How do Latter-day Saints know their Church is true?
Read Dave’s answer
Answer 1
The same way we know that, say, Einstein’s Theory of Relativity is true, with the added (and far more compelling) reinforcement of a spiritual witness that comes through revelation.
So how do I know that Einstein’s Theory of Relativity is true?
- I’ve read his original writings. The first time was pretty difficult. I had to stop and think and ponder about each point and how they were inter-related, and do independent research to better understand. The same can be said about the Book of Mormon.
- I’ve read what others who understand the Theory better than I do have written about it. I trust them when they say that it’s been proven in this way and that way and by this experiment and that equation and line of reasoning, because they’ve paid the price to study this more than I have. The same can be said about modern (and ancient) prophets and apostles and disciples.
- I’ve imagined for myself the same thought experiments that Einstein did, and found them to be enlightening. The same can be said about my experience with the doctrines of the Church.
- I’ve considered the credibility and trustworthiness of those serious scientists who have actually tested different elements of the theory and have confirmed its veracity compared with the credibility and trustworthiness of those who (long ago but disappeared over time) argued against it.
And then the transcendent reason most of us believe is that we put Moroni 10:3–5 to the test and found it to yield an immeasurably powerful spiritual experience that left us convinced that all of what we had learned about scripture, prophets and apostles, church teachings, and living by those truths was from God and had changed and was changing our life to the degree we trusted in those truths.
Answer 2
We believe that God knows the truth.
We also believe that God reveals the truth to prophets - whether anciently, at the time of Jesus Christ, or in modern times.
We also believe that God will reveal to each of us the truth that we as individuals need to know.
Answer 3
I’d tell them their search is in vain.
Philosophers can barely “prove” the truth of “I think, therefore I exist” to the satisfaction of other philosophers. Scientists still haven’t “proven” much of anything - the best science can do is achieve generalized levels of acceptance of empiric evidence.
After receiving a spiritual witness of the truth of the Book of Mormon following the “experiment” detailed in Alma 32, and receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, members like me are able to gather, over time, a figurative mountain of evidence. It’s not hard to find it if you are sincere in your search. For starters, let me refer you to my answer:
Do the things I point to constitute proof? No. Serious evidence recognizable to any sincere seeker of truth? Yes.