Nullius In Verba

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Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. It is good to be skeptical of all claims that don’t also provide any supporting evidence. Skepticism protects us from being deceived by fraudulent conmen and the dishonest or even those who wrongly believe they are proclaiming the truth but are really perpetuating their own mistaken deceptions. I recently came across a Mormon General Conference talk by Dieter Uchtdorf entitled, “Be Not Afraid, Only Believe”. The overall theme claims without evidence that skepticism is bad and we should Only Believe. This article will analyze a few of the contradictions and fallacies that Uchtdorf used to try and prove his point.

Uchtdorf begins by referencing the Biblical story of Daniel who was raised (indoctrinated) to believe in Jehovah, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. At a young age, Daniel is imprisoned by Babylon and is threatened to believe in a new religion. But Daniel is skeptical of the new religious truth claims. Uchtdorf suggests that “We will have to stay calm under peer pressure, not be impressed by popular trends or false prophets, disregard the ridicule of the ungodly”. In other words, be skeptical. However, Uchtdorf then contradicts his own teachings within the same talk saying that skepticism is bad.

“Satan, our adversary, wants us to fail. He spreads lies as part of his effort to destroy our belief. He slyly suggests that the doubter, the skeptic, the cynic is sophisticated and intelligent, while those who have faith in God and His miracles are naive, blind, or brainwashed.” So it’s ok to simply believe and have faith as long as it’s the right particular god. And you can trust Uchtdorf’s unsupported claims of being a true apostle of the only one legit God because he said so. NO! Just like we should be skeptical of any wonder medical claim just because a doctor said so, we should also question religious authority. Just because someone you trust says something good doesn’t mean it’s a true scientific fact of reality.

In an attempt to support his claim of apostleship, Uchtdorf later states “I wish I could help everyone to understand this one simple FACT: we BELIEVE in God because of things we KNOW with our heart and mind” (emphasis added). Belief is thinking something is true while lacking evidence. In contrast, factual knowledge is information acquired through scientifically peer reviewed sources. Heart and mind feelings and personal experiences will only ever qualify as anecdotal evidence. Belief can’t develop knowledge. Uchtdorf’s claim is not considered a FACT by actual codification of logic. Don’t just take his word for what he claims as truth because he said so.

At one point, Uchtdorf shows his misunderstanding by labeling skepticism and doubt as being disrespectful. You can still respect someone and rightfully demand evidence for extraordinary claims. The scientific community thrives on others being respectfully skeptical of new theories and claims until proven true through scrupulous peer review.

Uchtdorf said “let me be clear: there is nothing noble or impressive about being cynical. Skepticism is easy—anyone can do it.” I agree that skepticism is easy and anyone can do it. It requires no effort to not believe in a claim without evidence, however, I think everyone SHOULD do it. But I disagree that it’s not noble or impressive to withstand deception. In the opposite, Uchtdorf goes on to say “It is the faithful life that requires moral strength, dedication, and courage. Those who hold fast to faith are far more impressive than those who give in to doubt when mysterious questions or concerns arise.” I do think it requires more effort to believe in non evident claims, but I consider blind faith irrational and not courageous and certainly not more impressive or intellectual.

I could go on and continue pointing out Uchtdorf’s use of logical fallacies by using supporting evidence, however, unlike Uchtdorf I don’t consider your skepticism disrespectful. By all means, don’t trust me. Don’t simply take my word for it even if I claim authority; find out for yourself. Skepticism is good. Nullius in verba.