A little more

In the earlier post regarding the California judge's decision, I expressed my lack of support for any effort, on the part of Christians, to avoid or ignore ideas and philosophies that defy the Christian worldview. The contrast is between striving to be a well-informed critical thinker versus the adoption of an anti-intellectual mindset. As I have stated, I believe the anti-intellectual mindset is the outgrowth of unresolved fear issues.

In our fellowship, though not shared by all, there is a subtle, yet significant, anti-intellectual sentiment. It's presence is felt in both overt and covert manners. Overtly, in challenges to never meddle with anything that originates from men (commentaries, books, sermons, etc.). Thus we decide to read the Bible alone, because it is the only thing we can trust. Furthermore, don't go getting too creative in interpreting the Bible, stick to the plain, literal sense of the text. That sort of wisdom is anchored in the presupposition that all things academically-oriented are highly suspect (or feared), therefore are best avoided. Covertly, the spirit of the university is avoided. We tend to avoid discussions of controversial subject, assuming that the only outcome will be conflict rather than shared learning. There is a lack of emphasis on Christian education- teens are not encouraged to attend Christian universities. Christian education is rarely portrayed as something to be desired or worthy of pursuit.

It's not my intent to portray anyone who is suspicious of commentaries and Christian education in a bad light. There are valid reasons for serious reservations regarding the fruit of intellectualism.

My intent is to spur on an atmosphere of free dialogue, even debate. Debate is not a bad word. The proverb is true, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

PS. PreacherMike is interesting today- it relates to our subject.