Sunday, 12 July 2009

  • Check Your Brains at the Church Door: Is Christianity Anti-Intellectual?

    I can still remember the one sentence that has turned me off to Christianity the most.

    It was my senior year of college, and I was at a dinner with the other senior members of the evangelical campus ministry of which I served on the leadership team. We were at the house of one of our most prominent donors, and over dessert, we were going around the table and sharing our plans for post-college.

    As my teammates revealed their plans for medical school or business careers, my head started to spin with anxiety. After graduation, I was off to attend an Ivy League divinity school to study the Bible. Surely seminary was looked highly upon by these evangelical Christians, but only conservative ones. How would they react to my heading to the Northeast for an education from scholars who weren't quite convinced of all the same ideas they were?

    Finally, my time to speak came. I took a deep breath and hazarded: "I'm going to seminary. I applied to Emory, Princeton and Yale."

    The table fell silent. Finally, the wife of the donor couple fixed me with a steely glare and spoke the words, so etched in my memory:

    "Well, may those schools not destroy you."

    The awkward silence continued until someone re-steered the conversation, but the couple ignored me, the biblical black sheep, for the rest of the night. Her caustic words hung in my mind, suspended like a tapioca pearl, and they still haunt me to this day, even now that I've finished my "destructive" education.

    This couple disapproved of my desire to learn at a secular institution, and several others were concerned about me: how was I going to keep my faith among all those 'liberals'? What if they said the Bible wasn't true? Was I sure I wanted to subject myself to this strange unorthodoxy?

    And it's precisely this attitude that I find troubling, i.e. that education is a bad thing. Don't learn too much, so it goes, don't expose yourself to too many critical viewpoints, or you'll become brainwashed into unbelief. God wants you to be obedient, and you can only do that by being overly cautious about what you hear, see and learn. If a book says some scripture might be metaphorical, put it down and pick up something by Tim LaHaye. If your pastor says being gay is OK, flee and find a more orthodox church. Don't watch that documentary about how the world might actually be millions of years old.

    Kevin Roose, a Brown University student who spent a semester at Jerry Falwell's Liberty University to observe the culture, says in his book The Unlikely Disciple  that the school's squashing of alternative viewpoints and iron-fisted control over faculty are the reason it will "continue to wallow in academic mediocrity." For example, young earth creationism, biblical inerrancy and conservative politics are taught exclusively in the classroom, with no time given to evolutionary science even as a system for critique. Instead of teaching their students to explore, deconstruct and accept doubt as healthy, Roose says, Liberty does a detriment to a liberal arts education by insisting on championing a unilateral political and spiritual agenda.

    If Christians believe that the Bible is the inerrant word of God, then liberal theology and liberal hermeneutics shouldn't be so frightening. What's the harm in learning about alternative opinions? If your faith can be shaken by a few nay-sayers, perhaps you're not realizing the true power of the reality of God. Education is not the enemy. We shouldn't avoid books by Enlightenment philosophers and lofty Ivy League scholars because they might say something we disagree with. Rather, we should peruse these authors and evaluate their ideas with our own acumen.

    Do you think Christians are anti-intellectual?

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Comments (107)

  • deepestrecesses

    I think the reason why that couple was not happy by your choice in schools is not because they disaproved of education.  Rather it is more likely because they know the tendency for young people to abandone the beliefs they were raised with and accept everything their professors tell them. 


    Younger people like to rebuttle this "old fashiond" wisdom by saying "yes, but it's our responsibility to get all the facts, and make an educated decision". 


    The problem with this is that many younger students don't know how to truly research all sides of the story.  They use resources that their professors point them to, or they will use library books that their school has decided to obtain.  IF they get online, chances of finding a conservative resource are slim.


    Their teachers and peers will encourage them (as you are) to pursue books with "new" ideas-- well, this is great.  The Problem happens when they stop reinforcing what they believe because all their time goes into researching what other people believe. 


    There are clinical studies that show if you tell someone something enough times, it begins to make it's way into your beliefs.


    So, my caution is not that you stop learning, but my caution is that you not think to highly of your own inteligence and forget to reinforce the Truth that is found in Gods word. 

  • quicksandbuddy@xanga

    I totally agree. I go to a Christian liberal arts college where they teach Intelligent Evolution. I was opposed to it at first, but soon I was much more breath-taken by the intricacies of the Evolution of the universe than I ever was by 7-Day Creation. Evolution just seemed to prove to me that God had a hand in Creation.

