Based on “Things as They Really Are” by Neal A Maxwell
Sacrament Talk 29 January 2012
Given by Patriarch J E Rankin
I. THE GLORY OF THE CREATION
I
have the opportunity to put my eye to the lens of several astronomical
telescopes and view the night sky. That experience, I think, strikes any
serious scientist, no matter his or her area of research, with a feeling of
unequaled wonder.
Putting
our planet in perspective, Stephen Hawking, the renowned physicist wrote: “The
earth is a medium-sized planet orbiting around an average star in the outer
suburbs of an ordinary spiral galaxy, which is itself only one of about a
million million galaxies in the observable universe.”
When
one looks at pictures of the Milky Way, our home galaxy, the breathtaking view
brings to mind the Lord’s words about His having created “worlds without
number” (Moses 1:33). Continuing to investigate telescopic pictures of other galaxies,
we can recall the divine words that “there is no end to my works” (Moses 1:38).
There are nebulae, like the Doradus Nebula, which if it were as close to us as
is very distant Orion, would literally cover one-fourth of the night sky. Think
of the words about how God’s creations “cannot be numbered unto man, but they
are numbered unto [Him]” (Moses 1:37).
President
Brigham Young said that God knows all things pertaining to this earth and “He
knows all things pertaining to millions of earths like this one” (Journal of
Discourses 11:41). President Joseph Fielding Smith stated, “We have brothers
and sisters on other earths. They look like us because they, too, are the
children of God and were created in His image…” (Doctrines of Salvation, 1:62).
When
we contemplate the stunning vastness, it is wise to remember “Behold…all things
are created and made to bear record of me (Moses 6:63). Alma declared, “All
things denote there is a God…all the planets which move in their regular form
do witness that there is a Supreme Creator” (Alma 30:44). Our universe is an
overwhelming one and a witnessing one!
Reversing
the lens in both reality and in thought, I have also had the tremendous
opportunity to look through microscopes so powerful that can see to the atomic
level. At the other end of the spectrum of size we also see divine design in
the tiny but significant DNA molecule. This molecule which performs so many
large chores is formed by an intricate double, intertwined helix consisting of
hundreds of atoms arranged in significant governing patterns.
The
most important chemical in the world which is ever present in my work and
teaching is one of the simplest—water. It is, as simply constructed as it is,
unique in its properties. If it behaved like nearly every liquid in the world,
when water froze to ice, it would become more dense, the solid ice sinking to
the bottom of the remaining liquid pool. If this were the case, our planet
would be literally a dead one, as ice would drop to the bottom of the oceans
never to be warmed again, leading to the cold grip of death on the fauna and
flora of our planet. One such as I who has studied literally hundreds of
compounds cannot help but be amazed that such a simple molecule could be so
critically different. Rather it has been designed so that its solid phase is
just a little less dense than the liquid and so it floats on the surface to be
the first to catch the warming rays of the sun, returning it to its life-giving
liquid form.
While
I was pursuing doctorate work, I was once asked in a public church meeting by
an old dedicated high priest if I actually studied chemical engineering by the
Spirit. I had never pondered that thought before and it took me back. I have
since concluded that that is an all-important question in light of the awesome
power displayed in our natural universe.
II. LEVELS OF TRUTH
The
Lord sees no conflict between faith and learning in any breadth of study.
D&C 88:78-79, 118: “”…that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in
principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain
unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand; Of things
both in heaven and in earth, and under the earth; things which have been,
things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at
home, things which are abroad; the wars and perplexities of the nations, and
the judgments which are on the land; and a knowledge also of countries and of
kingdoms…And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another
words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek
learning even by study and also by faith.”
The
scriptures tell us that the Lord sees faith and learning as mutually
facilitating, not separate processes.
We
are commanded to seek truth. Truth is the highly and rightly valued result of
the learning process. There are however, gradations of truth. They are not of
equal significance. These gradations might be represented geometrically by a
wide, layered circle. You might imagine this as a layered cake with tiers that
decrease in diameter from bottom to top.
