Oxymoron: A Thinking Christian
Christians have, for the most part, been stamped “IRRELEVANT” by the rest of society. We are known as the bigoted, religious people who constantly make a big deal about silly things. We are said to have no sense of humor and to be ignorant about everything, including the truth behind our religion.
The disheartening reality is that it seems that it is most often the least educated among our ranks who tend to be the most vocal about our faith. Some would say that this is because we are meant to rely on faith and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit rather than on worldly knowledge. Many devote Christians avoid learning for fear that a love of knowledge will replace dependency on the Holy Spirit and smother a vibrant faith.
What are we to do? Shall we turn to knowledge and become educated rather than spirit-filled? Or shall we shun worldly wisdom and appear ignorant to the world? Many well-meaning servants of Christ might find the latter option more appealing (and Biblical). However, it is important to remember that some of the apostles were quite well educated themselves as well as many of the remarkable early-church fathers.
The truth is, our faith needs those with a love of study. We need those who are willing to form theologies, translate scripture, and help us make our faith applicable to our changing cultural context.
So, Christian scholars are important, but what of the average Christian? The questions we must ask ourselves are these: First, is our Savior confined to one aspect of our lives, our spiritual longings, or does he permeate all of our existence? And second, if he is present in every part of life, then is it not important for us to understand more of the world around us so that we can be a light into every nook and cranny of God’s good creation?
This undertaking should not require you to give up on your passionate faith. Learn what you believe… really learn it. And then take this new-found knowledge and bring it into everything that you are passionate about.
Let Christ shine in math if math is your passion. Let Christ shine in photography if photography is your passion. Let him shine in economics, computers, music, and sports. Whatever your passion, let Christ shine in it through you.
Know your faith. It is no sin to not be ignorant. Know it… live it… let it shine.
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Catagories: Christian Education
The disheartening reality is that it seems that it is most often the least educated among our ranks who tend to be the most vocal about our faith. Some would say that this is because we are meant to rely on faith and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit rather than on worldly knowledge. Many devote Christians avoid learning for fear that a love of knowledge will replace dependency on the Holy Spirit and smother a vibrant faith.
What are we to do? Shall we turn to knowledge and become educated rather than spirit-filled? Or shall we shun worldly wisdom and appear ignorant to the world? Many well-meaning servants of Christ might find the latter option more appealing (and Biblical). However, it is important to remember that some of the apostles were quite well educated themselves as well as many of the remarkable early-church fathers.
The truth is, our faith needs those with a love of study. We need those who are willing to form theologies, translate scripture, and help us make our faith applicable to our changing cultural context.
So, Christian scholars are important, but what of the average Christian? The questions we must ask ourselves are these: First, is our Savior confined to one aspect of our lives, our spiritual longings, or does he permeate all of our existence? And second, if he is present in every part of life, then is it not important for us to understand more of the world around us so that we can be a light into every nook and cranny of God’s good creation?
This undertaking should not require you to give up on your passionate faith. Learn what you believe… really learn it. And then take this new-found knowledge and bring it into everything that you are passionate about.
Let Christ shine in math if math is your passion. Let Christ shine in photography if photography is your passion. Let him shine in economics, computers, music, and sports. Whatever your passion, let Christ shine in it through you.
Know your faith. It is no sin to not be ignorant. Know it… live it… let it shine.
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Catagories: Christian Education
