When the Paths Diverge: Finding the Anchor in the Currents of Belief

It’s always a powerful thing, isn't it? To hear someone recount the winding path of their own spiritual life. You listen, and you think, “Wow, that was a journey.”

Recently, I watched an interview with Stephen Johnson, and it was a deep dive into the complexities of belief—from growing up within the framework of the Latter-day Saint movement, through periods of questioning, and ultimately finding himself drawn to Catholicism. It was a masterclass in intellectual wrestling, and it brought a few things to mind here in the Rogue Disciples community.

As returned missionaries, we often talk about the *work*—the eternal, unfolding work of gathering Israel. We talk about the covenants, the temple, the restored gospel. But sometimes, the greatest lessons come not from the perfect testimony, but from the messy, human moments of doubt, questioning, and transition. We see it played out in front of us, in the lives of friends, family, and even in the historical record.

What struck me most was the sheer *effort* required to maintain belief, and the equally profound effort required to leave it. Stephen’s journey wasn't a simple switch; it was a series of intellectual and emotional pivots. He discussed doctrinal differences, the weight of community expectations, and the difficulty of maintaining a deep spiritual life when the familiar structures begin to shake.

The Constant Calling: Finding the Anchor

This is where I think we, as disciples, can find a real nugget for our own missionary preparation. No matter what doctrine someone is studying—be it Aquinas, Catholic theology, or even the Book of Mormon—the underlying need is for the Spirit, for personal revelation, and for a tangible connection to Christ. The questions they ask—about lineage, about authority, about the nature of God—those are the same questions that have been asked since the dawn of time.

It’s a powerful reminder that our job isn't to win a theological debate; it's to point people toward the source of light. It’s about pointing them back to the covenant path and the reality of the Atonement.

A Bite-Sized Mission Prep Skill: Navigating the Doubt

If you’re gearing up for missionary discussions, or even just having a deep Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces, remember this: When someone presents a complex, challenging, or even seemingly contradictory belief system, your goal isn't to list three reasons why they are wrong. Your goal is to invite them into a conversation about *discipleship*.

When the hard questions come—the ones that make you pause and think—don't rush to the answer. Instead, use the power of the Spirit to guide the conversation back to personal revelation. You might say something like, “That’s a really thoughtful point, and it brings up a big question. What do you think the Spirit would teach us about that?” This honors their intelligence while gently guiding them toward the personal testimony that only the Spirit can give.

Keep the Momentum Going

The spiritual life, whether it’s a 40-day fast or a lifetime of discipleship, requires intentionality. Don't let the routine slacken, especially when life gets busy with work, family, or just the normal currents of the world.

If you feel like your spiritual momentum is slowing, I highly recommend diving into some foundational material. If you haven't already, check out the Iron Rod resources on the Book of Mormon. For a deeper dive into scripture study, consider joining a Book Club in LivingBook—it’s a wonderful way to study alongside other committed disciples.

And for those of us who are actively preparing or just want to sharpen our skills, don't forget to check out Davee. He’s ready to walk you through some of those tricky investigator questions in an AI Investigator role-play. It’s preparation for the field, no matter where that field is!