Gospel Doctrine: Selections from the Sermons and Writings of Joseph F. SmithSmith, Joseph F. (Joseph Fielding)
Religion
Gospel Doctrine: Selections from the Sermons and Writings of Joseph F. Smith
Smith, Joseph F. (Joseph Fielding)
Latter Day Saint churches
Philosophic theories of life have their place and use, but it is not
in the classes of the Church schools, and particularly are they out of
place here or anywhere else, when they seek to supplant the revelations
of God. The ordinary student cannot delve into these subjects deep
enough to make them of any practical use to him, and a smattering of
knowledge in this line only tends to upset his simple faith in the
gospel, which is of more value to him in life than all the learning of
the world without it.
The religion of the Latter-day Saints is not hostile to any truth, nor
to scientific search for truth. "That which is demonstrated, we accept
with joy," said the First Presidency in their Christmas greeting to
the Saints, "but vain philosophy, human theory and mere speculations
of men we do not accept, nor do we adopt anything contrary to divine
revelation or to good common sense, but everything that tends to right
conduct, that harmonizes with sound morality and increases faith in
Deity, finds favor with us, no matter where it may be found."
A good motto for young people to adopt, who are determined to delve
into philosophic theories, is to search all things, but be careful
to hold on only to that which is true. The truth persists, but the
theories of philosophers change and are overthrown. What men use today
as a scaffolding for scientific purposes from which to reach out into
the unknown for truth, may be torn down tomorrow, having served its
purpose; but faith is an eternal principle through which the humble
believer may secure everlasting solace. It is the only way to find God.
Science and philosophy through all the ages have undergone change
after change. Scarcely a century has passed but they have introduced
new theories of science and philosophy, {49} that supersede the old
traditions and the old faith and the old doctrines entertained by
philosophers and scientists. These things may undergo continuous
changes, but the word of God is always true, is always right. The
principles of the gospel are always true, the principles of faith
in God, repentance from sin, baptism for the remission of sins by
authority of God, and the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy
Ghost--these principles are always true, and are always absolutely
necessary for the salvation of the children of men, no matter who
they are and where they are. No other name under heaven is given
but that of Jesus Christ, by which you can be saved or exalted in
the kingdom of God. Not only has God declared them, not only has
Christ declared these principles, by his voice to his disciples, from
generation to generation, in the old time, but in these latter days,
they have taken up the same testimony and declared these things to the
world. They are true today as they were then, and we must obey these
things.--_Improvement Era,_ Vol. 14, p. 548.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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