Questioning

I have been taught that in the life before this one we were presented with a plan which would allow us to progress. We were given the option to follow the plan or to reject it. This was a big decision for us to make. The consequences of our choice would be eternal. I believe that the Lord allowed us to ask questions and gave us some time to think it all through.  The Lord wanted us to understand and be confident in the choice that we were making. That pattern continues on the earth today. We are encouraged to ask questions and seek the answers with faith.

Gordon B Hinkley said; “As a Church, we encourage gospel scholarship and the search to understand all truth. Fundamental to our theology is belief in individual freedom of inquiry, thought, and expression. Constructive discussion is a privilege of every Latter-day Saint.”  In the Book of Mormon, Moroni promises us that if we study, ponder, and ask the Lord if the Book of Mormon is true, we will receive an answer.  Before we ask we must have a question.  Elder Russell shared this thought with a group of youth; “You will hear allegations that the Church is ‘anti-intellectual.’ … You are the greatest evidence to refute such an erroneous statement. Individually, you have been encouraged to learn and to seek knowledge from any dependable source.”  If this is true, then why do some people feel as if their questions lead to excommunication?

In an Ensign article published in March of 2015, Adam Kotter explained the difference between doubting and questioning.  “Sincere questions are those asked with “real intent” (Moroni 10:4) to better understand and more fully obey the will of the Lord. A sincere questioner continues to be obedient while searching for answers. By contrast, I have seen that when people doubt their beliefs, they often suspend their commitment to commandments and covenants while waiting for answers. The doubter’s posture is generally to withhold obedience or limit it, pending resolution of the doubts.” If this is the case, the person who is doubting is actually separating themselves from the Spirit as they are seeking for answers. Without the Spirit there to testify and protect them, it seems a person would inevitably move further away from the gospel. Satan will find every opportunity to separate us from what is right and true.  Questioning and seeking answers is encouraged; doubting and turning away from the Lord is discouraged. How should we handle doubts and questions in our own lives?

We need to remember that having questions is normal and right. We are encouraged to seek out answers to our questions and turn to the Lord. When the prophet or apostles speak we have been asked to pray to know for ourselves if what has been said is true. We should always be studying, pondering, and praying. If we find ourselves having doubts we need to hold tight to the covenants that we have made as we try to work through those doubts. Search to find what the questions are behind the doubts, and sincerely pray to find answers. If we follow this counsel, as Moroni said, “…by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.”