Austin Farrer’s Quote and Neal A. Maxwell
“Though argument does not create conviction, the lack of it destroys belief. What seems to be proved may not be embraced; but what no one shows the ability to defend is quickly abandoned. Rational argument does not create belief, but it maintains a climate in which belief may flourish” 1
This was a beloved quote by the Apostle Neal A. Maxwell. He saw that both rational thought and spiritual sensitivity were essential in following Jesus. He understood that having a rational argument for why we believe what we believe was essential in creating a dialogue with those not of our faith. He used this quote in his book A More Excellent Way:
The leader must also be articulate in presenting the cause and the case. Peter urged members of the Church in his generation to “. . . be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and in fear.” (I Peter 3:15.) There are those who need only to hear to believe the message, but for others, the leader or teacher has an obligation to be articulate enough to build and to preserve a climate in which belief is possible.
Austin Farrer observed in writing praise about the late C. S. Lewis, “Though argument does not create conviction, the lack of it destroys belief. What seems to be proved may not be embraced: but what no one shows the ability to defend is quickly abandoned. Rational argument does not create belief, but it maintains a climate in which belief may flourish.” To teach of immortality, for instance, is to deal with a doctrine which lies at the very center of men’s chief concern. Is man “perchance, a prince in misfortune, whose speech at times betrays his birth?” The gospel helps us to know that men are princes in misfortune, and the good tidings we bear from the celestial castle are so important that we must not fail to develop our abilities to be believable, articulate bearers of that message. 2
He used this quote in his talk published in 1971:
With such a great message, can we afford not to be articulate in our homes and wherever we are? Passivity and inarticulateness about this “marvelous work and a wonder” can diminish the faith of others, for as Austin Farrer observed, “Though argument does not create belief, the lack of it destroys belief. What seems to be proved may not be embraced, but what no one shows the ability to defend is quickly abandoned. Rational argument does not create belief, but it nourishes a climate in which belief may flourish.” 3
Again in 1974 he used this quote to encourage the Saints to have the capacity to defend the faith:
There is a reason for developing not only commitment but also capacity to spread and to defend the faith. George Macdonald warned that “it is often incapacity for defending the faith they love which turns men into persecutors.” Even those, said Lehi, who have “tasted of the fruit” (the love of God) can yet fall away into forbidden paths and be lost. Why? Lehi says that some believers become “ashamed because of those” who scoff at them. Apparently the inability to defend the faith while under peer pressure may not only cost the soul of the uncertain onlooker, but the hesitant, inarticulate believer as well. No wonder Peter was desirous that believers “be ready always” to give answers to those who ask us reasons for our faith and hope. Austin Farrer counseled, “Though argument does not create conviction, . . . the lack of it destroys belief . . . what no one shows the ability to defend is quickly abandoned. Rational argument does not create unbelief [sic], but it maintains a climate in which belief may flourish.” 4
He continually used this quote again and again.
In his book But for a Small Moment, he wrote:
The faithful who, through these “other books,” possess such a treasure trove of truth—almost all of which came through the Prophet Joseph—have a basic challenge. Our challenge is not simply to shelve them but to delve into them, not alone to possess them, but to witness of them! A fundamental challenge was well described by Austin Farrer, who wrote of the need for articulate Christians: “Though argument does not create conviction, lack of it destroys belief. What seems to be proved may not be embraced; but what no one shows the ability to defend is quickly abandoned. Rational argument does not create belief, but it maintains a climate in which belief may flourish.”
We can and should be articulate believers. We can and should so proclaim, testify, and teach, readily and humbly, concerning these added books of scripture. Meanwhile, at the same time, we should honor and use the Holy Bible. Joseph Smith did both; apparently it never occurred to him to do otherwise…
The processes of revelation and translation varied. Though not described with clinical detail and consistency, they were constant in reflecting the gifts and the power of God. Whether in Joseph’s translating from ancient records, or in his receiving and recording certain direct revelations, or in his rewording portions of the Bible under inspiration, the lord clearly oversaw the vital process.
Concerning the process of translation or receiving revelation, then, would the world accept such a process, even if all the facts were known, while rejecting its result?
So it was that the remarkable work of translating the Book of Mormon was accomplished, as Joseph Smith said: “Through the medium of the Urim and Thummim I translated the record by the gift and power of God” (Times and Seasons, vol. 3 [1842], p. 707).
What the “choice seer” translated is laden with significance. The work of several years by anthropologist John Sorenson of BYU and others in demonstrating more about possible “host” circumstances in ancient Meso-America is interesting. What is there described as plausible may not prove finally persuasive, but it creates a climate in which the interest can be quickened, as the portrait of a special people emerges in more striking color and intriguing detail. 5
Another time, in the spirit of Farrer’s words, Elder Maxwell has encouraged those with the ability to defend the church and its doctrine from uncontested slam-dunks. Certainly defense of the church does not create belief, but it creates a climate in which belief may grow and develop. To Elder Maxwell, it was important that the Saints develop the ability to explain their beliefs in ways that the world would understand. I completely agree with Elder Maxwell and invite you to share your beliefs in the sphere of influence that you have!
Notes
- Austin Farrer, “Grete Clerk,” in Light on C. S. Lewis, compiled by Jocelyn Gibb, Harcourt and Brace, 1965, p. 26.
- Neal A. Maxwell, A More Excellent Way: Essays on Leadership for Latter-Day Saints, 1967, Deseret Book, p. 31.
- Maxwell, Talk of the Month, New Era, May 1971.
- Maxwell, That My Family Should Partake, 1974, Deseret Book, 27-28.
- Maxwell, But for a Small Moment, Deseret Book, 2000, p. 56-57.