Terry Warner

1400 Words3 Pages

When reading, “An Open Letter to Students: On Having Faith and Thinking for Yourself”, C. Terry Warner (1971) expounds concerning the conflict between knowledge and faith in our lives. In doing so Warner asserts how people assume if they have knowledge then they cannot have faith. The reason for this separation is the misconception humans have concerning knowledge. According to Warner, the misconception humans have towards knowledge is, we are centered in the assumption that knowledge exists as a collection of facts which can all fit together nicely into a puzzle, or as Warner states, a large picture of human reality. Warner connects the misconception of knowledge with faith which he identifies as spiritual beliefs one holds even though …show more content…

This appreciation is central when reading the story of Alma and Korihor. When summarizing the unfolding of events between Alma and Korihor, Warner urges his readers to consider the diverse maps of these two individuals. Alma’s map of understanding included both temporal and spiritual knowledge; his map was broader in detail and definition. Because of Alma’s varied “map”, he could denounce Korihor’s prophesying, proclaiming it inaccurate and deceiving. Alma had an advantageous map with both faith and knowledge, while on the other hand Korihor was depending solely on his pure knowledge. In Warner’s analysis of Korihor’s lack of spiritual knowledge he points out if Korihor had felt the spirit of the Holy Ghost, he would not recognize what he was feeling; he might even possibly mistake the feeling for a bad case of heartburn. Although at one time, Korihor had knowledge of the truthfulness of the gospel but chose to reject it. Living his life in accordance to the gospel would not allow Korihor to engage in his selfish desires and accomplish his purposes. Alma, having both faith and knowledge is able to recognize the promptings of the Holy Spirit and discern the origination of such feelings. The story of Alma and Korihor nullifies any misconceptions of knowledge and …show more content…

I have seen it by coming here to Brigham Young University-Idaho. Brigham Young University-Idaho is a unique educational center of learning because it fuses foundational and expanded knowledge with exercised faith and spiritual viewpoints. The objective at Brigham University-Idaho is to encourage the deepening of personal faith and to also obtain an education to round out our lives. This understanding helps me to make life connections in classes that I would never have thought were important such as my Math 108 class. This class emphasizes being financially prepared is part of the plan to a better way of life and a commandment given by multiple prophets of God. I have seen how it is truly possible to have secular knowledge combined with faith. Furthermore, I have to always start with that seed of belief before I can use it in faith. Lewis explains why it is important to “start” and never “end” in our life quest of combining faith and secular knowledge. As C.S. Lewis states “We must take a serious attempt to practice the Christian virtues”

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