Quote:
Originally Posted by Malcolm
No need for apologies. I welcome your reply. I was also expressing my opinion and experience on the matter, which it so happens to diverge somewhat from yours.
We use whatever gifts we are given to discern and inquire and thus there are many.
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Actually, after re-reading your post, I believe we are basically saying very similar things; we both believe in the chicken and the egg, where we differ is in our opinions of which comes first. Either way, I think it's safe to say that the two in co-existence (intellectual knowledge and faith) support and continually give birth to one another, all things being ideal.
I'm still not sure, though, that I agree with your idea of scriptural history showing a progression from evidence-based belief to faith-based belief. In most scriptural accounts, evidence was provided to those who showed themselves worthy by having at least enough faith to fill a mustard-seed. Meaning, yes, one must at least believe in the possibility of such things, otherwise one is unable to perceive them. Those who don't believe they can be healed, cannot be healed. "No sign will be given to this evil and adulterous generation." But still, evidences are provided for those that deserve them. After all, the Father and Son appeared in the flesh to Joseph Smith, which I think is a far greater manifestation than the simple burning bush which Moses first saw. Joseph Smith and others saw many physical manifestations and heard audible voices. They saw Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, multiple angels, and multiple resurrected prophets. I don't consider that to indicate progressing towards faith without evidence. I do, however, think that that viewpoint is one that could be espoused by the mainstream churches who no longer believe in visions, manifestations and miracles - those who "have a form of godliness but deny the power thereof". It would certainly be necessary for them to believe that evidences are no longer given, because otherwise they would be faced with the plain fact that God is just not revealing himself to them because they don't deserve it. (Not to claim that I've seen any manifestations or out-of-the-ordinary miracles myself; I'm probably as undeserving as the next person in that regard!)