Deconstruction Part Two

tes·ti·mo·ny

/ˈtestəˌmōnē/

noun

1. a formal written or spoken statement, especially one given in a court of law.

   Similar:

   evidence

   sworn statement

   attestation

   affidavit

   statement

   declaration

   assertion

   affirmation

   avowal

   protestation

   allegation

   submission

   claim

   deposition

   asseveration

   

   

   

   

   • evidence or proof provided by the existence or appearance of something.

     "his blackened finger was testimony to the fact that he had played in pain"

     
     

"I'd like to bear my testimony. I know this church is true. I know that our prophet is the one and living true prophet of the world. I know that our scriptures are the living witness of Jesus the Christ. Amen."

Were you there? 

Did you see it?

Did you hear the words spoken by God yourself? 

Have you researched other religions to know for a fact that your religion is the truest?

Have you researched and read other scripture?

Do you know with your own eyes and ears that what is reported to be said what said- was in fact said?

Are you simply repeating what was told to you?

Testimony?

Story:

He sat on the witness bench. A sturdy oak barrier stood between he and the courtroom. 

The judge, jury, and attorneys narrowed their eyes in on him and waited in suspense for the answer. 

"I know he did it." The witness declared, pounding his fist upon the wooden divide. 

"Were you there?" the attorney asked a second time. 

"I know he did it!" the witness was agitated now. Face red, beadlets of sweat prickling across his forehead. The white collar of his shirt becoming damp. 

"I didn't ask that. I asked if you were there, did you witness the event?" the attorney continued.

The silence of the courtroom suspended and breathless. 

"No!" the witness blurts. "but I know he did it!" his arm shooting out towards the audience where the defendant sat.

"How do you know he did it?" the attorney continued to probe "Did he tell you? Were you there? Did you see the event? Was there video or audio recording you saw or heard?"

"NO!" the witness exclaimed. "I just know it. My friend told me about it- and I trust my friend." The witnesses arms folded in absolution now. 

"Was your friend there?" the attorney continued.

"No." the witness sputters angrily. "His friend told him."

"Enough." the judge intercedes. "You can go. Witness dismissed."

Absurd? Is it testimony? Is it witness? Was he a witness? Is it here-say?