Thursday, June 11, 2009

Faith Before Knowledge

Why do you think it is important to have faith in the principles of the gospel before we have knowledge? -Alma 32
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4 comments:

  1. AnonymousJune 11, 2009 at 10:06 AM

    I have often found in my life that it is easier to neglect the truth when I have knowledge instead of faith.
    When I have faith in something, I am compelled to expand upon what I have, to strive to better understand, and better live the principle. When I know something, it seems to me that I can easily brush it aside and feel like, "oh I already have that one down, on to the next thing" and then I move on only to find later that because I wasn't striving to better myself in that area, I have lost the powerful testimony I once had.

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  2. BostonJune 14, 2009 at 11:01 PM

    I think perhaps faith in gospel principles comes before knowledge because of the nature of our mortal existence. Perhaps it has something to do with other eternal principles, like the law of the harvest. We reap what we sow spiritually as well as literally, I imagine.

    It seems that all things are a matter of faith in our mortal probation - in part because that is a part of the test. "We will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them" (Abr 3:25) - especially when we can't see Him and talk with Him face to face, the commandments simply become a matter of faith. But just as surely as a tree grows (slowly) from a seed, our knowledge grows from faith, and we ultimately come to taste of the fruits of our labors - our diligence and long-suffering and patience in nourishing our faith. The longer I ponder over the principles taught in Alma 32, the more profound it becomes.

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  3. AnonymousJune 15, 2009 at 12:53 AM

    KNOWLEDGE requires learning. We read about this in a number of verses.

    (1) Faith comes after knowledge of the Word of God. (Romans 10:17)

    (2) We are instructed to study it out and ask if these things are true. (D&C 9:8)

    (3) We are given examples of those who were diligent in learning. "Now these sons of Mosiah... waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God." (Alma 17:2)

    FAITH on the other hand is our commitment to be diligent in our learning. It is by faith that we move forward in our walk with God.

    In the New Testament, Faith is contrasted with sight, rather than knowledge or reason. In Hebrews 11:1 we read: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Further, Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:7: “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” These verses seem to suggest that faith, as a substitute for sight, is a means of attaining knowledge.

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  4. KatieJune 15, 2009 at 9:12 AM

    Good question. I am interested in what others think. To confess, I actually feel somewhat overwhelmed by the idea of faith. And knowledge. Here is a little poem/prayer, from this book I've recently stumbled upon, that sort of gives shape to my thoughts and feelings on the matter.

    God help us
    If our world should grow dark;
    And there is no way of seeing or knowing.
    Grant us courage and trust
    To touch and be touched
    To find our way onwards
    By feeling.
    Amen

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