While evidence holds its value, Latter-day Saints prioritize something beyond it. Joseph Smith expressed this sentiment when he stated:
The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it
Joseph Smith. History of the Church, 3:30
This, combined with the importance of the witness of the Holy Spirit aligns with the principles of credulity and testimony proposed by Richard Swinburne. According to Swinburne’s Principle of Credulity:
If it seems (epistemically) to a subject S that x is present, then probably x is present
Of course, certain circumstances, such as temporary impairment of perception (e.g., being intoxicated), may introduce doubt into the experience.
Furthermore, Swinburne’s Principle of Testimony asserts that:
in the absence of special considerations the experiences of others are probably as they report them
Again, unless there are valid reasons to think otherwise, it is probable that someone telling us something is speaking the truth. These reasons may include a history of untruthfulness or contradictory testimonies.
Therefore, while evidence remains valuable, it takes a secondary role for Latter-day Saints, who prioritize experience and also the testimony of Apostles and Prophets, considering it foundational to faith.