Anti-intellectual churches
I have come across so many times, in casual conversations and from the church pulpit, comments which take the use of the mind negatively. I am thinking of church people here. It is as if the use of the mind is solely to question God. Maybe it is viewed as lack of faith when one raises questions and discuss things. Should we simply believe in the heart and not think in the brain too much? Does the use of mind dishonor God? Is reasoning anti-faith?
When we use our minds, we honor God. God gave us brains not to confuse our hearts, but to use it for his glory. 'Great are the works of the LORD; they are pondered by all who delight in them' (Psalms. 111:2).
We can never sort God out with our minds. But if we use our minds to explore, we will only appreciate and marvel at the works of his hands and the greatness of who our God is. 'How great are your works, LORD, how profound your thoughts!' (Psalms. 92: 5). God is not threatened by our search for knowledge and understanding. Research and Creativity pleases him. Humans can go wrong. We can be filled with pride. But he created us to be creative, as we bear his image on earth. He did not create the universe and took off, God continues to create. We honor him when we use our minds and exercise our creativity. We are called to grow in our wisdom and understanding (2 Peter 3:18). Human progress is pleasing to God as we look forward to the Garden City of the New Jerusalem (not back to the Garden of Eden). It is a CITY we look forward to. And what does a city have? All the fruits of human progress.
Christian belief is based on a written word, the Bible. Therefore, reading becomes a very important spiritual exercise. And it is very much a mental exercise as we try to understand what the Bible says. Therefore, training to use our minds well is important if we want to understand the Bible and be faithful to its teachings.
How do we relate the teachings of the Bible to our lives and our world, if we have little idea of what the Bible says or what is going on in the world?
The Bible warns against Sloth (A disinclination to work or exert yourself) and Arrogance. The so-called 'spiritual' people who accuses people of lack of faith can be dishonoring God instead, by burying their God-given minds in the sand. The Bible warns of such people, 'You...slothful servant!.. you ought to have invested...' (Matthew 25: 26,27).
The Bible warns against Sloth (A disinclination to work or exert yourself) and Arrogance. The so-called 'spiritual' people who accuses people of lack of faith can be dishonoring God instead, by burying their God-given minds in the sand. The Bible warns of such people, 'You...slothful servant!.. you ought to have invested...' (Matthew 25: 26,27).
Dictionary meaning of 'Intellectual': Of or associated with or requiring the use of the mind
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