45 LDS Quotes On Doubt | Page 4 of 5

“Salvation is an eternal goal we gain by a process of constant upward change. Doubt is spiritual poison that stunts eternal growth. We must first feel our way before we can see it with any clarity. We prove ourselves by making numerous correct decisions without being absolutely sure; then comes a greater knowledge and assurance, not before. Happiness is created. Love is its center. Its principal ingredients are sincere faith, true repentance, full obedience, and selfless service.”

Richard G. Scott | "Happiness Now and Forever", Ensign, Nov. 1979, 70

Topics: Doubt, Happiness, Salvation

Some are willing to set aside the precious gospel truths restored by Joseph Smith because they get diverted on some historical issue or some scientific hypothesis not central to their exaltation, and in so doing they trade their spiritual birthright for a mess of pottage. They exchange the absolute certainty of the Restoration for a doubt, and in that process they fall into the trap of losing faith in the many things they do know because of a few things they do not know.

Tad R. Callister | “Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration,” Ensign, November 2009, p. 37

Topics: Doubt, Faith, Joseph Smith, Restoration

“I think the greatest benefit that can be derived from an honest doubt is the recognition that in the final analysis, we choose to believe. For somebody who has seen that there are reasons to doubt and reasons to believe, and yet make a free choice to affirm their belief, you can see that that is a wonderful position to be in, to recognize that this is something I chose, it’s not something I was compelled by the evidence to accept. It’s something that out of a free heart I choose to embrace. Now, I think that that’s an advantage known only to those who have passed through the crucible of doubt.”

Terryl and Fiona Givens | The Crucible of Doubt

Topics: Doubt, Faith

“Some seem to believe that faith and questions are antithetical. Such could not be further from the truth. The question is not whether or not we should ask questions but rather, what are the questions that we should be asking?”

Cecil O. Samuelson

Topics: Doubt, Thoughts, Wisdom

To all within the sound of my voice who may have doubts, I repeat the words given Thomas as he felt the wounded hands of the Lord: “Be not faithless, but believing.” Believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the greatest figure of time and eternity. Believe that his matchless life reached back before the world was formed. Believe that he was the Creator of the earth on which we live. Believe that he was Jehovah of the Old Testament, that he was the Messiah of the New Testament, that he died and was resurrected, that he visited these western continents and taught the people here, that he ushered in this final gospel dispensation, and that he lives, the living Son of the living God, our Savior and our Redeemer.

Gordon B. Hinckley | Conference Report October 1978

Topics: Creation, Doubt, Jesus Christ

“Your minds in times past have been darkened because of unbelief, and because you have treated lightly the things you have received— Which vanity and unbelief have brought the whole church under condemnation. And they shall remain under this condemnation until they repent and remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon.”

Ezra Taft Benson

Topics: Book of Mormon, Doubt

Increased faith is as vital and necessary today as it was when Jesus walked the earth. Our modern world struggles with insufficient faith. President Gordon B. Hinckley said in a conference talk: “This is my prayer for all of us. . . . Increase our faith to bridge the chasms of uncertainty and doubt. . . . Grant us faith to look beyond the problems of the moment to the miracles of the future. . . . Give us faith to do what is right and let the consequences follow.

James O. Mason | “Faith in Jesus Christ,” April 2001, Ensign, p. 22

Topics: Doubt, Faith

“Philosophy is what you have to do until you figure out what questions you should have been asking in the first place.”

Daniel Dennett

Topics: Doubt

Fear not; ask questions. Be curious, but doubt not! Always hold fast to faith and to the light you have already received. Because we see imperfectly in mortality, not everything is going to make sense right now. . . . It’s true that “faith is not . . . a perfect knowledge” (Alma 32:21), but as you exercise your faith, applying gospel principles every day under any circumstances, you will taste the sweet fruits of the gospel, and by this fruit you will know of its truth (see Matthew 7:16–20; John 7:17; Alma 32:41–43).

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf | “The Reflection in the Water,” Church Educational System fireside for young adults, November 1, 2009

Topics: Doubt, Faith, Mortality

“For all questions about the spirit world, I suggest two answers. First, remember that God loves His children and will surely do what is best for each of us. Second, remember this familiar Bible teaching, which has been most helpful to me on a multitude of unanswered questions:

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5–6).”

Elder Dallin H. Oaks | Trust in the Lord

Topics: Doubt, General Conference 2019