Zeal Without Knowledge: Gospel Education

Hugh Nibley has said, “Our search for knowledge should be ceaseless”. In the article “Zeal Without Knowledge” Nibley seeks to remind us -and if need be, teach us- that the gospel cannot only be taught and pursued with zeal and energy, but with deep study and the acquirement of knowledge. He urges the idea that every member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints should seek to gain more knowledge about the true doctrines and precepts of the gospel. Throughout the article, Nibley reinforces this argument and inspires his member audience to take a more scholarly approach to their spiritual education by using logical literary tools such as relatable metaphors, thought provoking questions, and valuable quotations.

The first instance in which Nibley uses a metaphor to strengthen his argument is in describing zeal as “the engine that drives the whole vehicle” of the church. However, he continues by saying that without “clutch, throttle, breaks and steering wheel,”- in other words without control over zeal- there can be disastrous consequences. This metaphor proves to be very convincing since every reader understands the importance of these parts for the safe use of a vehicle. They can then relate this to the gospel. Suddenly Nibley’s point seems quite logical and even irrefutable. Zeal may give us momentum, but we need as much knowledge as possible to give us control and to steer us in the proper direction.

A second instance in which Nibley uses metaphors to strengthen his argument is when saying “there is no place for the cram course or the quickie where the gospel is concerned”. In this way his use of metaphor reminds his member audience of the level of vigour it takes to obtain any kind of worthwhile knowledge. He reminds his readers that just like any other learning, gospel learning is challenging and takes serious study, reflection and time to understand. It is very likely that the reader has an experience or an understanding of the disadvantages of cramming before an exam. Logically, they see that if secular learning takes effort and time, then surely the gospel, in all of its importance, must require an even higher level of study and time commitment for full understanding.

The second literary tool used by Nibley in convincing his audience is that of using thought provoking questions. He uses questions such as “what good is the power, […] without real intelligence and solid knowledge?” to allow his audience to open their mind to a new, enlightened perspective. He then follows up each question with an explanation that answers the questions in the reader’s mind. This method is powerful in showing the reader just how logical Nibley’s position is.

Lastly, Nibley references both contemporary and historical authorities throughout this article by quoting previous lectures, talks and other sources pertaining to this issue. He uses the words of Karl Popper, N.S Sutherland, Joseph Smith Jr. and many others throughout his paper. This gives the reader the sense that Nibley’s ideas are not his alone but that he is echoing what we should already logically know.

Perhaps the greatest influences are the many quotes from the Prophet Joseph Smith himself. Since Nibley’s article is directed to those belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he is aware of how influential the words of prophets are in persuading the saints to change. This helps him to carry his message and argument deep into the heart of the individual reader.

It is through using these three methods- namely, the use of metaphors, questions, and quotations- Nibley finds a way to enter into his reader’s minds and therein convince them of the authenticity of his message. By appealing to each reader’s inner logic he is capable of inspiring him or her to take a different approach to their individual zeal for the gospel. He effectively convinces those who read ‘Zeal Without Knowledge” to reexamine their lives for the purpose of determining whether they have sufficiently obtaining knowledge so as to not be misled by zeal.

Happiness

As a young girl I always knew there was so much to love in this life. When I think of pure, unadulterated happiness I picture my childhood and the time I spent deciding who I was going to become. More than anything I believe that who we are, what we do, and how we feel about ourselves is our own choice. So I decided, long ago, that no matter what happened in my life I would be happy. I don’t remember deciding it in a moment but I remember seeing enough unhappy people to know that I would make my life fantastic by choice- as it should be.

