Hugh B. Brown on Harmonization

Hugh B. Brown

With the tremendous strides that science is making in our day, there is dawning upon this age what might be termed a scientific spirituality⁠—a new type of mind that studies the truths of faith with the care and caution and candor of science, yet keeping the warmth and glow and power of faith. Spiritual insight is as real as scientific insight. Indeed, it is but a higher manifestation of the same thing. The saint as well as the scientist has witnessed the truth of reality. One may redeem his knowledge revelation, and the other, intellectual conclusion, but in both cases it is insight⁠—the conviction reality.

Conference Report, page 49, 1967.04

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More from Hugh B. Brown

It seems obvious that the scriptures were not intended as texts in biology, anthropology, geology or any other of the sciences.

Both science and religion beget humility. Scientists and teachers of religion disagree among themselves on theological and other subjects. Even in our own church men and women take issue with one another and contend for their own interpretations. This free exchange of ideas is not to be deplored as long as men and women remain humble and teachable.

Official statements of the First Presidency that have not been submitted to the membership of the church for its approval are matters of temporary policy only. Under present conditions, for example, the First Presidency may say, “We recommend this or that.” But conditions may subsequently change, and when they do the First Presidency may wish to make a statement which may not be in complete harmony with a former statement.