    However, when I got back home and started talking about my revelation, everyone I knew started reaching for the holy water. Many seemed convinced that I had taken the first step to becoming a satanist. It irked me so much because I still believe that God created the universe. So what's the problem, here?  
  • TropicalOceanSunset@xanga

    @Theophilus166@xanga - You make several excellent points.

    @Lil_Firefly_25@xanga - I don't agree that conservative viewpoints contradict what science proves because, truthfully, science does not, and cannot prove anything. There are no facts. Science is all hypothetical. The first day of any science class will tell you that you cannot prove anything in science. Even gravity. It's not called the "fact" of gravity. It's the Law of Gravity if only because it has consistently been NOT refuted. There is still a chance (however small) that it could be refuted.

    I realize like 50 people are going to try to roast me for this since most people maintain that you can prove something scientifically, when in fact you can only SUPPORT or REFUTE something. Just had to get that off my chest.
  • Nous_Apeiron@xanga

    It's a fairly small portion of Christians that are anti-intellectual in the sense that they actively distrust or attempt to discredit any intellectual source outside of those that agree very specifically with their views.  There's another, I would guess somewhat larger portion of Christians, who are simply indifferent to such intellectual sources, either because they don't have to face them in their daily lives and never gain an awareness of them or because they simply see no benefit in reading those sources.

    Personally, I've not really encountered any opposition to my intellectual bent at the church I attend.  In fact, many of them encourage the kind of study I like to do of various Christian topics and a wide variety of other subjects.

    If people are concerned that they might be wrongly affected by reading the kinds of materials that you'll find at a secular institution, I recommend that they continue to do what they should be doing already before reading something that might be problematic; pray for guidance and that they only be led to do God's will.
  • too_pretty_to_die@xanga

    @scrambledmegzntoast@hardestlevel - did i say "all"?
  • scrambledmegzntoast@hardestlevel

    @too_pretty_to_die@xanga - You didn't say anything; we are writing here, not speaking. You did not use "some", "many" or any other modifier. Am I supposed to make assumptions about what you mean? I can only interpret exactly what you write and assume you mean exactly what you wrote. Or would you rather we all leap to assumptions, so you can indignantly proclaim "I didn't say that!".

  • too_pretty_to_die@xanga

    @scrambledmegzntoast@hardestlevel - if you made an incorrect assumption of my comment, that's not my problem.  i tend to say what i mean... if i had intended to declare that all Christians are idiots, i would probably have said that. 

    and sorry, but i don't care enough about your semantic issues to be indignant.  exasperated, maybe. 

  • scrambledmegzntoast@hardestlevel

    @too_pretty_to_die@xanga - I assumed nothing; I read the exact meaning of the words your wrote in the order in which you wrote them. I would respond that it is not my fault that you do not know how to express yourself clearly in written form. This has nothing to do with semantics, and I would encourage you to look that word up in a dictionary. In the context of your statement, the lack of a modifying adjective leaves the only interpretation as "all". For anyone to interpret your words otherwise would require an assumption.
  • Bluesnag

    Very interesting thoughts from all.  Of course, people like William Lane Craig present a very intellectual view of Christianity, but back to the main question: "Is Christianity Anti-Intellectual?" Hard to give a blanket answer, as historic Christianity cultivated the intellect. However, a strong point can be made that YES, Christianity does discourage critical thinking.  Too many believers in Christian dogma are exactly as the Freedom From Religion Foundation makes them out to be: Unscientific nonprogressives that see life as absolutes of invisible forces that haven't been proven by science or reason. Religion including Christianity does not encourage self-reliance or problem solving skills acquired by oneself, but excessive peer pressure communalism of low I.Q. dunderheads who go through life on feelings rather than the use of reason.


    If anything, four years of seminary taught me NOT to use the brain much, nor to reach out to people who do.
  • FlyAway180@xanga

    I would argue that God WANTS us to be intellectual. He gave us these minds, and I believe he wants us to use them to the best of our ability. To explore, study, and learn. The bible does say to love God with all our hearts, souls, and MINDS. How can we love him with our minds if we do not use them?

