Who Holds the Monopoly on Truth?

My topic of point today is a subject that is important to me and is something I've considered for a long time. Hugh B. Brown happens to be my favorite all-time general authority. He once said," We should be in the forefront of learning in all fields, for revelation does not come only directly from Heaven in visions or dreams. Revelation may come in a laboratory, out of the test tube, out of the thinking mind and the inquiring soul, out of search and research and prayer and inspiration." He goes on to say," some say that the open minded leave room for doubt. Doubt can have a place if it can stir in one an interest to go out and find the truth for one's self." (A Final Testimony)

Obtaining knowledge in my opinion is what brings me joy. To consider the fact that I can pick up a book and read it amazes me since reading is not a privilege that has been afforded to every person, even today. Interestingly enough, when the New Testament was written in its original greek form there were no punctuation marks, upper or lowercase, or spaces in between words. I can't imagine how difficult it would be to decipher the meaning of the script when you are simply trying figure out what is being written. Another point to consider is the fact that when the final canon of the New Testament was completed, the literacy rate was about 10 - 15 %. Christians had to set at the foot of their religious leaders in order to hear the scriptures just as a child waits for their mother to read them a bedtime story. I'm appreciative that I do not need to rely upon others in order to read a book or be told what to think.

What are sources of truth for you? For most of my life I was foolish enough to think that the LDS church held the monopoly on truth. I did not seek elsewhere for enlightenment and as a consequence, my education has suffered. I by no means think that I'm an educated person but I do know that I can strive to become educated by doing what Elder Hugh B. Brown suggests, to awaken a desire to investigate.

I have an admiration for Joseph Smith's desire to learn. I believe that his brilliancy began with his desire to acquire knowledge.  In D&C 93:24 it states,"And truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come." Earlier in the Doctrine and Covenants it's taught that we should seek out the best books. Reading books of course is not the only way to obtain knowledge or wisdom, we can also learn by experience. I do wonder if our experiences could be handled or understood better if our minds were more educated.

In order to have a strong testimony, we need to know what we believe in. I know that in my own life I have taken an abusive advantage of the word faith. I believe that faith is an important aspect but I also think that it gives people excuses to be ignorant. Ignorance may cause temporary happiness but knowing is what gives a person power to face comfortable and uncomfortable truths.

Let us take advantage of the day and age we live in by educating ourselves.