The
bottom outer layer of the circle would include truths which are by definition
accurate descriptions of reality. But these would be facts such as train
schedules, monetary exchange rates, calendar dates, and so on. They are real.
They have utility and they are relevant to our daily lives, but they often have
a very short shelf life. They cannot be ignored in this world, but they are
simply not on the same footing as other kinds of truth. I am sure you can think
of lots of similar and probably better illustrations.
The
next concentric circle or cake layer inward would include more important
truths. These are important, but not what we will call the ultimate truths.
Some of these, for instance, are verifiable by the very serviceable scientific
method. These truths can be very useful and valuable. For instance, in the
realm of astrophysics, they tell us much about the “what” and “how” of the
universe, but they cannot (and do not presume to) tell us “why” it exists.
In
this same middle layer, the suburbs of the ultimate truths, so to speak, there
is a churning and revising among some of these truths. Indeed life in the
suburbs may mean one can be “ever learning” but still “never able to come to a
knowledge of THE truth” as Paul stated to Timothy (2 Timothy 3:7). Even so,
these truths are important and valued.
Let
me give you an example from personal study. I have been preparing class notes
for a course that I must teach involving one of the more exact mathematical
sciences known to us, that which we call thermodynamics. It is a useful science
that has been at the heart of much technological progress. Its first
fundamental law states that the energy content of the universe is constant.
That means simply in the words of a beginning student that “you can’t get
something for nothing”. Using energy to work change in one system means that
you must decrease the energy content somewhere else. The second law is even more
restrictive. It deals with a property labeled entropy which describes the
disorder of the universe. Clausius formulated the law in these terms: The
entropy of the universe is ever increasing. In the words of that beginning
student, “not only can’t you get something for nothing, you can’t even break
even.” Or, “if you think things are messed up now, just wait awhile!”
These
theories organize scientific facts as we observe them and tell us that the
universe is winding down, slowly but surely. All things lead to a natural death
of things as we know them. Even as mankind acts to improve his environment by
harnessing the forces and materials of nature, he forces an acceleration toward
ultimate complete disorder where nothing can work any longer.
Now
contrast those ideas to such processes as “creation of worlds without number”
or “resurrection of the body to its perfect condition.” Clearly we have much
more to add to these accepted scientific truths!
So
in the very center of the circles of truth lie the “deep things of God” (I
Corinthians 2:10, 14). These come to us only by revelation from God, and they
clearly have a greater significance than other truths and fleeting facts.
There
is constancy, not churning, among these strategic truths. These truths, for instance,
are revealed from God and tell us “why” the universe exists. They are also very
personal and crucial. They represent the highest order of truth.
Stephen
Hawking, displaying the meekness which is found in all great scientists, wrote:
“Although science may solve the problem of how the universe began, it cannot
answer the question: Why does the universe bother to exist? I don’t know the
answer to that. What is the nature of the universe? What is our place in it and
where did it and we come from? Why is it the way it is?.... If we do discover a
complete theory….then we shall all…be able to take part in the discussion of
the question of why it is that we and the universe exist. If we find the answer
to that, it would be the ultimate triumph of human reason—for then we would
know the mind of God.”
Such
questions are answered only by revelation, not solely by reason. Certain
high-grade knowledge, as Paul taught, can only be “spiritually discerned.” (I
Corinthians 2:14). Only when mind and spirit combine efforts can we penetrate
the inner circle realm of truth.
These
truths are likewise verifiable. Jesus described how: “If any man will do his
will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak
of myself” (John 7:17).
Jesus
is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Since He has received a
fullness of truth, we rightly seek to have the “mind of Christ” (D&C 93:26,
I Corinthians 2:16). If we keep his commandments, the promise is that we will
receive “truth and light” until we are “glorified in truth and [know] of all
things” (D&C 93:28). Would either a true scholar or disciple settle for
less?
Paul
L Holmer wrote, “We can also say that in living right, we will also think
right.”