  • princess1505angel@xanga

    "If Christians believe that the Bible is the inerrant word of God, then liberal theology and liberal hermeneutics shouldn't be so frightening." 
    So true!  I've never been frightened by intellectuals.  Why should I be?  I love discussing the Bible intellectually and quit attending church because I felt that it wasn't an area for intellectual an spiritual growth. 
    I think we need to be careful about labeling non-intellectuals as unintelligent.  Just because someone is not preoccupied with the inner workings of the mind or isn't cerebral in their approach to life does not mean they are not smart.  And vice versa. (We've all met an intellectual we consider less intelligent than a small child.)
    While I like to consider things cerebrally, I don't, however, seek out books on philosophy or go looking to debate the alternative views.  This is because I prefer to spend my limited time on earth actually living what I believe instead of discussing mere theories.  Some people like to overintellectualize everything so that they never actually have to do anything.
  • rednick261@xanga

    Well said. Thank you for sharing this. It's a sad commentary on evangelical culture that it's so afraid of criticism that it would actually discourage exploration of alternate viewpoints. After all, if our faith is the one true faith and our primary duty is to share it, ought we not know what it is that we'll encounter in doing so?


    Thanks for the encouragement of knowing that there are others out there who don't fear education and intelligent criticism of our beliefs, and yet are able to hold to the faith and discover more about it through these conversations.
  • subSacred@xanga

    No, it goes beyond all intellect, but we can use intellect to grasp its most useful messages.
  • Stuck_ina_Box@xanga

    Christianity's answer for everything:

    BECAUSE GOD SAID SO.

    Why must you try and learn anything else? Silly, silly girl.
  • LightningRichy@xanga

    In my mind, a true Christian is someone who is confident in their faith. Do some Christians feel as if their opinions can be swayed as easily as the wind? If that is true, how can you call yourself a believer?

    I am not Christian myself, but to me it just doesn't make sense. Wouldn't a true believer trust in their faith, and believe that they will stay true to their religion despite any other criticisms and views they may come across?
  • KatxxxKatastrophe@xanga

    Not all Christians are anti-intellectual, but I've found that some are.
    I'm a "Christian", and I'm not.
    Some Christians are afraid that if someone gets a lot of education from somewhere that is not run by an all-Christian staff, then they will lose all chances of having faith in God because you're learning in a secular world where they won't teach you the Christian world view.
    But as a whole, no. Christianity is not anti-intellectual.
  • anonymous

    dear ms. jessica,


    christianity is by definition anti-intellectualism and anti-thought. it all goes back to the garden of eden, where the devil evidently pulls one over on our omniscient god when the former gives us the power to know good and bad via the tree of knowledge. then god, being the hypersensitive chap god is (apparently, omniscience and omnipotence aren't sufficient to overcome being slighted) casts adam and eve out of heaven and "damns" us, adam's now more enlightened descendants, to suffer here on earth. consequently, the ideal christian is a first class buffoon, an astounding ignoramus who hopes to surpass adam's level of moronia pre-fruit consumption and remain as docile and obedient as a cow (or, as jesus liked, a sheep). you had the misfortune of being with evangelical christians, namely and generally people of mediocre or below average intelligence (except with respect to the manipulation of others) already. this mediocrity/oafishness compounded with the thought-annihilating power of christianity creates a deadly mix repugnant to any respectable and civilized man/woman.


    that all being said, there are christians that try to file away the stupid/contradictory parts of christianity. voila, the earth revolves around the sun and isn't flat. voila limbo no longer exists. many have even taken to accepting evolution but still claim this is all consistent with their christian beliefs. they read the bible metaphorically because, taken literally, many of the stories seem utterly ludicrous (i mean really? god rains down frogs on the egyptians?). these attempts will fail i believe because christianity is obscurantist by nature (as i've argued above with the garden of eden story). in essence, christianity is an inversion of rationality and reality - the secret to life is death, the secret to knowledge is ignorance, the secret to freedom is obedience, etc.


    i say, if you want to be religious and want to overcome or fundamentally change the attitude of christianity, start a new church/ministry. but better still, start a new religion (i'm not being facetious), i figure you're just as or similarly likely to be right about god or god's existence/nature/history as anyone else is and i'd frankly be more than happy to read your thoughts regarding these matters via your weblog.
  • heidibelle@xanga

    I haven't read everyone else's comments, but I did read this post.  It caught my eye as I got on my site.


