In this episode of Church History Matters, the hosts delve into the role of the brain and intellect in truth seeking and faith. They discuss the importance of understanding truth, the use of mental frameworks, and the exploration of concepts. They emphasize the need to navigate complex issues without losing faith and highlight the importance of critical thinking skills in the information age. The chapter also explores the difference between philosophical and scientific methods and the complexity of studying scripture.
Mental frameworks are crucial for navigating church history and doctrine, as well as other areas of life.
In the information age, it is important to develop tools and skills to discern truth amidst the abundance of available information.
Using a combination of scientific, historical, philosophical, and theological methods can lead to a more comprehensive understanding of truth.
Deep dives
Importance of Good Thinking
In this episode, the hosts introduce the new series on Good Thinking, exploring the role of our brain and intellect in truth-seeking and faith. They discuss the mental frameworks and thinking skills necessary for intelligent and critically thinking Latter-day Saints to navigate church history and doctrine.
The Usefulness of Mental Frameworks
The hosts emphasize the importance of mental frameworks in guiding the search for truth, both in church history and doctrine, as well as in other areas of life. They highlight the value of setting up mental frameworks at the beginning of courses and explain how podcast discussions allow for a deeper exploration of these frameworks.
The Information Age
The hosts discuss the challenges and potential pitfalls of the information age, where faith and doubt can be influenced by the abundance of available information. They emphasize the need for tools and skills to navigate and discern truth amidst the flood of information, while understanding what is important and where diversity of thought is acceptable.
Understanding Truth through Epistemology
The hosts explain the term 'epistemology,' which refers to the investigation of justified belief and the study of knowledge. They discuss the importance of understanding what it means to know something and how to acquire knowledge. They also emphasize the need for mental moves and frameworks to seek truth in church history, doctrine, and daily life.
Exploring Truth through Scientific, Historical, Philosophical, and Theological Methods
The hosts introduce and discuss the different tools and methods used to explore truth and navigate complex questions. They explain the scientific method for examining the natural world, historical methodology for understanding the past, philosophical exploration for addressing complex ideas, and the theological approach for studying the things of God. They emphasize the value of using these methods together to gain a more comprehensive and meaningful understanding of truth.
What is truth? What does it mean to really “know” something? And what are the best methods and tools to come to know a thing?
In today’s episode of Church History Matters, we begin our new series on Good Thinking where we explore the important role our brain and intellect play in truth seeking and the life of faith. Specifically in this series we want to explore what mental moves are made, or what frameworks of thinking are used by intelligent, critically thinking Latter-day Saints whose faith is strengthened rather than damaged by diving deeply into our Church’s history and doctrine. So this should be fun.