One of the valuable lessons we can learn is how to apply the art of reason. There are two kinds of reasoning: deductive and inductive. Deductive is drawing conclusions from axioms--it works great with math--but not so good with the natural sciences. It took humankind centuries to go from a geocentric solar system to a correct, heliocentric understanding. Inductive reasoning gathers data and facts first (i.e., the empirical method) before trying to draw conclusions. This method has its own set of problems but is generally a better approach.

You can read about God and religion and then try and draw your own conclusions, using deductive reasoning, but if your assumptions are wrong, so will be your conclusions. The Gospel is meant to be lived and experienced, In this way, we can better understand eternal truths.

God will sometimes reason with us as one person reasons with another. But the gold standard for learning truth is feeling His spirit and letting it edify us. We might make mistakes, but the Spirit of God will lead us to light and rejoicing. If something is not from God, it leads to darkness and confusion. God is merciful and forgiving as He leads us along, teaching us the difference--if we remain humble and teachable.