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How Do I Know If I Know?
Now more than ever, young people are asking themselves important
93 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
53 people are currently reading
463 people want to read
About the author
John Bytheway
110 books286 followersJohn Bytheway (born October 1962) is an American author and academic, who is well known as a comic motivational speaker for youth within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Born in Salt Lake City, Bytheway attended the University of Utah and Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah, receiving a Master's Degree in Religious Education. He also served as a missionary for the LDS Church in the Philippines.
Bytheway is a religious studies instructor at BYU, currently focusing on the Book of Mormon. He also serves on the Aaronic Priesthood/Young Women Writing Committee for the LDS Church. Bytheway and his wife Kimberly have six children.
Bytheway is a religious studies instructor at BYU, currently focusing on the Book of Mormon. He also serves on the Aaronic Priesthood/Young Women Writing Committee for the LDS Church. Bytheway and his wife Kimberly have six children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
May 27, 2020
Fabulous book that helps give knowledge about how to recognize and grow your testimony.
September 1, 2020
This book is targeted to the youth and talks about gaining a testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints . It explores how we gain testimony by feelings, experiences, evidences, and logic.
October 21, 2020
Exactly what I’ve been looking for to help with talking to my kids. Can’t wait to share it with them.
April 18, 2017
A quick read, would be great for a teenager.
February 21, 2019
As always fabulous insight and I love all of the references to conference talks and books. definitely worth the uplifting read.
September 21, 2017
Read this book with the kids as part of our scripture study. It was very helpful in pointing out how we know and understand more about the gospel than we sometimes give ourselves credit for. It also gave some good pointers on continuing to grow and strengthen your testimony from wherever you currently are in your development.
September 17, 2018
Terrific! We listened to the entire audiobook in about 3 hours during a long road trip. Some great insights and examples, never preachy, always witty.
October 8, 2014
John Bytheway is ABSOLUTELY a FANTASTIC TEACHER!
Masterful in his presentations!
He keeps you entertained while helping you understand gospel truths!
I LOVE his opening story:
A twenty-three-year-old man was called to be the Stake President.
At the Conference one of the General Authorities attending suggested that they undo this calling for the man did not bear a strong testimony that he knew the gospel was true.
When asked about it this, the young Stake President admitted that he truly did not know that it was true.
Then the President of the Church who was also in attendance simply said with a laugh, "He knows it. The only thing that he does not know is that he does know it."
Who was this young Stake President?
Heber J. Grant.
Do you sometimes wonder if you know?
John Bytheway asks these important questions:
*Can it be possible to know that he Church is true, but not know that you know?
*Is a testimony that hard to detect?
Then with John Bytheway humor and testimony building stories he goes on to explain the we must:
LISTEN TO OUR FEELINGS
KNOW FROM OUR EXPERIENCES
WATCH FOR EVIDENCES
FORM LOGICAL CONCLUSIONS
To put it in an acronym we must "F.E.E.L the truthfulness of the gospel."
This book will help you realizes that though you might not know it all, you know enough.
At the end of each chapter there is a "MORE LIGHT ON THE SUBJECT" section that links you to videos and talks to help you gain even greater knowledge.
This book is:
POWERFUL!
HELPFUL!
and TRULY A MUST READ!
GREAT for ANYONE struggling to know if they have a testimony.
PERFECT FOR EVERYONE!
Masterful in his presentations!
He keeps you entertained while helping you understand gospel truths!
I LOVE his opening story:
A twenty-three-year-old man was called to be the Stake President.
At the Conference one of the General Authorities attending suggested that they undo this calling for the man did not bear a strong testimony that he knew the gospel was true.
When asked about it this, the young Stake President admitted that he truly did not know that it was true.
Then the President of the Church who was also in attendance simply said with a laugh, "He knows it. The only thing that he does not know is that he does know it."
Who was this young Stake President?
Heber J. Grant.
Do you sometimes wonder if you know?
