Learning spiritually and secularly
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"Opportunities for the abundant life increase as we pursue the quest for truth and knowledge."
In the revelation called the "Olive Leaf," the Lord told Joseph Smith: "Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand;
"Of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad; the wars and the perplexities of the nations, and the judgments which are on the land; and a knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms —
"That ye may be prepared in all things. . . ." (Doctrine and Covenants 88:78-80.)
In his October 1985 general conference address, Elder James E. Faust of the Quorum of the Twelve, now second counselor in the First Presidency, said: "We gain knowledge from two sources. One is the divine and the other is secular. Rex E. Lee has referred to them as the 'rational process and the extrarational process.' (Brigham Young University 1981-82 Fireside and Devotional Speeches, Provo: Brigham Young University, 1982, p. 131.) We are all more familiar with the rational process that we learned in school and through lifelong study. The extrarational, or divine source, is less common. This source is, however, more sure. Both sources may be available to us. Fortunately, we do not have to choose one to the exclusion of the other. Brother Lee continues, 'We should feel equally at home in the academy and in the temple. We should regard each as a center of learning.' (Speeches, p. 132.)
"We are apparently part of an expanding universe. Secular knowledge is expanding very rapidly. Our knowledge of gospel truth is also expanding. Prophets continue to speak. Increased understanding of the scriptures is also possible. And so the opportunities for the abundant life increase as we pursue the quest for truth and knowledge.
"In the infinite process of accepting and rejecting information in the search for light, truth and knowledge, almost everyone may have at one time or another some private questions. That is part of the learning process. Many are like the biblical father of the child with the 'dumb spirit' who pleaded with the Savior: 'Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.' "
