Gramps,
I agree with the existence of the scientific method and the theological method of gaining information, but why do we have to choose the results of one method over the other when we are testing the source of the Holy Spirit in this case?
Sebastian
Dear Sebastian,
In any scientific experiment we must use measuring tools that will interact with the object of our experiment. For instance, it would be useless to use the physics of acoustics in an attempt to measure the electrical properties of a substance. Acoustics does not interact with electricity. In the same light, spiritual phenomena do not interact with the tools of mechanics. Let’s take the phenomenon of light as an example. Light was thought of in the scientific world as being an electromagnetic force until the experiments of Michelson and Morely demonstrated that there was no such thing as an electromagnetic field. So the electromagnetic field theory was replaced by the quantum theory. The quantum theory was soon discovered to be inconsistent with observations, so a theory was developed that described light as particulate matter with wavelike properties. However, neither has this theory been found to be adequate for the description of light. So science then came to the conclusion that they could not measure nor describe light. From The Logic of Modern Physics, by P.W. Bridgeman, we read—
“The most elementary examination of what light means in terms of direct experience shows that we never experience light itself, but our experience deals only with things lighted. This fundamental fact is never modified by the most complicated or refined physical experiments that have even been devised; from the point of view of operations, light means nothing more than things lighted.”
This is understandable when we recognize that light is a spiritual phenomenon. It is, indeed, a component of intelligence—
For man is spirit. The elements are eternal, and spirit and element, inseparably connected, receive a fulness of joy; And when separated, man cannot receive a fulness of joy. The elements are the tabernacle of God; yea, man is the tabernacle of God, even temples; and whatsoever temple is defiled, God shall destroy that temple. The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth (D&C 93:33-36).
To understand that we are not talking about some allegorical representation of the phenomenon of light, we turn the Doctrine & Covenants 88:11-13—
And the light which shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who enlighteneth your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth your understandings; Which light proceedeth forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space– The light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things, which is the law by which all things are governed, even the power of God who sitteth upon his throne, who is in the bosom of eternity, who is in the midst of all things.
We must understand that the light that shines, that gives us our light is indeed the light of the sun, that which we can perceive with our eyes, and its spiritual manifestation gives us our understanding, i.e. a component of intelligence.
So light must be examined by techniques with which it will interact, which techniques are in the realm of spiritual phenomena. The tools for measuring spiritual phenomena include the principles of faith, belief, obedience and implementation. The tools of scientific investigation change with the times, and with the ever evolving understanding of man in things scientific, that has given rise to Timothy’s wise statement that men are—
Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth (2 Tim 3:7).
Gramps