There are a few moments in my childhood where I can say I experienced perfect happiness. And every time it was in some simple way. Do you remember those summer days when the sun would linger for hours after supper and your parents would let you stay up a few hours later to play outside with friends? I remember that eventually my parents would call me back into the house. I would put on my favourite ‘jaquette’. I don’t know the perfect translation into English but I will describe it as a pajama dress. This ‘jaquette’ was much more than just a dress to me. It had once belonged to my aunt, Johanne, my namesake. When she passed away my mom chose to keep that dress for me. I remember it as being baby blue- my favourite colour at the time- with small white flower designs across it. It was perfect. Wearing this, I would lie in bed, the bright light streaming through my window, playing across the walls in my room. In all my memories I remember my room being painted gold with the sunlight. Then I would push all the blankets down to the very end of my bed, feeling the warmth of the sun on my skin. Closing my eyes I would picture myself lying on the grass outside, enjoying the warm gentle breeze or listening to the tiny birds singing there evening songs. There was something so peaceful at this time of day and my little mind would be busy at work creating every possible fantasy. To say that I was creative would have been an understatement. My mom has always called me her little daydreamer. She used to think it was adorable- though it has gotten me into trouble more than once since then. I would lie in bed like this till the sun would begin to set. But in that space of time where my room was filled with light, I remember feeling completely loved and completely happy.

I think that this was probably the first real moment where I can stay that I knew that God lived and cared about me, Stefanie. How could I have moments like that and not believe? He is in the sunshine, the chirping birds, the scriptures I read and he is in the love I feel from all my friends and family. I felt it then just like I feel it now as I write this. And that is why I choose to be happy.

My Greatest Fear

What does a real family feel like? Is there a way to reach back into all those memories to find a fragment of something that is now broken? I was too young, too unsuspecting to think that I should try to conserve something I never knew would fall apart. I can remember lying in bed as my father tucked my sister and I in, spontaneously fabricating stories to make us giggle and laugh. I can remember driving to church on Sundays with both my parents dressed in my favourite Sunday clothes. I can even remember trips to the beach and to my grandparent’s home. What I can’t remember is the feeling of my family being one indivisible unit. I don’t remember what it felt like to see my parents love each other.

I can’t say how this has changed my life but I know that in every way it has changed who I am. And it is because of that, that I wouldn’t change a single thing about my life. Love is one of the hardest possible emotions but I have learned what it is- and what it is not. I find it everywhere, and I wish I could help everyone feel like there is love in this world- that they are loved or looked after. I can’t wait to raise my own family: one where my children know how much I love their father. I want a home where the gospel is everything, where my children smile and feel the importance of being together for all eternity. I want my kids to grow up learning to pray about their questions instead of looking for answers in the world. I want them to know without a doubt that I know the gospel is true. I want my sons to be like stripling warriors and my daughters to stand as beacons for others to follow. I want the kind of family that laughs together, cooks together and has fun together. I want people to feel like our home is always open to anyone. Mostly I want the kind of family that is full of love for everything.

I dream about this family and this home. It is my biggest hope, but it is also my greatest fear. Can I be that kind of mother? I feel like I need a lifetime to prepare to be that person.

What was it like?

There are times when light floods in-
That pure essence of joy mixed with sadness.
Memories: the bright shadows,
The high stars above a dark night.
They are soft wistful whispers of past happiness,
The slow, soft recollections of lessons learned.
Of loved ones no longer quite so near,
And the feeling of missing who you once were:
A child- innocent, careless, unafraid.
Moments gain importance as you fight to remember:
What was it like to be tucked into bed by your mother?
Or to be carried on your father’s shoulders?
To meet someone and trust them immediately?
To sit on your grandfather’s lap?
They fade till all that is left is a paler light
Bright enough to conjure up past hopes
But lacking enough to make you wish for more.

One Piece

There’s a longing we all have,
You cannot deny it.
Some carry it openly showing the world
Saying they are not ashamed
Because they know the truth
That everyone is searching
For that fraction of their soul
The one that is missing
From a corner of their heart
Where it was given long ago
To someone, somewhere.
Some try to hide it
They find flighty distractions
Or like a difficult puzzle
They fill the gap with a mismatched piece
But it cannot be done
Only one piece will match
And it aches to be whole


There is a cure and many have found it
Like a puzzle it takes time
And the patience to search for it
Though the quest may be long
And the picture is incomplete
There will be a time
When you find it and know
That the fit is so perfect
So right and so whole
That the piece will slide in
And match as it should
And the ache will be gone
And the picture will be whole
What once made you despair
Will completely disappear.

There’s a longing we all have,
You cannot deny it.