III. WHAT IS REAL
The
adverb “really” is used only twice in all of scripture, and then only for
exceptional emphasis. In Jacob 4:13, the prophet Jacob underscored the manner
in which the Spirit teaches the truth. “Behold, my brethren, he that
prophesieth, let him prophesy to the understanding of men; for the Spirit
speaketh the truth and lieth not. Wherefore, it speaketh of things as they
really are, and of things as they really will be; wherefore, these things are
manifested unto us plainly, for the salvation of our souls.”
Jacob’s
declaration about truth is consistent with the definition of truth given by the
Lord to Joseph Smith. “And truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as
they were, and as they are to come” (D&C 93:24).
The
true religion believer is actually the ultimate realist, for he has a fully
realistic view of man and of the universe. He traffics in truths that are
culminating and everlasting. He believes as the Lord has said “…truth abideth
and hath no end” (D&C 88:66).
What
are the special and central and overarching truths that are numbered among
“things as they really are”?
1.
There
is a true and living God.
2.
There
is a true and living Church.
3.
There
are true and living prophets.
4.
There
are true and living scriptures.
It is the
“living-ness” of these incredibly important realities that separates them from transitory
things, from dying things, from local beliefs, or from short-lived theories
that do not maintain themselves over time.
IV. UNDERSTANDING REALITY GIVES US
PERSPECTIVE
Much
of really living consists of acquiring perspective about everlasting truths so
that we can manage the transitory factual things. To experience real freedom as
Jesus spoke of, for “the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32), we must
understand that certain deep truths are to be obtained only through the Spirit
of our Heavenly Father. Paul stated “the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the
deep things of God” (I Corinthians 2:10). But “the deep things of God” are
understood only as we come to know about things as they really are. Such
knowledge is of inestimable worth.
Would
we ask someone who is in a jet flying over Europe to adjust to the culture and
language of each country whose airspace he is over at the moment? We would not.
Likewise the disciple of Christ knows in reality that he is only briefly in but
not of this world; it is not his destination, for he follows the living God of
the galaxies. The ways of this world are, in perspective, alien to the better
world he for which he seeks to prepare. He will be truly realistic, for to be
too quick to adjust and accept the ways of this world is to be maladjusted and
ill prepared for the next. It is vital to know therefore about things as they
really are in order to have proper perspective for our choices.
It
is vital to know that there REALLY is a God, that there REALLY is a Savior,
Jesus Christ, that there REALLY is impending immortality for all men, that
there REALLY will be a judgment with genuine personal accountability, and that
there REALLY is purpose in life and a divine plan for happiness for man. These
truths are a special kind of knowledge—“of things as they really are and of
things as they really will be”—which keeps us from being tossed to and fro by
mere theories. These are the truths that will make us free.
With
true perspective comes a sense of proportion about life. It helps us with our priorities.
For instance, understanding a true perspective, clearly one would not forgo
partaking of the sacrament because he is trying to lose weight. Yet some
neglect the scriptures because they are too busy minding the cares of the
world. Knowing how things really are permits us to test all mortal suppositions
so we won’t be victimized by fleeting and tempting tradeoffs proffered by
mortal men. Coming to see things as they really are will of course make one a
member of a minority, one that is sometimes despised. We could scarcely endure
taking up the crosses of the world without knowing the truth of things as they
really are.
Do
you remember the great and spacious building in the Book of Mormon in Lehi’s dream? The trendy, self-congratulating
multitudes mocked and pointed at those who clung to the gospel’s iron rod. A
few whose hands had once grasped the iron rod ended up in the great and
spacious building pointing their own gingers of scorn at former friends.
Strange as it seems, the scriptures do not indicate that these individuals let
go of the iron rod for any objective reasons or because they were in truth
intellectually persuaded by the views of those in the building. They were
simply ashamed and embarrassed to be separated from the worldly multitudes,
whose contempt they could not endure. Nephi saw that “after they had partaken
of the fruit of the tree they did cast their eyes about as if they were
ashamed” (1 Nephi 8:25).