    I also think that what was said to you was unnecessary and probably a big ignorant as well??  Not meaning to judge, but it is definitely possible.  But I would challenge you also to not let certain people's biases close you off to God or the Bible.


    Speaking from what I believe, have read and studied--If you look at the significant differences between the Bible and any other book that has survived the torrents of time, you will find it truly is a book like no other.   The predictive prophecies alone are a great testimony, but also historical evidences and the way it has been preserved and passed down. 


    Bible says that Jesus came as the exact representation of God's being--and what did He live like?  He loved children.  He helped poor people and hung out with those who knew they needed help.  He healed the sick, raised the dead.  But he rebuked the arrogant and proud (which in that culture were mainly religious leaders).


    He summarized all of the Law and Prophets in two commands:  Love God with everything, and love your neighbor as yourself. (my paraphrase)


    His life, death and resurrection (or the "story" of it, if you are not ready to accept it as fact) have turned the world upside down. 


    And the message of the cross is a message of POWER.  I have been in a garbage dump and seen someone walking out of a wheel chair after being prayed for.  If you read updates from ministries like Gospel for Asia you will hear about miracles God is doing all of the time.  I worked at a youth ministry for a few years and we heard testimonies of miracles all of the time.  I have stood in my kitchen and talked to a nurse who told me about a healing that she witnessed while on a mission trip and how it changed her life.


    God is ALIVE.  Jesus is alive.  Crazy as it sounds, I believe it with all my heart.


    Is Christianity "anti-intellectual"?  Maybe in some senses--but only in ways that intellectualism is lacking.  Good author to look at is Francis Schaeffer.  He talks a lot about the rationality of Christianity (not meaning to include the rationality of the ways of God)--but how it fits to what is there.  "The God Who Is There", "Escape From Reason" and "He Is There And He Is Not Silent" are a three of his basic works.


    I would be willing to discuss more if you are interested.  Not trying to "shove stuff down your throat" ha...but it caught my eye.  I appreciate honest hearts and honest questions. 

  • too_pretty_to_die@xanga

    @scrambledmegzntoast@hardestlevel - ... i think you need to learn to relax.  i avoid quantitative words as a habit.  the OP didn't use any, either.  
  • bakadude@xanga

    There's nothing wrong with intellectually studying the bible...actually...it's an absolute must if we are to understand the deeper theological lessons from some of the most amazing inspired writers.


    The problem comes when we study the bible in the name of being "intellectualy" or "academically" but in reality is just a disguise for pushing personal agenda disguised behind "textual critism".


    The pursuit of education MUST be paired with the pursuit of "truth"...and it's no wonder as Jesus says "I am the way, the truth and the life" as those who actually value "truth" and not just "academics" would find life as they turn towards Christ.


    If Christianity isn't about "learning", then "sanctification" has no meaning.
  • scrambledmegzntoast@hardestlevel

    @too_pretty_to_die@xanga - Do not condescend to me and assume what I need to learn. I respectfully pointed out a flaw in your comments. If you cannot deal with that, I would appreciate it if you do not bother responding again if you cannot have the decency to treat me with respect and not act as if you know something about my demeanor. Understood?
  • too_pretty_to_die@xanga

    @scrambledmegzntoast@hardestlevel - respectfully? 

    "There are people who comment here who have
    the same tendencies, though maybe not as severe (see the comment right
    above mine, or any of that person's comments in general)."

    apparently, you have some form of grudge against me.  i don't see why i should be respectful in return.  so, we're done here. 

  • JosephParsons@xanga

    @Pcgecko85@xanga - Christ treated the Jonah story as fact... some consider him authoritative.
  • scrambledmegzntoast@hardestlevel

    @too_pretty_to_die@xanga - I was done a while ago, you chose to keep up this charade of what you seem to think is a "point". I couldn't care less about what you think or if you think that "we are done". Could you possible be any more presumptive and overbearing, by the way? And I stand by my comment. Do not act as if you do not make a habit of attacking people and belittling them here. It is an insult to anyone who reads the comments regularly. Save me your little victimization complex. I point out the truth about people, if you cannot handle it, too bad.
  • ElliottStrange@xanga

    Taking anything on faith is either a lapse in curiosity or reasoning.
    Questions are how we learn.
    Faith, by definition, is the act of not questioning.
    This answers itself.

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