Hal Boyd, chief of staff for the president of BYU, shared the importance of keeping the “fire of faith” alive through revelation, reason and repentance at the BYU devotional on May 6.
Starting with his testimony, Boyd reflected on the pivotal role BYU has played in his life. He explained that his time at BYU influenced his decision to serve a mission, helped him discover lifelong friends and strengthened his testimony
“My dear friends, in all sincerity, I’m a living testament that if you give to this place, it will give back to you ten, twenty, a hundred-fold,” Boyd said.
Boyd received many blessings from BYU, including his wife and a strong testimony of the gospel. Because of the Christ-centered nature of the university, Boyd said he was able to keep the “fire of faith” alive throughout his time on campus.
“My brothers and sisters, my fellow disciples, bring your kindling to the great bonfire of faith. Add a branch, or a twig or two; or better yet, toss in an entire cord of wood,” Boyd said.
He emphasized BYU’s unique responsibility in igniting spiritual fire and connecting revelation with reason. Boyd quoted President Russell M. Nelson, saying that there “is no conflict between science and religion.”
Similar to BYU’s origin story, Harvard University was also built by “deeply committed religious believers” who were looking for a new Zion. Despite the parallels between the two universities, Boyd said BYU must become a unique institution with Christ at its center.
“In pursuing our path, I’m convinced we carry the embers once kindled in places like Harvard and Yale,” Boyd said.
Boyd drove his point of the importance of both revelation and reason by referencing scholars who experienced spiritual visions and prophesies. He referred to Thomas Aquinas, who wrote a philosophical magnum opus, and Blaise Pascal, who invented the world’s first mechanical calculator, highlighting their encounters with God.
“Beware, my young friends, of falling prey to what President Reese has called the false dichotomy of thinking we must choose either reason or revelation — in fact, they are both indispensable in our quest for light and truth,” Boyd said.
BYU has continued to uphold the importance of reason in academia while maintaining the “great bonfire of faith.” As students graduate each year, they report having grown academically, but also spiritually.
However, Boyd warned that this bonfire of faith can be dampened through sin. He emphasized the importance of daily repentance and invited listeners to change course when they fall short.
“Let us joyfully change, grow and repent," Boyd said. "You’ll feel Christ’s love and become better.”