Being
true to what we know about things as they really are takes immense integrity
and constant courage. Things as they really are require the believer to be at
his best—to be what he really could be, and also to understand who he or she
really is.
V. VASTNESS OF CREATION VERSUS INDIVIDUAL
ATTENTION TO GOD
Amid
the cosmic vastness overseen by God and Jesus, we can also have faith in their
loving personal-ness. We want to be assured that God is there and also to know
what He is like. We yearn to know what His and life’s purposes are. Does He
really know us and really care about us individually? The reassuring reality
was confirmed in Enoch’s exclamation: “And were it possible that man could
number the particles of the earth, yea, millions of earths like this, it would
not be a beginning to the number of thy creations; and thy curtains are
stretched out still; and yet thou art there, and thy bosom is there; and also
thou art just; thou art merciful and kind forever” (Moses 7:30).
The
most important thing for meek Enoch to know was not how many worlds there were,
but that God was really there! Enoch also learned that God is just, true,
merciful, and kind. We have an example in the Lord. Will we follow His example?
God
is in the details of the galaxies, of the DNA molecule, but, even more
importantly, He is in the details of our individual lives.
VI. THE SCHOLAR-DISCIPLE
For
a disciple of Jesus Christ, academic scholarship is a form of worship. It is
actually another dimension of consecration. One who seeks to be a
disciple-scholar will take both scholarship and discipleship seriously and
therefore likewise gospel covenants. For the disciple-scholar, the first and
second great commandments frame and prioritize life. How else could one worship
God with all of one’s “heart, MIND, and strength” (Luke 10:27)?
The
disciple-scholar also understands what kind of community he or she should help
to build. Its citizens openly and genuinely desire to be called God’s people.
They are not secret disciples, but bear one another’s burdens, mourn with those
that morn, comfort those in need of comfort, and witness for God at all times,
and in all places, and in all things (Mosiah 18:8-9). Intellectual pride
reflects the way of hell, not of heaven. It is no wonder that a true community
of scholars would qualify to be part of the larger community of Saints.
The
disciple-scholar also understands Jesus’ style of leadership, which includes
persuasion, long-suffering, gentleness, meekness, love unfeigned, kindness,
pure knowledge—all being achieved without hypocrisy and guile. (D&C
121:41-42, Mosiah 3:19).
It
is meekness which facilitates working on what is lacking in each of our
characters. For instance, the rich, righteous young man, otherwise clearly a
high achiever, who came to Jesus asking what he might do to have eternal life,
was told “One thing thou lackest” (Mark 10:21). His lack was not of marketplace
business ability or of honesty in business affairs; instead, he lacked
meekness. This unfortunately kept him from doing that customized thing which
Jesus asked him to do—sell all that he had, give to the poor, and come follow
Him. The young man lacked consecration.
If
we are to be true disciples, we can be assured that Jesus will ask us to do
works and meet challenges that He has customized for us according to what we
lack, each being different. As Michael Polyani noted, “To learn by example is
to submit to authority”. The key attribute of the disciple-scholar is meekness.
Ponder
what Brigham Young said of his tutorial relationship with Joseph Smith: “An
angel never watched [Joseph] closer than I did, and that is what has given me
the knowledge I have today. I treasure it up, and ask the Father, in the name
of Jesus, to help my memory when information is wanted.”
If
knowledge is truly power, how can he who possesses absolute truth be
considerate of others? Obviously the answer is for truth to be accompanied by
love and meekness, as exemplified for us in the character of Jesus. Power is
safest, therefore, with those most Christlike, and heaven’s power is accessible
only to such individuals.
Genius
is safest when it is accompanied by meekness. Competency is most useful when
accompanied by humility. The qualities of love, mercy, patience, meekness, and
spiritual submissiveness are eternally portable. These—to the degree they are
developed—will go with us through the veil of death; they will also rise with
us in the resurrection.
VII. TESTIMONY OF THE REALITY OF GOD AND HIS
LOVE FOR US INDIVIDUALLY
