Adherence Quote by John Andreas Widtsoe
“The doctrine of the Church cannot be fully understood unless it is tested by mind and feelings, by intellect and emotions, by every power of the investigator. Every Church member is expected to understand the doctrine of the Church intelligently. There is no place in the Church for blind adherence.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Doctrine of the Church by John Andreas Widtsoe, 1950
Understanding doctrine requires both rational analysis and emotional insight; blind faith is insufficient.
In simple terms: Doctrine needs both mind and heart.
Key Takeaway
Combine study with personal reflection.
Themes
faith
reason
understanding
critical thinking
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
theological
educational
When to use this quote
- personal study
- group discussion
- sermon preparation
- faith education
Key Concepts
theology
epistemology
emotional intelligence
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance intellect and feeling in belief?
- What risks arise from unexamined faith?
A Different Perspective
Relying solely on emotion may neglect doctrinal accuracy.
![“But his Lordship [tells]us that God is wholly here, and wholly there, and wholly every where; because he has no parts. I cannot comprehend nor conceive this. For methinks it implies also that the whole world is also in the whole God, and in every part of God. Norcan I find anything of this in the…” quote by Thomas Hobbes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9db/thomas-hobbes-1127_believe_but-his-lordship-tells-us-that-god-is-wh_2417886.jpg)
![“[I]t is contrary to the economy of God for any member of the Church, or any one, to receive instruction for those in authority, higher than themselves . . . if any person have a vision or a visitation from a heavenly messenger, it must be for his own benefit and instruction; for the fundamental…” quote by Sam Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6fc/sam-smith-2934_authority_i-t-is-contrary-to-the-economy-of-god-fo_2414345.jpg)
