Book Review: How Do I Know if I Know? by John Bytheway

How Do I Know If I Know?, by John Bytheway
2014, 138p, LDS Non-Fiction
My Rating=5 Stars
Source: Received copy from publisher for an honest review



It's spiritual gut-check time! The mission age has been lowered, and now more than ever, young people are asking themselves important questions:
 
*How do I know if I really have a testimony?
*Am I ready to serve a mission?
*What does the Spirit feel like?
 
John Bytheway suggests that we "F.E.E.L." the truthfulness of the gospel through our feelings, our experiences, the many evidences we encounter, and our logical conclusions about how a loving God interacts with His children on the earth. Like gradually turning up a dimmer switch, understanding all the ways we F.E.E.L. our testimony will help it grow brighter.
 
As you read, you may discover that your testimony is stronger than you thought, and you'll also become more excited and motivated to let your light shine!

I love John Bytheway's books and this is another fantastic one! He starts off by explaining what a testimony is and different ways to gain one. There are multiple ways and when people don't feel certain things, they can become confused and think they're not getting answers. There are different levels of a testimony so he compares it to a light with a dimmer switch which can keep growing brighter and brighter each day (and, on the flip side, can dim a little more each day, too).

He shares four different areas we obtain testimonies: F.E.E.L. (Feel, Experiences, Evidences and Logic). I enjoyed the stories, experiences and scriptures he shared in each of these sections. I especially got a kick out of his "Phineas and Ferb" reference in the Logic chapter (yes, I used to watch that show more than I care to admit). 

He ends by bringing them all together and sharing his testimony which has grown through all four ways. I also like his advice on page 125: "Whether your testimony is a tiny light, or as bright as the sun, you have to keep it going. To fan the flame of your faith, give it your ALL--Ask, Learn, and Live." This book isn't very long and his writing style will hold the attention of any teenager. It's also high tech with codes to scan for more information, articles and/or videos at the end of each chapter. This is a great book for both teenagers and adults!

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Deseret Book

JOHN BYTHEWAY served a mission to the Philippines and later graduated from Brigham Young University. He has a master’s degree in religious education and is a part-time instructor at the BYU Salt Lake Center. John is the author of many bestselling books, audio talks, and DVDs, including How to Be an Extraordinary Teen; Life Rocks; and his first children’s picture book, The Sacrament. He and his wife, Kimberly, have six children.

Facebook