John Bytheway asks these important questions:
*Can it be possible to know that he Church is true, but not know that you know?
*Is a testimony that hard to detect?
Then with John Bytheway humor and testimony building stories he goes on to explain the we must:
LISTEN TO OUR FEELINGS
KNOW FROM OUR EXPERIENCES
WATCH FOR EVIDENCES
FORM LOGICAL CONCLUSIONS
To put it in an acronym we must "F.E.E.L the truthfulness of the gospel."
This book will help you realizes that though you might not know it all, you know enough.
At the end of each chapter there is a "MORE LIGHT ON THE SUBJECT" section that links you to videos and talks to help you gain even greater knowledge.
This book is:
POWERFUL!
HELPFUL!
and TRULY A MUST READ!
GREAT for ANYONE struggling to know if they have a testimony.
PERFECT FOR EVERYONE!
August 18, 2015
I love John Bytheway. His writing is simple and easy for youth to understand, but always so insightful and helpful at the same time. I felt like Bytheway had read my mind with the experiences he shared that portrayed the same kinds of thoughts and feelings I had about my testimony. I especially liked the last chapter and I stayed up late to finish it. Before reading this book, I wasn't sure if I had a "sure" testimony or really how to get a "sure" testimony of the gospel. By the end of this book, I felt a strong sense of hope and confidence that in time, that spiritual confirmation will come and I'm looking forward to applying the things Bytheway suggested for seeking a testimony. I was impressed by what he said about asking the Lord (in prayer) everyday to strengthen your testimony and I hope I can remember to do that. Anyways, the things Bytheway had to say on this topic really helped dispel the confusion I had about recognizing and seeking spiritual truth and knowledge and I already have received more of that truth and knowledge from this book. Instead of feeling discouraged in my quest for a strong testimony, I finished this book feeling hopeful and spiritually uplifted and encouraged to continue seeking the Spirit. It's a great book for any LDS members, but especially youth who want to know more about anything testimony-related, really.
June 20, 2015
I bought this book to read to my boys ages 8 & 10 as I consider developing a solid testimony one of the most important things we will do in this life and one of the most important responsibilities I have as a parent is to help my children in that process. I decided to read it first before making them listen to it. It is a wonderful book that explains that gaining a testimony is not an all or nothing deal. We don't wake up one day and just decide that we now know every principle of the restored gospel is true. It is a process and testimonies come in degrees. He compares a testimony to a light switch with a dimmer function. There are varying degrees of light ranging all the way from wanting to believe all the way to knowing that something is true.
One of the coolest things about this book is it has QR codes (or URLS if you don't have a QR scanner) you can scan that take you to videos, conference talks, and other resources that give more information about each subject. This makes it perfect for family home evening lessons or enhanced discussion with kids or can give you lots of resources for you personal edification. It is a quick read that makes you reconsider the state of your testimony.
One of the coolest things about this book is it has QR codes (or URLS if you don't have a QR scanner) you can scan that take you to videos, conference talks, and other resources that give more information about each subject. This makes it perfect for family home evening lessons or enhanced discussion with kids or can give you lots of resources for you personal edification. It is a quick read that makes you reconsider the state of your testimony.
February 10, 2017
How do I know if If Know, by John Bytheway, is a phenomenal piece of spiritual non-fiction. If you have not already surmised, I am a member of the Mormon church. Unless that religion involves or interest you, this is not a novel worth reading. But for those who are, it is a stunning and revelatory book with astronomical amounts of depth and knowledge that belies the rather small package it comes in. The writing itself is casual and conversational, as it is targeted to teenagers whose faith may be struggling. But the often clunky and awkward language is only real issue. The power and passion that john was able to convey had me stunned. This is a man who knows exactly what his purpose and goal is in writing, and how to get there. He had a unique gift for taking a lesson or proverb that had filled my ears on multiple occasions and lovingly gaze at it through an entirely new view. The main theme was painstakingly obvious. (As is should be, being a novel on faith.) You may not know much yet, but if you are patient and faithful in the lord, that minuscule understanding will begin to grow into the vast cavern of knowledge and joy you deserve. Just have a little faith.
