Gospel education is the highest form of education, and I like your mother’s approach. Allow the student to take small steps with assistance. Encourage the student to walk on his/her own when ready.

Ultimately, a testimony is a personal thing, something that takes hard work, personal study, prayer, etc. “Constraint of the spirit” involves true humility. Spiritual achievements are NOT discussed in the same manner as worldly achievements.

I did not have a mother who could coach me in spiritual issues like you. Consequently, it has taken me longer to learn spiritual serenity, especially when confronted by historical issues. The good news is that I have made significant progress on that dimension over the years.

My parents did teach me a version of Church history. Despite those teachings, I attended Church, which by the way, did not help me much on the history issues my parents raised. My parents were less active LDS, who slowly became more active after I left the house.

So, this is a long way of saying I am glad to have encountered your blog site, as I too have had “a different kind of religious education.”