What is the difference between the human mind in A.D. 2014 and the human mind 200 years ago? 2000 years ago? Biologically, nothing. So how is it possible that in all of recorded history, the innovations of today were not seen? Why did the Romans not have cars? Why did the Chinese Han Dynasty not have Tablets? These seem like ridiculous questions, but think about it. Did we somehow evolve over a few hundred years to become "more intelligent?" Perhaps it was just the laws of probability that brought us the anomalies in human intelligence, such as Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton, Marie Curie, and the entire Bohr legacy to name a few. After all, without men/women like that nobody would have discovered what they did. Right? Yet, this doesn't seem likely, because great minds have existed for centuries in recorded history and we have no reason to believe that there wasn't similar intelligence prior to our relatively modern records. Some may say that the harsh political/social environments of the past kept people from accomplishing what the free world has accomplished in the last few hundred years. But this argument, too, would bring us back to the same question - why no free governments (widespread) until now?
If we consider the Scriptures, we may find some food for thought. In the New Testament, Paul writes in Ephesians 1:10, "That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth." If we follow the understanding of Dispensations, we are to understand that the "dispensation of the fulness of times" refers to the time period we live in currently. We can also add modern revelation given to Joseph Smith in Doctrine and Covenants 121:30-32 "And also, if there be abounds set to the heavens or to the seas, or to the dry land, or to the sun, moon, or stars—All the times of their revolutions, all the appointed days, months, and years, and all the days of their days, months, and years, and all their glories, laws, and set times, shall be revealed in the days of the dispensation of the fulness of times—According to that which was ordained in the midst of the Council of the Eternal God...before this world was...."
In my understanding, the main reason we have the incredible advances in technology that we do today is due to the Lord's opening of the minds of His children. I have spoken to or heard it said by scientists of faith that they literally felt led to their conclusions in scientific discovery. In one occasion, I heard Elder Russell M. Nelson (former Cardiac surgeon and current Apostle in the LDS church) explain his role in the cardiac research. He emphasized the point that he knew the principles of the scriptures to be true, then allowed the inspiration for scientific research to flow through those same principles (Intermountain Pre-med Conference, Provo UT, 2011). He also gave a general conference address referencing such an occasion as well. Of course, God loves all of his children and does not reserve all such blessings of inspiration to those who recognize it. I believe that there are many researches (of faith and agnostic) that are inspired in their discoveries for the betterment of scientific medicine and mankind without realizing it.
I love the association of science and religion. I know that God is interested in leading our discoveries along so that we may live more fruitful lives and focus on being our best selves. I have many questions in relation to the medical science, the universe, and more; but I know the source of all knowledge will reveal things according to his own due time.