October 29, 2014
Not just for pre- mission reading. It's packed with
Information and very insightful. I'll read again and again especially what Ive highlighted. AND the QRReader icons that 'magically' transport readers to speakers that support and enhance information throughout the book is genius. If the author were to use said talks and/or articles as quotes this little 137 page gem of a book would be HUGE - definitely too big and uncomfortable to lay in bed and read or carry around with you.
Not a spoiler but a teaser....'chiasmus' additional proof in the Book of Mormon that Joseph Smith could NOT have authored it but translated as testified. Bytheway's chart of Alma 36 and the QRReader lead to the young missionary's article that discovered chiasmus in the Book of Mormon is 'enlightening'. A great book to share and/or gift.
Information and very insightful. I'll read again and again especially what Ive highlighted. AND the QRReader icons that 'magically' transport readers to speakers that support and enhance information throughout the book is genius. If the author were to use said talks and/or articles as quotes this little 137 page gem of a book would be HUGE - definitely too big and uncomfortable to lay in bed and read or carry around with you.
Not a spoiler but a teaser....'chiasmus' additional proof in the Book of Mormon that Joseph Smith could NOT have authored it but translated as testified. Bytheway's chart of Alma 36 and the QRReader lead to the young missionary's article that discovered chiasmus in the Book of Mormon is 'enlightening'. A great book to share and/or gift.
July 28, 2015
This book was written primarily for teenagers who are preparing to serve a mission. John Bytheway's goal is to help readers recognize that there are a lot of things that we have learned, seen, and experienced that lead us to believe. Once we believe, the next step is to know. The well-written and easy reading style of this book make it for someone who needs help starting to build a testimony, but it also works great for others who may need a few simple nudges or reminders.
April 11, 2015
I found this book looking through the Deseret Book ad and thought it would be good for one of my kids that I recently had a conversation with about KNOWING if the LDS church is true. I decided to read it first and then kept it for myself. It is written for teenagers, but I found it very helpful. It is clear and concise and easy to understand. I LOVED this little book.
December 30, 2015
Terrific book! A must read for every L.D.S. teenager, and I really appreciated the book too. We all need to be reminded sometimes of where spiritual knowledge comes from, and to not dismiss how much we have learned about God in this life through our experiences, and to be motivated to increase our faith and testimony. We've got this book too if you want to borrow.
August 23, 2019
A wonderful short read: some highlights...
Life is never easy but The gospel provides the easiest way to live.
Journal: record how the lord touched you and those around you. These are tender mercies/ divine signatures.
Truth shall make you free...free from many problems of the world.
Keep asking the lord to strengthen your testimony.
Life is never easy but The gospel provides the easiest way to live.
Journal: record how the lord touched you and those around you. These are tender mercies/ divine signatures.
Truth shall make you free...free from many problems of the world.
Keep asking the lord to strengthen your testimony.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2015
This is a great little book written for teenagers (but appropriate for adults also) about wisely learning for oneself about a testimony of Jesus Christ and what it means to be Christian.
December 7, 2017
The book How do I Know If I Know is about how to know if you want to go on a mission or not. It goes through each chapter referring to a different "wire" on a light switch. Each wire is a different and important part to making the light turn on. It tells how each wire is like another part of your testimony and how you need all wires to receive your eternal light. It also tells how you have to keep the light and how once it's on you have to keep it that way.
Many examples of figurative language were used in this book. The metaphor of the light switch was used throughout the entire book. On page 9 he used a simile when he said, "the gradual increase of light radiating from the rising sun is like receiving a message from God". Page 8 had a simile/imagery when it said, "A testimony comes more like a sunrise: slowly,subtly, but surely". Page 7 has a metaphor it refers back to the scriptures when the lord said, "were baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and they knew it not." Page 11 uses a simile when it says, "For a convert, discovering the truths of the gospel might be like going from dim light to bright light, and the contrast would be unmistakable". Page 15 also uses a simile when it says, "Let's say a testimony of an individual truth is like a tiny bulb on a Christmas tree". Connotation denotation and a simile were used when Bytheway is telling a story about his mission and says, "My mission journal contains one particular "testimony of experience" that lights up my dimmer switch like a power surge".
