to write down your own experience in your own words might be a better way to capture the richness of your individual experience.  I’ve written these basic  questions for you to complete at  your convenience and in whatever depth you feel is appropriate (one sentence or several pages, depending on how you best feel you can characterize your experiences and depending on how much time you have to spare).  Some of these questions may not directly apply to you, so feel free to answer them as you see fit, and to offer any details or comments that I haven’t directly asked about. 

I realize that these experiences are often sacred and personal, and I want to assure you that your responses will remain confidential.   Also, I am happy to send you a copy of the final paper once it is complete (sometime in December).   Please email your responses to ravance@asc.upenn.edu with the subject line “Belief questionnaire.” Thank you so much for your time!

1. First, basic demographics: Age, ethnicity, sex, marital status, education, occupation, first language
2. Describe your religious background. Were you raised in the Mormon Church?  If so, were your parents active?  If not, was your family active in any other faith?  How were you first introduced to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and at what age did you become a member?
3. Do you believe the Book of Mormon is true?  What reasons for this belief do you find particularly compelling?
4. Moroni 10:4 instructs investigators to pray to know that the Book of Mormon is true.  Have you prayed to know the Book of Mormon is true?  Describe your experience.
5. If you have prayed to know the Book of Mormon is true, did you receive an answer?  How did you know?
6. There may be many instances that you have felt your belief in the Book of Mormon was either confirmed or denied.  Can you give a few examples?
7. Do you feel your testimony (especially the way you received it) is the same as other Mormons?  Do you feel that official church teachings on this verse coincide with the way you received your testimony?