“What if someone tells me that science disproves something we believe?,” For the Strength of Youth, July 2023.
To the Point
What if someone tells me that science disproves something we believe?
President Russell M. Nelson has taught: “God is the source of all truth. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints embraces all truth that God conveys to His children, whether learned in a scientific laboratory or received by direct revelation from Him” (“What Is True?” Oct. 2022 general conference [Liahona, Nov. 2022, 30]).
If people say science contradicts a gospel truth, here are things to keep in mind:
You should get the facts. Find out what science actually claims (and doesn’t claim), as well as what the restored gospel of Jesus Christ claims (and doesn’t claim). Give priority to studying the scriptures and words of prophets.
Spiritual knowledge is real. Science is a method for learning truths about the physical world. But there are some truths God gives us only through revelation. You can have faith that the Holy Ghost “speaketh of things as they really are” (Jacob 4:13).
Faith requires patience. Scientific knowledge is revised over time. Sometimes we just have to wait for science to catch up with revealed eternal truth. We can hold onto larger spiritual truths while details are filled in.