Science and Scriptures Scott Frazer

Upon reflection, we have to recognize there is a great deal of fiction in the scriptures and religious teachings. Yet, it is there for a reason. For example, what do you think about historical fiction of scriptural stories? Like many, I have watched all available episodes of The Chosen, a TV series that follows the ministry of the Savior. Historical fiction of the scriptures is not only entertaining but educational. We find fiction in… church art. Some fiction was added to the scriptures by… forgers. Jesus taught in parables. In summary, we need to recognize how fiction can bring the Gospel to life and give us perspectives we couldn’t find elsewhere.

Over the years, I have struggled with how to understand and explain what the spiritual dimension might be like. Until now, I had never found a good metaphor for understanding it. So, I am going to try to explain it – using geometrical figures and a book written in the 1800s called Flatland.

This fall, I have a new book coming out, published by Cedar Fort, entitled "Be Ye Wise as Serpents". In Matthew 10:16, Jesus was sending His apostles out on missions. He warned, “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” The point of my book, as you might conclude from the title, is that we need to be more serpent-like in dealing with today’s world. This podcast is not meant to be a commercial for the book. However, I had an insight the other day that I wish to share. I really wish I’d thought of this earlier so it could’ve been included in the book. So, please let me give you a quick preview of the book – and a new example of why we need to be both doves and serpents to understand the Gospel.

Church members can be confused at what they should have faith in. Indeed, the word “faith” is misused often in our teachings. Having faith in something true or having a belief in a fantasy often look much alike, so I thought it time to review the difference. We review the Savior's healing of the crippled man in the pool of Bethesda. The man had a belief that the waters would heal him, when he should have had faith that Jesus Christ would do so. We need to put away the childish ways of believing in unproven claims, and be willing to experiment on the seed of the Gospel - and other aspects of our lives.

There are so many fictional stories of power, that stories about true power are often lost in the shuffle. It seems that many fables and movies about magical power have made mankind skeptical when we hear accounts of people who have actual power. Jesus Christ performed a number of miracles in Judea – mainly designed to get residents to listen to His teachings. He demonstrated a wide range of power, converting water into wine, making fish and bread for multitudes, and then healing cripples and lepers. Then He demonstrated the ultimate power - power over death. You’d think everyone would be so desirous of the opportunity to overcome death that churches would be packed every Sunday.

I borrow this episode’s title from Gordon B. Hinckley’s book, Standing for Something. As Pres. Hinckley puts it, "Civility covers a host of matters in how one human being relates to another with basic human kindness and goodness. Civility requires us to restrain and control ourselves, and at the same time to act with respect towards others.”
We see less civility on the roads. Profanity, certainly a mark of incivility, is increasing at alarming rates. People allowing themselves to be triggered shows a lack of self-restraint and civility towards others. We are taught to be Christ-like, but that is a confusing word. Christ was too multifaceted a person to describe Him with a single word. I suggest we seek after being civil to others. It is a high bar, but an attainable one.