I enjoyed this book because the author made it more interesting when he used the metaphor of the light switch. I also enjoyed how it helped your testimony grow and how it gives you specific things to look for to gain a testimony. I disliked this book because it was kind of confusing but, that was because it was written for older kids preparing for a mission. Although, you don't need to be preparing to go on a mission to read this book. It was full of many great and important details to help you grow and gain a testimony.
Many examples of figurative language were used in this book. The metaphor of the light switch was used throughout the entire book. On page 9 he used a simile when he said, "the gradual increase of light radiating from the rising sun is like receiving a message from God". Page 8 had a simile/imagery when it said, "A testimony comes more like a sunrise: slowly,subtly, but surely". Page 7 has a metaphor it refers back to the scriptures when the lord said, "were baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and they knew it not." Page 11 uses a simile when it says, "For a convert, discovering the truths of the gospel might be like going from dim light to bright light, and the contrast would be unmistakable". Page 15 also uses a simile when it says, "Let's say a testimony of an individual truth is like a tiny bulb on a Christmas tree". Connotation denotation and a simile were used when Bytheway is telling a story about his mission and says, "My mission journal contains one particular "testimony of experience" that lights up my dimmer switch like a power surge".
I enjoyed this book because the author made it more interesting when he used the metaphor of the light switch. I also enjoyed how it helped your testimony grow and how it gives you specific things to look for to gain a testimony. I disliked this book because it was kind of confusing but, that was because it was written for older kids preparing for a mission. Although, you don't need to be preparing to go on a mission to read this book. It was full of many great and important details to help you grow and gain a testimony.
May 24, 2018
John Bytheway, besides having the cutest name since Picabo Street, is a fantastic speaker on LDS matters. No matter what subject he tackles he always inspires and uplifts his readers/listeners. I have been away from the church for quite awhile and so my testimony is shaky. I have been reading books on faith and questioning everything I believe. Some of the books I've read during this time have been full of information and were valuable for expanding my world view. Others were solid books on doctrine and belief. None of them made me feel as much as this little book for teenagers seeking to know if they have a testimony or not. I guess I'm just a teenager at heart because I got more out of this book than all of the others combined.
I loved that Bytheway (still loving that name) talks about the logic and not just the emotions of faith. Over the years I have come to recognize that I may never have a burning in the bosom or some great sense of spiritual matters. I can be intuitive, but I prefer knowledge over emotion. Since I live with depression and anxiety I know that emotions are iffy things that can have little connection with concrete reality. I have learned, because of my depression, not to trust what I feel because my brain chemistry loves to mess with me. However, if I can learn facts and use that as a basis for faith, then I'm a lot happier, and this book validates that as a perfectly acceptable approach.
I came away from this book reassured and encouraged. You can't ask for more in a book of this type. Five grateful stars.
I loved that Bytheway (still loving that name) talks about the logic and not just the emotions of faith. Over the years I have come to recognize that I may never have a burning in the bosom or some great sense of spiritual matters. I can be intuitive, but I prefer knowledge over emotion. Since I live with depression and anxiety I know that emotions are iffy things that can have little connection with concrete reality. I have learned, because of my depression, not to trust what I feel because my brain chemistry loves to mess with me. However, if I can learn facts and use that as a basis for faith, then I'm a lot happier, and this book validates that as a perfectly acceptable approach.
I came away from this book reassured and encouraged. You can't ask for more in a book of this type. Five grateful stars.
