testimony or testimonial?

[Tan Elaine]

I'm torn between 'testimonial' and 'testimony'. Despite referring to my dictionaries, I'm still confused.

When a believer of a religion speaks to the audience of the blessings and benefits s/he has received from his/her religion, do we say s/he is giving a testimony or testimonial?

Many thanks.

[Greg Forbes]

(Not a teacher)

Tan Elaine,

These two words are quite close in meaning, but since "testimony" is defined as a " profession of religious experience" I think it might be preferred. With respect to the article "a," one might give a religious testimony but in court one would give testimony.

Cheers,

GF