I would like to use this specific blog to ask a question. I want everyone to weigh in on it, especially my family, using scripture, definitions, talks, their own feelings, any insights you might have.
What is the difference between blind faith and perfect faith?
One of my friends and I were discussing another individual today and this question came up. Perfect faith sounds to wonderful, but blind faith sounds horrible. Unfortunately, I can't figure out what separates the two.
4 comments:
Jill,
To me blind faith is arrived at with little effort. One decides "I will follow no matter what", with no thought or intellectual or spiritual stimulus involved. Perfect faith is like anything perfect, it comes after long hours of effort and work and struggle. Perfect faith is like the plant that grows in Alma 32, it doesn't happen without effort. With blind faith, if asked why do you follow, the response is "because!", and no matter how the question changes the repsonse is always "because!". Blind faith can get you to heaven, but I don't think it can deliver true and everlasting happiness. That's just my thoughts.
Papa
You asked for it girl!
Now, Andrew, I can understand the thoughts and feelings you may have in your mind and heart. I can understand that when you listen to these different messages, you may ask yourself what is right and what is not.
I’m sure that many questions have come to your mind. The truth is that you will not be condemned for wondering or questioning if you make a sincere effort to find the answer. Our mental powers have been given to us to use. Faith based on personal prayer, study, and obedience is more lasting than blind faith; it is more rewarding, and for sure it is better grounded.
Ensign - May, 2000
“Your Own Personal Testimony”
Elder Angel Abrea
Of the Seventy
My dear brothers and sisters and family, can’t you see what we need to do? Be submissive—do not murmur—endure to the end. If we will do this, the Lord will show us the way, if we will but follow his prophets and Apostles. Do not question their direction! It is as simple as that. No, I am not saying to have blind faith or blind obedience. Sometimes you may want proof of this doctrine or that saying of the prophet. Keep the commandments! Pray, walk in righteousness, and through the Holy Spirit you can know by that sweet, calm feeling that it is true. Moroni said, “By the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.” (Moro. 10:5.) We can know by the Spirit that it is right, if, like Nephi, we have faith, are obedient, and keep the commandments.
Ensign – November 1990
Follow the Prophets
Elder Waldo P. Call
Released Member of the Seventy
One evening Eric and Richard were talking about the Church. Eric said, “You know one thing that bugs me about the Church is that it demands so much blind obedience.”
“What do you mean?” asked Richard.
“Well, for example, the other day in class we were talking about prayer, and I mentioned how many people there are in the world and said that God can’t possibly hear all those prayers. He must have others do it for him. Old Brother Edwards just said I was wrong, and I asked how he knew. He just quoted a bunch of scriptures. Boy, what a cop-out—just blind faith.”
“That’s really interesting, but I disagree on the blind faith idea,” replied Richard. “I thought about that same question not long ago. The first thing I asked myself was, what has the Lord already told us about it? I read some passages in the Doctrine and Covenants (see D&C 88:62–63) and also found a great statement by President John Taylor:
“ ‘We are told in relation to these matters that the hairs of our heads are numbered; that even a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without our Heavenly Father’s notice; and predicated upon some of these principles are some things taught by Jesus, where He tells men to ask and they shall receive. What! The millions that live upon the earth? Yes, the millions of people, no matter how many there are. Can He hear and answer all? Can He attend to all these things? Yes.’ (Journal of Discourses, vol. 26, p. 31.)
“Since I already have a testimony of the scriptures and the living prophets, the next thing I wanted to know was what do I have to do in order to understand more about how God hears and answers prayers.
“I’ve been praying about it, and last fast Sunday afternoon I was reading Doctrine and Covenants 88 [D&C 88] about the light of Christ and how it is in all and through all things. Of course, I know our Father in heaven is a distinct personage, but this taught that his power, spirit, glory, and influence emanate throughout the universe and create a channel through which light and life are given to all that live. As I’ve been thinking about this, I think l’m starting to realize how our Father can be in personal contact with all his children. I’ve concluded that God hears all who pray, but for us to receive his answers, we must live the commandments and seek him. I don’t feel like that is blind faith.”
“Does God hear everyone’s prayers?”
Roger Merrill, “Q&A: Questions and Answers,” New Era, Dec. 1975, 13–14
I think the best place to find an answer to this is in the little booklet, "True to the Faith." The answers found there simply put. And if you have any futher questions, call me. This is more of a discussion topic than written inquery. Plus, I would love to hear from you. Love ya Pill! Remember, I'm here to help you with anything!
Wow, I was going to leave a comment, but I think the answer was already covered for me. Hope to see you around, Jill!
Chandra
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