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Stake Presidency Message
HOW CAN WE KNOW THE TRUTH?
Scientists have learned physical truths since the beginning of time, even before recorded history began ... even before scientists were called scientists. The Scientific Method states that the following steps should occur in order to discover physical truth. NOTE - There are several different versions of this method, but they all center around the core steps discussed here.
1. Ask a question.
2. Perform research.
3. Establish a hypothesis.
4. Test the hypothesis by conducting an experiment.
5. Make an observation.
6. Analyze the results and draw a conclusion.
7. Present the findings.
When we have the ability to perform the tests and have both the capability and the desire to work with the results of the tests without bias, we have shown that we can learn previously unknown truths.
This process is in use constantly in the physical world, including within realms that humans can neither see, nor process with their senses. Disciplines such as Theoretical Physics revolve around science that is often unobservable and can only be proven through the use of complex mathematical calculations. This is astounding, and to many people, these proofs would be unbelievable were they to consider the concepts required to move from a hypothesis to tested results. Most people are not aware that the 'WiFi' they use every day was discovered by accident while testing for wavelength signals left by black holes. This same WiFi, which is now able to transfer huge amounts of device data, was discovered while trying via mathematical formula, to differentiate between different types of waveform, singling out those left by black holes in distant parts of the galaxy.
No one can see these waves, yet they exist. Because of our understanding of how unseen waves work, how to generate/separate them, and then link them to mobile devices, our world is filled with data streams that, if we could see them, would fill the sky. Our ancestors would never have believed this possible, and maybe would not have been able to even conceive of such things. Yet, very few people stop to think about something that was 'impossible' fifty years ago, but which exists without question now, even though we cannot sense these things in any way shape or form except in the results they provide.
So it is with the metaphysical or spiritual world. Most of us can't perceive that which is spiritual with our five senses. As far as most of the physical world is concerned, the spiritual world is a fantasy, something humankind has created to be able to make sense of our purpose. Many people who claim to be religious in some way, think of their religion as more of a moral tradition than an actual provable phenomenon. This is where we find ourselves in today's age. Humans have made more technological progress in less than a century than our ancestors did in all previous human-led millennia combined. And the United States just crossed a threshold wherein a majority of citizens don't claim to belong to a religious organization and are functionally agnostic. With this in mind, is it important for us to discover whether or not the spiritual world exists? If so, is there a method to find out? Yes, if we are willing to have faith to use it.
The Metaphysical Method is the Scientific Method used to discover and test spiritual things. It uses similar steps in order to reach conclusions. To proceed with using it we must accept, a priori, that it is possible that God exists and that He will allow us to know spiritual truth. Once we accept this as a possibility and are able to accept the results of the tests without bias, we can work toward the discovery of truth regarding spiritual things.
Here are the steps to the Metaphysical Method with prompts:
1. Ask a question - We ask if Jesus Christ the Savior of the World?
2. Perform research - We research ancient and modern witnesses and texts regarding Jesus Christ, His life, His sacrifice, and His ongoing involvement in humankind's affairs.
3. Establish a hypothesis - The witness and testimony of those both alive and dead seem to indicate that something is there, though it is not definitive to our physical senses. We desire to know more. We believe that Christ could be the Savior.
4. Test the hypothesis by conducting an experiment - Here is where we get to the meat of the process. We have to believe that there is some way for results to be found if we test. Here is the testing process:
a. We have researched the writings, discussed with others our thoughts,
b. We ponder the witnesses and determine that we wish to decipher their truthfulness.
c. We determine that we must ask God about said truthfulness.
d. We are ready to accept whatever outcome is derived from the query.
e. We pray to God and ask for a witness of the truthfulness of our hypothesis.
f. We wait in faith and hope for a response.
5. Make an observation - From our query, in the right mind and with sincere intent, we may receive an answer from Deity as to whether or not Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world. The promise is that, like in all scientific tests, the answer will come according to a set of laws surrounding the manifestation. In the instance of the metaphysical (spiritual), the answer to any sincere question asked of God will come to the requester through the Power of the Holy Ghost. The 'answer' may come in different forms, but we will 'know it when we feel or perceive it'. This step of 'observation' of spiritual responses from Deity is a learned skill. We must be open about its reception and then can move to the next step.
6. Analyze the results and draw a conclusion - Once results are received via an 'answer' through the Holy Spirit, we must determine whether or not the phenomenon is reproducible for self and others.
7. Present the findings. - Presenting the findings, in the spiritual sense, is to testify of what we've found. For example, I attest that I have used this exact method to find out about both the existence of God and the truthfulness surrounding our Savior Jesus Christ, and have received unmistakable answers which I cannot deny. In saying this I am presenting the findings of this method.
This method is incontrovertible. It is also 100% personal, meaning, it is nearly impossible for any one person to rely on tests performed by others to gain a similar certainty within themselves. In order to understand and know the truth of spiritual things, we each must use this method, no matter how much we think we may not need to do so. This is so important that the Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently said: 'If we are to have any hope of sifting through the myriad of voices and the philosophies of men that attack truth, we must learn to receive revelation. ... In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.' -Nelson, 2017
I know beyond a doubt that this method works as I've used it time and again to find the truth of spiritual things. I have found this to work to give me peace when my feelings and reason may disagree with things I see happening in both temporal and ecclesiastical situations. Because of this Metaphysical Method, I know that God exists, that He has a plan for us, and that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the World. I know that the Book of Mormon and Bible are both the word of God. I also know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true and living Church of the Savior on the earth today and that we are truly part of God's Kingdom. This knowledge gives me peace in the ever-increasing whirlwind of physical voices that continuously tell me I am wrong or foolish. I urge all people to use this method, again and again, to discover spiritual truth and receive personal revelation in order to find both peace and happiness in our troubled world.
With love.
Paul McAlister
Fayetteville North Carolina Stake
Stake News
by Sister Skinner, Stake Communications Specialist
Stake Gardening Initiative
by Brother and Sister Sobieralski
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