Some Things We Know
A number of things went into this post today, notably 1 Timothy 1:4, which reads, "Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith..." (emphasis added).
Another one was the April 2007 testimony of President Gordon B. Hinckley, which I watched while I was home sick from church on Sunday. There were also various and sundry other thoughts that I've had in recent days. Here's the point:
The conditionality that is of necessity so much a part of our language in the academic, intellectual world can lead to a mindset that almost defies knowledge. Each answered question begs a hundred more and never really admits of knowing anything for certain. While this has its place (indeed, it can be seen as evidence that we don't rely on the arm of flesh for ultimate wisdom), yet it needs balancing with the principle that sure knowledge is one of the gifts of the spirit. What was Moroni's promise? That we could know the truth. Of what? Of all things.
Of course, I'm not suggesting that any one of us should reach omniscience in this life. Neither do I attempt to inflate my own knowledge, which is poor in any case. And yet, there is no denying that some things, we know. Unapologetically. Indisputably. We have the privilege of knowing by spiritual means what the world and its methodologies can never reveal. Among these is our true nature as children of God, the purpose of our lives, the reality of revealed truth, and the truthfulness of the Church. Most importantly, we can know our Father, even God himself, and Jesus Christ whom he has sent. I think we understand the significance of that.
Another one was the April 2007 testimony of President Gordon B. Hinckley, which I watched while I was home sick from church on Sunday. There were also various and sundry other thoughts that I've had in recent days. Here's the point:
The conditionality that is of necessity so much a part of our language in the academic, intellectual world can lead to a mindset that almost defies knowledge. Each answered question begs a hundred more and never really admits of knowing anything for certain. While this has its place (indeed, it can be seen as evidence that we don't rely on the arm of flesh for ultimate wisdom), yet it needs balancing with the principle that sure knowledge is one of the gifts of the spirit. What was Moroni's promise? That we could know the truth. Of what? Of all things.
Of course, I'm not suggesting that any one of us should reach omniscience in this life. Neither do I attempt to inflate my own knowledge, which is poor in any case. And yet, there is no denying that some things, we know. Unapologetically. Indisputably. We have the privilege of knowing by spiritual means what the world and its methodologies can never reveal. Among these is our true nature as children of God, the purpose of our lives, the reality of revealed truth, and the truthfulness of the Church. Most importantly, we can know our Father, even God himself, and Jesus Christ whom he has sent. I think we understand the significance of that.
Comments
It always makes me wonder how much people really know when they stand in fast & testimony meeting and fill up their time with thankfulness and travelogues and never go near testifying of anything.
Relativism is a source of truth and preventative of it.
Ah, paradox.
Although I truly feel to have been given a certain level of knowledge, even that which is certain has a foundation of faith. The most stubborn of skeptics would not embrace the principles upon which my experiment rests but the facts remain sure. Alma suggested such an experiment and Moroni testified of the results.
I wonder if the travelogue served as a foundation for someone's faith...
I'm not disagreeing with you in principle, but the way I read Alma, he also implied that sure knowledge can be attained in this life. I remember Elder McConkie's famous testimony of Christ, that he wouldn't know any better bowed before the Risen Lord with his hands around his ankles, the reality of the Christ.
Alma says that perfect knowledge (which equals dormant faith) is fine, but you're right, the foundation of faith is there. I just don't see how he or any other prophet I can think of in any way equated such knowledge with omniscience or relegated it to the postmortal world. After all, isn't that what it means to have your calling and election made sure? Isn't that something we're told we can strive for?
I join with you in discouraging thankimonies and tripimonies, as well as doctrinal-dissertationimonies, preferring instead real witnessing of revealed truth in power and simplicity. But I would never suppose that such things could have no spiritual value or suggest that they imply a lack of knowledge. The expression is probably less pure - usually less powerful - and, unless prompted by the Spirit, less appropriate for a worship service.
These people probably need to be taught how to testify in that setting and/or to be converted to the principle.
Ah, indeed.