From the Latter-day Saint historian Patrick Q. Mason. I. Concerning studying the past: In seeking learning, the revelation [in D&C 88] counsels, we must do so “diligently.” If we want answers to our questions, we have to put in the time. Research is hard work. If we have existential questions, we cannot be satisfied with … Read more
Caspar David Friedrich, Der Mönch am Meer (1807). The sea is calm tonight. The tide is full, the moon lies fair Upon the straits; on the French coast the light Gleams and is gone; the cliffs of England stand, Glimmering and vast, out in the tranquil bay. Come to the window, sweet is the night-air! … Read more
Here is a collection of more quotes from Andrew Steane’s excellent book Faithful to Science. (See also here and here.) Miracles are events that break the rules, but not in an arbitrary way–––they are pointers to a larger set of rules (p. 95). Compare this with these remarks from the LDS Bible Dictionary. Miracles should … Read more
The British physicist Andrew Steane has this to say about questions. Questions should not be dismissed or discouraged, but sometimes answers have to be postponed, because the student has to first acquire the necessary conceptual apparatus in order to understand the very language of the answer. . . . [O]ne wants the student to . … Read more
The Deseret News has published the touching story of Rich Millar, a man who lost his faith in the Church and then regained it. It’s worth a few minutes of your time to read Rich’s story and watch the accompanying video. Here are the lessons Rich shared with his readers. Lesson No. 1: Cynicism creates a … Read more
The medieval Jewish philosopher and poet Judah ha-Levi, writing in his Kitab al Khazari, put forth a certain parable to explain the dangers of unauthorized or unqualified agents trying to dispense knowledge and wisdom. He is like an ignoramus who enters the surgery of a physician famous for the curative power of his medicines. The physician … Read more
At least according to this press release they will. I generally don’t like promoting stuff from brazen atheist activists like David Silverman, but I really just wanted an excuse to post the image above. (For those who don’t know the reference, it’s from Futurama, one of my favorite animated shows.) I also wanted to draw … Read more
Richard Lyman Bushman (b. 1931). Craig A. Evans is an evangelical New Testament scholar whose book Fabricating Jesus: How Modern Scholars Distort the Gospels I received as a Christmas gift. In his book, Evans stresses the importance of using rational argument to sustain Christian faith, particularly Christian faith in the historical authenticity of the New … Read more
If you are now or have ever gone through a crisis of faith, I would recommend these three recent sermons by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf and Elders Jeffrey R. Holland and D. Todd Christofferson. Come, Join with Us You can read the address online here. Lord, I Believe You can read the address online here. … Read more