Intelligent Faith

“Intelligent Faith”

How Ellen White describes faith based on reasoned evidence

Jonathan Gallagher

As a way of describing her understanding of what faith should be in relationship to thought and evidence Ellen White frequently uses the term “intelligent faith.” This phrase sums up a number of concepts that are essential to Christian understanding and well explains the true perspective on faith and reason. It provides a helpful shorthand to distinguish such concepts from the rather vague and ill-defined word “faith” that is used in so many different ways that it often seems to have opposing meanings.

Intelligent Faith is Faith Based upon Evidence and Thought

“‘…Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.’ Here is a test which all may apply if they will. None need be left in uncertainty and doubt. There is always sufficient evidence upon which to base an intelligent faith. But God will never remove from any man all occasion for doubts. Those who love to dwell in the atmosphere of doubt and questioning unbelief can have the unenviable privilege. He who turns from the weight of evidence because there are a few things that he cannot make plain to his finite understanding, will be left to the cold, chilling atmosphere of unbelief and skepticism, and will make shipwreck of faith.” Signs of the Times, December 30, 1886. My emphasis. Article entitled “Intelligent Faith.”

Applying the Biblical test of “by their fruits” surely involves mental effort and clear reasoning. Weighing of the evidence is not a question of arbitrary and hasty decision-making, but of unhurried and thorough examination. Ellen White here invites such a process as a means to arrive at an intelligent faith. Not that the mind cannot dismiss or ignore the evidence and arrive at a different conclusion—no one is forced to accept the conclusions of examining the evidence—but that uncertainty and doubt can be removed by a reasonable examination of the evidence.

“He [God] gives evidence, which must be carefully investigated with a humble mind and a teachable spirit, and all should decide from the weight of evidence…. God gives sufficient evidence for the candid mind to believe.” Testimonies,Volume 5, p. 675. “God never asks us to believe, without giving sufficient evidence upon which to base our faith. His existence, His character, the truthfulness of His Word, are all established by testimony that appeals to our reason; and this testimony is abundant.” Steps to Christ, p. 105.

The point here is that this is the process to be used. Ellen White upholds the evidence as the basis for a faith that is intelligent. The meaning of the word “intelligent” here does not refer to IQ, cleverness, or mental ability, rather to the use of the mind to acquire understanding. So faith is not to be limited to those of mental brilliance or amazing brain power; rather intelligent faith is developed by thoughtful analysis of the evidence. “Know, think and understand” is the motto, for without knowledge of the evidence, no reasoned thought is possible and no understanding can be gained.

Nor is Ellen White saying that human reasoning can gain complete understanding. But she does point to the ability to confirm faith based on the weight of evidence—a conviction based on the mass of data available to the inquiring and thoughtful mind. In fact she terms the available evidence as “abundant”:

“Unbelief will always find an excuse for its existence. If men could criticise and condemn the Saviour’s work, when they had such evidence of divine power as the miracle at Bethesda, can we wonder that they criticize and condemn to-day? God would have men believe, not because there is no possibility of doubt, but because there is abundant evidence upon which to base an intelligent faith.” Signs of the Times, July 15, 1886.

This comment is made in the context of the healing miracle at the pool of Bethesda. The evidence available to the onlookers is that of their eyes and ears, the recognition that someone who had been paralyzed for many years was now healed. Even faced with such evidence, skepticism is possible—but this is based on the denial of the plain evidence.

Yet even here Jesus is reluctant to invite faith merely on the basis of observed miracles. He tells his questioners that he will not provide convincing “signs and wonders” to encourage faith. Rather faith is to be based on the complete evidence of the life and work of Jesus. For many who were convinced on the basis of the miracles alone were to leave Jesus when he refused to perform more.

The denial of the intellect in matters of religion is common, but is not endorsed by Jesus. He invites his hearers to “consider the lilies of the field,” he asks one who questions as to his neighbor “what do you think,” he tells the parable of “the wise steward.” No dumb or foolish faith here—rather evidence-based, intelligent faith.

“The faith of our Lord Jesus Christ is an intelligent faith…. Christ would have His followers use their intellect in spiritual matters as in business transactions, conscientiously weighing evidence irrespective of results. He desires them to think deeply.” Signs of the Times, July 28, 1898.

Jesus even goes so far as to require his believers to conscientiously weigh evidence irrespective of the results! This is true freedom, to follow the evidence wherever it may lead, and to accept the results. Jesus takes the risk of such freedom, recognizing that this is the only way. No mandated faith, no compulsion, no demand for unquestioned acceptance—rather the invitation to examine the evidence, and accept the results of that process.

