Prove It!

I am officially halfway through my summer school semester! That means that this week was the first week of our new class (summer round 2). The class title: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods.

oooooOOOOooooo! Sounds boring right?

My professor has put an interesting spin on the class though. He not only teaches the topic of understanding and developing research and results, but he always tries to teach us how to be a better person in general.

His quote today was,

"Hard work is a trait to be consciously acquired."

Love it!

In just our first two days, he has really made me think.

But I do not agree with all that he has to share in class.

We learned about the "method of authority" and "belief-based explanations."

Method of Authority: We go to those with "authority" to receive answers. It does not necessarily have to be "backed" by proof, because we just "believe" what the authority has to say.

Belief-based Explanations: Explanations or answers that are accepted because the come from a "trusted" source or are consistent with a larger framework of belief. Evidence may be ignored in this situation and are just treated as "true." They don't necessarily need further explanation other than it is what it is.

He mentioned examples of religion and religious people when referring to both of these definitions. He went on to talk about the problem with religion - it can't be proven. He claimed we cannot ever "know" for ourselves if what we claim to believe is really "real" and "true" and "correct" so therefore, religion is just an abstract, untestable idea.

This comment of his made me really think about my testimony and my beliefs.

Often times, my religion is criticized for creating a bunch of "blind followers"; however, this idea is incredibly far from the truth. I am so deeply grateful that I do not just "blindly follow" anything or anyone.

It is most definitely our human nature to question things and look for answers and understanding. I believe the ability to question and hypothesize and seek knowledge is a gift from God.

But it is also why Moroni's Promise is so great. After you do the research (read the Book of Mormon), the final author (Moroni) invites us to ask God if it is true. He tells us to find out for ourselves. He doesn't say, "now that you have read this book, you have been brainwashed to believe it". He says,

"I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, He will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost, ye may know the truth of all things." (emphasis added)

In other words, gain the proof. Find out for yourselves. And if you are really looking for an answer, you will get it. You won't just "trust" in it, you will "know".

That is how every aspect of my testimony has been developed. I have asked, "God, are you there?, Do you know me?" along with hundreds of other questions, and I have come to find the answers just as I find the answers to a hard math problem - with study and learning.

I know without any hesitation that God lives and that He is my Father. I know that Jesus Christ atoned for my sins and that He lives again. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet called of God who helped restore Christ's church on the earth once more. I know the Book of Mormon is a true book that helps me come closer to Heavenly Father and understand how I can become a better disciple of Christ. I know we have a living prophet today and that the priesthood is here on the earth just as it was in Christ's time. And I know all of this because I have studied and sought answers AND gained them.

I know all these things just like I know that gravity will pull a ball down when I drop it from a tall building.

Thank you Professor for helping solidify what I know. So far, you have succeeded in helping me to be a better person! I have a feeling this is going to be a good class!