Sherlock Holmes solved cases by eliminating wrong answers until only the truth remained. This is a successful formula for a detective story but a terrible approach for learning. Mormon urged us to prioritize receiving truth over rejecting error. Modern revelation teaches that darkness degrades us, while light edifies and uplifts. So focus on receiving light!
From on High: The Stabilizing Effect of Personal Revelation in a Turbulent World
The Lord said, "Ye are not sent forth to be taught, but to teach." He meant that we must keep the voices around us in perspective and anchor ourselves to truths we have learned directly from Him. As we are "taught of the Lord," our peace and confidence increases.
Avoiding Deception
We can avoid being deceived by (1) obtaining and remembering accurate information, (2) being vigilant but not paranoid, and (3) drawing closer to God, who can enlighten our minds and help us see more clearly.
Truth and Soberness
Paul told Festus that his words were "of truth and soberness." Words of truth are in harmony with reality. Words of soberness are disciplined and serious. The sons of Helaman were "men of truth and soberness." Their courage was governed by reason.
Gamaliel
Gamaliel urged the Sanhedrin to treat Peter and John with tolerance. If this work is of men, he said, it will fail on its own. If it's of God, you don't want to fight against it. This is a useful model for dealing with differences of opinion productively.
What Is Truth? What Is True?
Pilate asked, "What is truth?" Sherem expressed similar doubt: "No man knoweth...of things to come." But Jacob testified, "The Spirit speaketh the truth," and added, "These things are manifested unto us plainly." Disciples of Jesus seek and embrace truth.
Veritas Liberabit Vos
Truth makes us free for at least two reasons. First, when we don't acknowledge our sins, we are unable to overcome them. Second, increased knowledge brings increased power. God wants to give us more knowledge, so that we can be more free.
“What Is Truth?”
"What is truth?"' asked Pontius Pilate. The Savior had just declared that His purpose was "to bear witness unto the truth" (John 18:37-38). Pilate's rhetorical question suggests a deep cynicism. Can anyone know the truth? Does it even exist? Perhaps he had lived in a political world so long, where powerful people manufacture their own... Continue Reading →
Truth
Our relationship with the truth is a fundamental part of our moral character. The prophet Jacob defined "truth" as "things as they really are, and...things as they really will be"(Jacob 4:13). (See also Doctrine and Covenants 93:24.) The Lord revealed to the prophet Joseph Smith that "All truth is independent in that sphere in which God has placed... Continue Reading →
“To Me He Doth Not Stink” – Alma 19:5
How do we know what we know? To what degree is our knowledge based on our personal experience and to what degree is it based on what other people tell us? We all know that our own personal experience provides insufficient information to direct all of our decisions. That's why we read books, ask advice... Continue Reading →