God Wants Intelligent Faith Based on Evidence

That this is exactly what God has always looked for is confirmed by many Biblical passages. “Come let us reason together” God asks, for he invites discussion and thought on matters of faith. Similarly he rejects unthinking worship, saying that he is tired of meaningless sacrifices. After listing the positive virtues, Paul calls on believers to “think on these things.” For it is the heathen that worship “they know not what.”

In representing the God who inspires faith, we are to make sure that what we believe accurately reflects this God who invites our questions and our thoughtful worship. For the God we claim to know is the God we represent to others:

“God wants you to be in that position where He can do great work for you. He wants you to have an intelligent faith. You do not want to present to the people a pattern mingled with defects of your character and give the world a false view of Jesus. It is our duty as Christians to represent Christ.” Sermons and Talks, Volume Two, p.23. “All whom God has blessed with reasoning powers are to become intellectual Christians. They are not requested to believe without evidence…” Review and Herald, March 8, 1887.

This is why in the only example of “how to give a Bible study,” Jesus is careful not to intrude into the process of thoughtful consideration of the evidence, but to allow his hearers the opportunity to decide for themselves. Before the disciples arrive in Emmaus and finally recognize their mentor is Jesus, they have already found their hearts “strangely warmed,” not from the authority of the personal presence of Jesus but because of the truth and right of the evidence presented.

“He [Jesus] maintained His disguise till He had interpreted the Scriptures, and had led them to an intelligent faith in His life, His character, His mission to earth, and His death and resurrection. He wished the truth to take firm root in their minds, not because it was supported by His personal testimony, but because the typical law, and the prophets of the Old Testament, agreeing with the facts of His life and death, presented unquestionable evidence of that truth. When the object of His labors with the two disciples was gained, He revealed Himself to them, that their joy might be full, and then vanished from their sight.” Signs of the Times, October 6, 1909.

Their faith is established on “unquestionable evidence,” and as a result they are completely convinced before their realization that the stranger is actually Jesus. And before they can bow in worship, he is gone. They return to Jerusalem to tell the other disciples of their re-established faith based on clear evidence, and only after their account does Jesus appear among them. Once again is demonstrated the fact that God does not wish to force faith, but rather wants an intelligent faith based on examined evidence.

Consequently, “…let your minds run in this direction. We want an intelligent faith. We want to understand how much of the blessing of God we can claim.” Sermons and Talks, Volume One, p. 44.

For faith can never be absolute certainty based on either feeling or conviction or even unassailable proof. Rather faith comes from a recognition that the evidence presented makes good sense, that to believe and trust in God does not violate the principles of a careful, thoughtful examination of all the available data.

For “Faith rests not on certainty, but upon evidence. Demonstration is not faith.” Manuscript Releases, Volume Sixteen, p. 112.

Not even the most amazing display of power and glory, the most dramatic demonstration of God to humanity, can be the basis for faith. As exemplified by Israel, the overwhelming display of divine majesty brought tacit compliance for a while, such as their experience at Mount Sinai. Their response was “everything the Lord says we will do.” But once the scene of glorious power and might faded from their minds, they bowed down to worship the golden calf. Demonstration of power does not bring lasting faith, only temporary conformity.

Nor does faith rest on complete certainty—whether that comes from a warm feeling inside or a belief that God can be proved by science or a mystical spiritual sensation. Doubt is not removed, but enough evidence is there as the basis for a trusting belief in God and his nature, which is the meaning of intelligent faith.

Intelligent Faith is not “Just Believe” or Based on Feelings

“You should walk by faith, not by feeling. We do not want a sensational religion; but we want a religion founded on intelligent faith.” Review and Herald, April 9, 1889.

Too often, especially in our “modern world,” feelings are made the final determinant of faith. It’s what you feel that counts, say contemporary evangelists. If it feels good, it must be right. Trust your feelings, let them be your guide.

So the more feelings experienced, the better—or so it is recommended by such advocates. The result is a “sensational religion” in all senses of the term. Sensational in that it appeals to and is based on the senses, and religion becomes more and more like entertainment. Sensational in that the spectacular and exciting are the norm, and thoughtful consideration of the truth is minimized.

The great cry is “Just believe,” but when the question comes, “Believe what?” the only answer is “Just believe.” For it is how you feel that counts, and the content of faith becomes secondary, and even irrelevant.

“In every congregation in the land there are souls unsatisfied, hungering and thirsting for salvation. By day and by night the burden of their hearts is, What shall I do to be saved? They listen eagerly to popular discourses, hoping to learn how they may be justified before God. But too often they hear only a pleasing speech, an eloquent declamation. There are sad and disappointed hearts in every religious gathering. The minister tells his hearers that they cannot keep the law of God. ‘It is not binding upon man in our day,’ he says. ‘You must believe in Christ; He will save you; only believe.’ Thus he teaches them

to make feeling their criterion and gives them no intelligent faith. That minister may profess to be very sincere, but he is seeking to quiet the troubled conscience with a false hope.” Review and Herald, March 8, 1881.