March 30, 2020
I was very excited to read this book: 1) it was written by John Bytheway (a Mormon comedian and a famous Mormon speaker) and 2) it was all about finding out what you truly believe, which is what I’ve been trying to do this past year. Bytheway said that the biggest problem facing members of the church today isn’t pornography or any other sin, but the strength of their testimony.
I really liked Bytheway’s insights. He spoke honestly and plainly. One thing that really stood out to me was this quote, because of my issues I have with using grace as an excuse:
“One time, while visiting another state, I was handed a tract that told me all I had to do to be saved was ‘Accept Jesus as my personal Savior.’ It even gave me the exact words to say. That was it! Well, Jesus Christ is absolutely my Savior and my only hope for salvation. But it doesn’t make sense to me that simply saying a sentence is what Jesus is asking us to do, or what He asked His disciples in the Bible to do. We believe in Christ, but we follow Christ in order to become like Christ…The Gospel of Jesus Christ is not only about knowing but about doing. If we read about the Gospel, we’re informed, but if we practice or live the Gospel, we are transformed.”
However, it didn’t go much into depth. It was a very quick read, mainly because it was centered toward Bytheway’s dominant audience: the youth (12-18) of the Church.
I really liked Bytheway’s insights. He spoke honestly and plainly. One thing that really stood out to me was this quote, because of my issues I have with using grace as an excuse:
“One time, while visiting another state, I was handed a tract that told me all I had to do to be saved was ‘Accept Jesus as my personal Savior.’ It even gave me the exact words to say. That was it! Well, Jesus Christ is absolutely my Savior and my only hope for salvation. But it doesn’t make sense to me that simply saying a sentence is what Jesus is asking us to do, or what He asked His disciples in the Bible to do. We believe in Christ, but we follow Christ in order to become like Christ…The Gospel of Jesus Christ is not only about knowing but about doing. If we read about the Gospel, we’re informed, but if we practice or live the Gospel, we are transformed.”
However, it didn’t go much into depth. It was a very quick read, mainly because it was centered toward Bytheway’s dominant audience: the youth (12-18) of the Church.
October 6, 2021
I read this to help me with some struggles my son is having with recognizing the Spirit in his life. I found it to be extremely well written, especially for its intended audience, with a lot of variety, stories, examples, and metaphors. Sometimes theology or gospel-related books can be pretty dry reads and this was anything but that. Though I feel solid in my own testimony, I don't always have the words to lay things out so clearly and concisely. I will be having my younger children read this (or rather, read and discuss this with them) during their tween-teen years.
It is a valuable resource, also, for parents, teachers and youth leaders to implement during lessons, not only as lesson material on the Holy Ghost and building testimony, but also as a tool to help point out and recognize those feelings and putting a name on them to help our youth grow up with greater confidence in their testimonies and the power of the Holy Ghost.
I appreciated the additional resources that Bytheway linked to and listed after each chapter, and look forward to diving even deeper using them.
It is a valuable resource, also, for parents, teachers and youth leaders to implement during lessons, not only as lesson material on the Holy Ghost and building testimony, but also as a tool to help point out and recognize those feelings and putting a name on them to help our youth grow up with greater confidence in their testimonies and the power of the Holy Ghost.
I appreciated the additional resources that Bytheway linked to and listed after each chapter, and look forward to diving even deeper using them.
September 20, 2021
John Bytheway is gifted at teaching truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ in a way that they make sense, especially to teenagers. I originally bought this book when my teenage son asked me how he was supposed to know that he had a testimony of the gospel, and knowing that he loves reading and listening to John Bytheway, it really helped him to get a good perspective on faith and knowledge, and how we don't have to know everything.
With wonderful metaphors, like faith being like a light on a dimmer switch, sometimes lower and sometimes higher, and his "F.E.E.L." acronym - feeling the truthfulness of the gospel through our Feelings, our Experiences, Evidences we encounter, and our Logical conclusions about how Heavenly Father interacts with His children on the earth, we can know/believe what we know/believe.
*Just listened to this on a road trip with my boys, and it was great!
