Todd Weiler, a Utah State Senator and active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, shared reflections on Elder Marvin J. Ashton’s teachings regarding the development of personal testimonies in a series of tweets posted on January 25, 2026.
In his first post, Weiler recounted his experience as a missionary in Germany: “Elder Marvin J. Ashton often spoke about the difference between a ‘quiet testimony’ and a ‘sudden impact testimony’ — especially when addressing missionaries. I was one of those missionaries in Frankfurt in 1987.” (January 25, 2026).
Weiler continued by reflecting on Elder Ashton’s intent: “I can only imagine that he did this to reassure members that testimonies can develop in different ways — and that both are valid and powerful. Elder Ashton described two kinds of testimonies.” (January 25, 2026).
He further elaborated on one type: “One is the sudden impact kind, which often comes dramatically or as a powerful, immediate spiritual experience—typically the type many converts receive (e.g., a strong, unmistakable confirmation upon first encountering the gospel).” (January 25, 2026).
Elder Marvin J. Ashton served as an apostle for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1971 until his death in 1994. He was known for his emphasis on individual spiritual growth and understanding within the church community.
Weiler’s posts reflect ongoing discussions within Latter-day Saint circles about how faith develops differently among individuals. As noted by church leaders and scholars, both gradual and immediate experiences are recognized as authentic forms of spiritual conviction.