Clearly feelings as a basis for meaningful, intelligent faith provide only “a false hope.”

Intelligent Faith is not Blind or Meaningless

In a reversal of the truth, some exalt a “blindness” of faith as high proof of its genuineness. In such a view, the fact that such faith is not based on evidence, that it cannot see or make sense is to be valued above all else. The problem is of course that such “blind faith” does not permit evaluation except that of personal meaning. “Whatever works for you” is a perspective that makes all faith concepts equal, and demeans content, for it is the act of exercising faith that is deemed to be of importance, not the substance of faith.

This is not the biblical view of faith. Faith is not to be blind or meaningless, and faith in the wrong ideas, the wrong gods, is explicitly condemned. Those who do not have a meaningful, intelligent faith in the true God and in his ways are condemned for worshiping “they know not what.”

So in having an intelligent faith; we are to be able to explain what we believe in, and why.

“We may have an intelligent faith; we may not only say we believe, but we may in meekness and confidence be able to define what we believe, and why we believe as we do. We should exercise living faith, not a blind credulity.” Signs of the Times, March 31, 1890. “The Lord does not want us to have a blind credulity, and call that the faith that sanctifies.” Selected Messages, Volume 2, p. 56

The faith practices of those who do not understand what they are doing and saying are critiqued, since such worship cannot bring meaning and understanding to the expression of faith.

“In the Romish church the people were silent worshipers; the only songs were the chants and canticles of the priests in an unknown tongue. But such worship could not satisfy an intelligent faith.” Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the Seventh-day Adventists, p. 188.

God himself condemned the worship practices of Israel, since though they were performing what he had commanded, the sacrifices were done in a ritual, unthinking way. As a result, God expresses objection to these expressions of faith, saying he is tired of their vain and meaningless sacrifices. For form and ceremony have replaced thoughtful faith; the ritual has displaced meaning.

What God seeks most of all is thought and reflection, true meditation on who he is and how he acts. The nature and character of God is at the heart of intelligent faith, and this God that is known, loved, and appreciated relates to us, collectively and individually. There can be no blind faith, no meaningless worship.

Intelligent Faith is Based on the Bible

The basis for intelligent faith is a thoughtful, understanding of God and his actions. In this, the intelligent reading of the Bible is essential, since this provides the clearest revelation of God and how he acts in human history. The Bible is also a corrective to erroneous views about God and how we are to relate to him. In understanding the Bible, we see the truth about God and his actions, his character and nature. Without such revealed wisdom, faith is left as some intangible dream.

“In order to exercise intelligent faith we should study the word of God. The Bible, and the Bible alone, communicates a correct knowledge of the character of God and his will concerning us.” Review and Herald, January 10, 1888.

“We want that intelligent faith that has the word of God as its foundation, that leads in the path of righteousness, and makes every step a step Heavenward.” Signs of the Times, February 10, 1888.

“The Lord positively enjoins upon every believer the study of his word, that he may have an intelligent faith, built upon the knowledge of the word of truth.” Medical Missionary, May 1, 1892.

“It is the first and highest duty of every rational being to learn from the Scriptures what is truth, and then to walk in the light and encourage others to follow his example.” Spirit of Prophecy, Volume 4, p. 416.

Such study of the Bible to develop an intelligent faith is to be personal and real. This is not form or ceremony, but an active participation in the divine-human relationship. The Bible is God talking, and in truly knowing God as he is, this is essential to intelligent faith.

Intelligent Faith is Active and Developing

“Now, let us have that working faith, have that believing faith, have that intelligent faith that it is our privilege to have.” Loma Linda Messages, p. 541.

A working faith, believing faith, intelligent faith. Such faith is not static, but developing. We are called in the Bible to a growing faith, one that always trusts in God in a continual process. This is why we are told to “pray without ceasing” and to “die daily” and to “continue in the faith to which we have been called.”

“Only by a constant exercise of intelligent faith, a faith that grows continually, can we properly develop in Christian experience. If we will encourage that faith that grasps the promises of God, these promises will be fulfilled in our behalf.” Review and Herald, December 16, 1909.

All too often faith is seen as some state to be achieved, as if conversion was not just the first step but the only step. But what is known at conversion is the basic of faith, and we are called to grown in grace so that we may have a developing, intelligent faith.

“You must make a daily, personal consecration of all to God. You must daily renew your covenant to be His wholly and forever. Place no dependence upon changeable feelings, but plant your feet upon the sure platform of the promises of God: Thou hast said it; I believe the promise. This is an intelligent faith.” Our High Calling, p. 24.

Such trusting belief in God and his promises does not mean the abandonment of reason and examination of the evidence. On the contrary, saying “Thou hast said it; I believe” is because we have an intelligent faith in the One we know, not because we think it more pious to have a dark and unenlightened faith. No, the mind, fully engaged in thinking and asking the questions that help understanding, is essential to faith:

“We need to educate and train the mind so that we shall have an intelligent faith, and have an understanding friendship with Jesus.” Sons and Daughters of God, p. 27.

So too your conscience:

“Take your conscience to the word of God, and see if your life and character are in accordance with the standard of righteousness which God has there revealed. You can then determine whether or not you have an intelligent faith, and what manner of conscience is yours.” Review and Herald, September 3, 1901.

Intelligent Faith is Necessary for Evangelism

Spreading the good news needs an understanding of what the good news really is. For the first disciples, an intelligent faith was essential. How often Jesus was pained at their lack of comprehension, commenting on their dullness and slowness in faith. His teaching was aimed at an understanding, intelligent faith that would survive even his absence. And the message they took to the world was not an abstract, mystical faith but a faith based on their completion conviction of the truth. The success of the Christian faith would never have occurred without intelligent faith.

“It was needful for the followers of Christ to have an intelligent faith, not only in their own behalf, but that they might carry the knowledge of Christ to the world. Great Controversy, p. 349.”

As the early Christians moved out into their communities, they shared a faith that had meaning and purpose, that made sense and enlightened the mind. This is the intelligent faith that turned the world upside-down:

“The time had now come for active and continued work among the Gentiles, of whom whole communities received the gospel gladly, and glorified God for the light of an intelligent faith.” Sketches from the Life of Paul, p.51.

The same need for sharing an intelligent faith is just as important today. Merely to express a belief is not enough. The vast majority of those around cannot say they have an intelligent faith, a faith that has examined the truth and gained a true knowledge of it:

“There were men and women all around me. I have asked them, ‘How many of you have an intelligent faith in Jesus Christ? How many are Christians? Those who are, hold up your hands.’ Not a hand would be raised. Did they not need Christ? Did they not need a knowledge of the truth?” Evangelism, p. 587. “The truth must be proclaimed in the highways and the byways, and thus work is to be done by sensible, rational methods…. We are to keep as far from the theatrical and the extraordinary as Christ kept in His work.” Selected Messages,Volume 2, p. 54.

Conclusion

Intelligent faith: this is the faith that saves, the faith that gives hope, the faith that assures, even at death. Even the thief on the cross. It might seem a contradiction of all that has been said before to say he had an intelligent faith. Some say the thief on the cross, with his “deathbed repentance,” had it easy or that his faith was purely a thought of the moment.

But consider. This is the faith of one crucified man placing his faith, his assurance, in another crucified man. In many ways, this is a greater expression of faith—to believe that this man Jesus, who is being crucified next to him, is truly God.

Yet he has seen. He has seen this Jesus not curse his torturers, but pray for them. He has seen this Jesus make arrangements for the care of his mother, even from the cross. He has seen the way this man dies. And like the centurion, veteran of many crucifixions, who looks on in wonder and says, “Surely this is the Son of God,” he sees truth demonstrated. And so his mind is convinced, and despite the tortured agony, he reaches out his trust to the seemingly helpless victim like himself, dying beside him.

“Yet there are instances, like that of the poor thief, where enlightenment comes at the last moment, and is accepted with an intelligent faith.” The Spirit of Prophecy, Volume Three, p.159.

This is enlightenment; this is intelligent faith. Because it is based on what is observed and examined, on what is demonstrated—the evidence that proves true.

Jesus has always been inviting that kind of faith. To his hearers as he spoke the Sermon on the Mount, he laid out the basics of his kingdom. Jesus identifies faith that is based not in the ways of this world, but in the values of God. In his parables, he tried to convey meaning and understanding to the hard-hearted and the slow of heart to believe. In his Bible study to the two lonely and depressed disciples on the road to Emmaus, he quietly but effectively showed them the evidence, and helped them to an understanding faith.

God gives each of us sufficient evidence to believe, without removing the possibility of doubt. The doubt forces us to think, to examine that “sufficient evidence,” and to place our trust in the God to invites all our questions and concerns and fears, and who gives us rest as we place our confidence in him.

For God in providing us with the evidence has given all of us the opportunity to exercise an intelligent faith—an understanding trust in our trustworthy Friend.