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Often, doubt and uncertainty arise not from facts and evidence that actually undermine what we thought was true, but rather from assumptions we might be making about those facts. Our confidence in the gospel can be strengthened as we adopt more sound assumptions. However, we do not necessarily need to be alarmed in the face of uncertainty and doubt.
In this fireside presentation written by Terryl Givens, we find that in order for us to experience growth in this life, and to engage in an authentic test of our true desires, there must be grounds for doubt as well as belief.
This is the first episode in the Keeping the Faith series of podcasts. This series explores ways in which our faith can be challenged, and ways in which we can overcome those challenges.
This episode, is taken from a fireside presentation by Professor Terryl Givens given to the Single Adult Stake in Palo Alto, California in October of 2012. Brother Givens is a professor of religion and literature at the University of Richmond and author of many books and articles, including The God Who Weeps: How Mormonism Makes Sense of Life, which he co-authored with his wife, Fiona. This presentation is entitled, “Letter to a Doubter,” and is read by Steve Densley, Jr. This address is presented here by permission of Terryl Givens. The full text of the address can be found here.
If there is an issue that you have been wondering about, you can often find the latest answers at the FAIR wiki, found at fairmormon.org. If you can’t find your answer there, feel free to pose your question to the FAIR apologists by visiting the FAIR contact page.
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Music for this episode was provided courtesy of Paul Cardall.
The opinions expressed in this podcast are not necessarily the views of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or of FAIR.
Very nice essay by Prof. Givens.
I have one small quibble: I believe he makes an error, or at least does not provide the whole story, when he repeats the common misunderstanding that Abraham lied about Sarah being his sister.
In Genesis 20:12 Abraham explains to Abimelech; “And yet indeed she is my sister; she is the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife.”
Surely half-siblings are still brothers and sisters.
Perhaps Abraham did mislead Abimelech by not providing the whole truth. Still, it was not a lie.
How good to hear words reconfirming what I have come to know through many years of life and living. Being a convert to the LDS Church, my first personal witness of Jesus Christ came as a five year old in an Episcopal Sunday School. I have loved Brother Lawrence, the Carmelite monk’s dear book “The Practice of the Presence of God” together with other writings of devout Christians and Jews – so many great people down through the ages. In the Restored Gospel I have found the gold – the true and lasting power and divine light. May all press forward as so beautifully expressed in this article.