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Simplicity in Religion
It is believed by many that religion and mystery are always associated. This has made religion distasteful to people who seek for truth; and properly so. A correct and really acceptable religious faith must be built upon that which is known. Mysteries belong to the unknown.
The doctrine that religion must be built upon the known, removes from religion the mysterious and complex. Religion then becomes plain and simple. Simplicity and plainness are always marks of truth.
The person who begins with mysteries, never finds true religion. He soon becomes lost in the mysteries. A mystery cult never satisfies the longings of the soul. Only as we cling to the known, will the gospel of Jesus Christ be understood.
The story of an ancient philosopher points the way. Walking on the sands of the ocean shore, he pondered, without success, upon the mystery of existence. Nearby he saw a child who was diligently carrying water, in a large spoon, from the ocean, and pouring it into a small pit, dug in the sand. Becoming interested in the child's play, the philosopher asked, "What are you doing?" The child answered, "Don't you see, I am emptying the ocean." The child, so the legend goes, was an angel in disguise, sent to teach the old man the futility of trying to understand all things.
Nevertheless, though the infinite universe presents many unsolved problems, we do not walk blindly on earth. We have learned much; a little here and there, somewhat imperfectly from our own study of nature, and more perfectly from divine revelation. We are growing in knowledge. Every day brings its discoveries, with answers to many a debated question. Throughout endless time, knowledge will be added to knowledge, the unknown will recede, until all things will be revealed. We must patiently understand that some knowledge must be left for the ages to come; until the promised time when we shall see and know more clearly.
The essential thing for us to keep in mind is that any acceptable enterprise must be built on what we know. The railroad train cannot cross the river safely unless the bridge is built with the knowledge of the strength of materials. Sound knowledge comes only as we proceed from the known to the unknown. By that process, there need be no end to man's conquest of the infinite unknown. This must remain a basic principle in building a religion. Stepwise, using approved means and methods, and begining with dependable knowledge, we may move into the realm of higher religious knowledge and comprehension. In every science, in every orderly discipline set up by man, this has been found to be the method that leads to conquest.
Religion, which encompasses all truth, can be no exception to the rule. What we know, and therefore can understand, must be the basis of a satisfying religion.
The Lord has declared it, "Now, behold this is wisdom; whoso readeth, let him understand and receive also; for unto him that receiveth, it shall be given more abundantly, even power." 1