With wonderful metaphors, like faith being like a light on a dimmer switch, sometimes lower and sometimes higher, and his "F.E.E.L." acronym - feeling the truthfulness of the gospel through our Feelings, our Experiences, Evidences we encounter, and our Logical conclusions about how Heavenly Father interacts with His children on the earth, we can know/believe what we know/believe.
*Just listened to this on a road trip with my boys, and it was great!
January 7, 2021
The only thing that could have made this better was if it was longer! I love the emphasis on all aspects of life and gaining knowledge: F.E.E.L. (feelings; experiences; evidences; and logic.) No one can say salvation and hope in God comes just by choosing to believe a certain book or person. You must discover it for yourself; choosing comes in the continuing forward with faith and striving to live truth. But God will not leave us to the changing winds of people and their opinions. We must turn to the Father in all questions, choices, and concerns because He is the only source of truth. "Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long." (Pslam 25:5.)
September 22, 2018
I love John Bytheway! I know he speaks mostly to young adults, but his testimony of the gospel is so clear that it resonates with me. I feel good when I'm listening to his teachings. He gives wonderful examples to illustrate his teaching. I understand more WHY we will be happier abiding by the principle he's teaching because of his very good examples. This was a short book, but it really helped me personally know why I know the teachings of Jesus will bring me the joy I need for my everyday life.
July 20, 2017
This book is short, sweet, and to the point. Bytheway explores, as the title suggests, how to know if we have a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. But, the material goes far beyond, delving into interesting topics such as ways the Spirit interacts with us and how to build and maintain a testimony. Bytheway uses his typical (and effective) blend of doctrine, anecdotes, personal experiences, and humor to teach the principles in a memorable way.
January 9, 2021
Though this book is more directed to those considering going on a mission, it is a great read for teens and adults alike.
Here are my takeaways:
Testimonies are like dimmer switches. It is not just on or off!
I know, but do I KNOW that I know (am acknowledging it?)
How to know if you know:
F: Feelings (what have I felt?)
E: Experiences (what experiences have I had?)
E : Evidences (what evidence is there, since my brain likes evidence?)
L : Logic (is this logical?)
Here are my takeaways:
Testimonies are like dimmer switches. It is not just on or off!
I know, but do I KNOW that I know (am acknowledging it?)
How to know if you know:
F: Feelings (what have I felt?)
E: Experiences (what experiences have I had?)
E : Evidences (what evidence is there, since my brain likes evidence?)
L : Logic (is this logical?)
August 28, 2022
Even though the target audience is for teenagers, Bro. Bytheway speaks well to this 34yo dude. His words are comforting and encouraging and, dare-I-say exciting about the prospect of growing a testimony of one’s own even when we doubt its strength. His analogies are poignant and clearly illustrate his points, and he references kids and prophets alike when talking about the nature of a testimony and how to nurture and care for one.
March 23, 2023
A great book on faith building and letting you know that God is always trying to communicate with you. You don’t need to be perfect to have a testimony, you don’t need all the answers or know every little detail. God knows you, and He knows that you are trying your best. He knows you have a desire to believe or know. He will help you get there, but this book will show you that you are probably further along than you think.
August 20, 2023
3.5 Most of the book was a solid 4 stars for me, but there were a small number of quotes or portions of quotes that I wish hadn't made the final cut. There were also a smattering of areas where I disagreed with his reasoning or approach. Altogether, they were enough to impact my rating.
Overall, I think Bytheway does a good job of compiling ideas and sources that will be helpful for youth, young adults, and their parents and leaders. The brief length is also a plus.
Overall, I think Bytheway does a good job of compiling ideas and sources that will be helpful for youth, young adults, and their parents and leaders. The brief length is also a plus.
November 16, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. I got the feeling it was written for youth, but still great to read. Not only did it have great thought provoking points, but at the end of each chapter he listed more talks/books that covered the same topic. Now I need to go back and read all if those. Its also a fast read, but I when back a reread things and took notes so it took a little longer.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews