Religion and science are often in opposite philosophical corners. Religious faith and scientific knowledge, at times, seem mutually exclusive. Yet, Alma wants to perform an experiment. Even before the scientific method was described, Alma suggests an experimental method to arrive at religious truth. Is Alma confused, or just way ahead of his time? Certainly, the Book of Mormon was written for our day and age. It was written for the time when all universally acceptable knowledge would come through the scientific method. On behalf of all the skeptic scientists of our day, Alma and Moroni (Moroni 10:3-5) provide a scientific pattern for learning spiritual truth.
Let‘s examine how Alma’s experiment on the word follows the scientific method. The scientific method has 5 steps:
In order to develop real faith, these 5 steps can be applied.
For a prophet who lived over 2000 years ago, Alma was given the light and knowledge to apply scientific techniques to the process of developing faith. Remarkable as this may be, the more important point is that Alma’s instruction has been an invaluable source of wisdom which has changed the lives of thousands. By experimenting on the word, as Alma suggests, the spiritually-minded are given power through faith in Jesus Christ. This power is greater than the force of gravity, stronger than the pull of supermagnets, and more influential than the superconductor. Joseph Smith said, “Faith, then, is the first great governing principle which has power, dominion, and authority over all things; by it they exist, by it they are upheld, by it they are changed, or by it they remain, agreeable to the will of God. Without it there is no power, and without power there could be no creation nor existence.” (Lectures on Faith, 1:24 as taken from Latter-day Commentary on the Book of Mormon compiled by K. Douglas Bassett, p. 306)
Dean L. Larsen
“…millions of people have tried the experiment proposed by Alma as it pertains to the gospel that Joseph Smith restored. They and others in increasing numbers throughout the world today bear testimony to the good fruit that the experiment has borne. They have applied the Savior’s sure test.” (Church News, 06/29/96)
M. Russell Ballard
"…that is all anyone can ask you to do: to ‘experiment’ upon the words of Christ, to ’give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart‘ and to not ’resist the Spirit of the Lord.’ It is my sincere belief that if you will do those things and ask Heavenly Father in prayer if they are true, He will tell you. That is His promise to you and to all of His children.
“…Please don’t let this opportunity to receive personal revelation from God pass. Consider what I’ve written here. Weigh it carefully. Measure it against the things you believe—and the things you want to believe. Hold fast to all that you know to be true and add to that the fulness of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Take into account what you‘ve felt as you’ve read these words. Then put it all to the ultimate test: Ask God. Listen for His answer with your heart, then respond to what you feel.” (Our Search For Happiness, p. 123)
Neal A. Maxwell
“The Lord can commence His initial work with us while requiring surprisingly little from us. Alma explained: (quotes Alma 32:27). Imagine, only ‘a particle of faith’ and ’no more than [a] desire to believe’ are actually enough to begin!” (Men and Women of Christ, p. 77-8)