Monday, May 20, 2013

Science without religion

Science without religion, like philosophy without religion, has nothing to feed on. . . It is my contention that any branch of human thought without religion soon withers and dies of anemia. ("Science Fiction and the Gospel", Temple and Cosmos)

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Right to revelation for all

In recent years, one frequently hears (especially in testimony meetings) such things as, "We are thankful for having a Prophet who can tell us exactly what we have to do and think every moment of the day." The Prophet is a convenient time and trouble saver. Actually, people pester him to death for these things (they always have), as someone ready to bail us out no matter what silly things we've done or what a fool you've made of yourself. We're not going learn anything that way. Let us recall Joseph's warning the people who "were depending on the Prophet, hence were darkened in their minds, [and] . . . neglecting the duties devolving upon themselves" as much as the prophet; but he was not to be called on for every emergency. "It is a great thing to inquire at the hands of God, or to come into His presence; and we feel fearful to approach him, . . . especially about things [which] . . . men ought to obtain in all sincerity . . . for themselves, in humility by the prayer of faith." Don't ask me for revelation in your own affairs, says the leader. You have just as much right to it as I have. ("Criticizing the Brethren", Brother Brigham Challenges the Saints)