8 Ways that Anti-Intellectualism is Harming the Church

St. Thomas Aquinas. Fides Et Ratio

When asked to identify the greatest commandment in all of the Law, Jesus answered the inquiry by saying, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command” (Matthew 22:37-38).[1] It seems that one aspect of this commandment has eluded the modern church. Yes, the church notes the great need to love the Lord with the heart, that is the will and emotions. The modern American church also focuses on the love that one must hold for God with one’s soul, that is, one’s conscious being (life). However, the third aspect of the great commandment seems to have escaped the modern American church. The Christian is also commanded to love the Lord with his or her mind. Extreme fideism (believing that the Christian life is only about faith without reason) has led the church into a state known as anti-intellectualism. Anti-intellectualism is defined as the state of “opposing or [being] hostile to intellectuals or to an intellectual view or approach” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). In this case, the intellectual approach is the intellectual approach to the Christian faith. Anti-intellectualism not only hinders one from keeping the great commandment, but such an attitude is also damaging to the church. This article will present eight ways that anti-intellectualism harms the church.

1. Anti-intellectualism harms the church theologically.

By theologically, I simply indicate how the church views God. Dr. Daniel Mitchell, one of my theology professors from Liberty University, once said, “The more you study God, the bigger God becomes.” His statement proved true. So often, anti-intellectuals limit their scope of God. Because anti-intellectuals fail to examine, research, and contemplate, they miss out on the vast nature of God. While the Christian may understand the basic fundamentals of God’s omniscience and omnipotence, one who allows oneself to contemplate and study these attributes of God will be left in great awe of the greatness of God Almighty. We love God with our minds when we study God. “Search for the LORD and for His strength; seek His face always” (1 Chronicles 16:11).

 2. Anti-intellectualism harms the church doctrinally.

By doctrinally, I simply indicate how the church views God’s interactions with humanity. How does the church view salvation? How does the church view humanity? The modern church has allowed pop culture to dictate these issues according to social fads and the like. The anti-intellectual will relish in having loads of moving music, will jump with excitement with the latest form of entertainment, but will be left with no basis for examining whether such songs and activities fit within the parameters of orthodoxy. So often, modern Christians leave their churches feeling great excitement, yet are left without any solid foundation for knowing what the church stands for and why it stands for certain things. Issues of salvation have become universalized, issues of eternity have been compromised, and issues concerning humanity have been radicalized because many modern Christians fail to love the Lord with their minds.

 3. Anti-intellectualism harms the church apologetically.

Those who know my testimony knows that I left the ministry for seven years and nearly became an agnostic. Why? My faith was shaken by the Jesus Seminar. When I asked Christian leaders why it was that I could trust the Bible, they responded by saying such things as, “Because it’s the Bible;” “the Bible says we should believe the Bible;” and “you shouldn’t ask such things!” It wasn’t until I came across the works of Christian apologists like Josh McDowell, Lee Strobel, William Lane Craig, Gary Habermas, and many others that I began to realize that there were good reasons for why I should believe the Bible. Many of those evidences came from outside of the Bible (e.g. archaeology, manuscript evidence, and et. cetera). Had I been given this information earlier, I would not have left the ministry. Anti-intellectualism is killing the church today because we are left with no defense from the attacks arising from secularists and the like. We must remember that we are instructed to “Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15). To do otherwise is to neglect the love that we have for God with the mind.

4. Anti-intellectualism harms the church emotionally.

The fourth statement may sound counter-intuitive. Often when a case is made for intellectual Christianity, emotionalism is invalidated. However, emotions are important for human beings. Yet, emotions can lead us astray. Anti-intellectualism, such as is found in movements like the prosperity gospel and the like often lead to far more emotional damage than intellectual Christianity. A proper understanding of theodicy, suffering, and the problem of evil will help the believer in times of great distress. Proponents of anti-intellectualism are far less equipped to deal with times of tragedy than those who have a solid understanding of such topics. In fact, I have personally witnessed pastors who advocated anti-intellectualism fall into times of far greater distress and doubt when they are met with times of suffering and stress. Their doubt and stress is at a far greater degree than those who are grounded with an intellectual faith. An intellectual faith grounds the emotions and demonstrates how a person can love God with the mind.

5. Anti-intellectualism harms the church philosophically.

Philosophy and theology are intertwined to some degree. Theology is a branch of philosophy. Philosophy, simply put, is “a discipline comprising as its core logic, aesthetics, ethics, metaphysics, and epistemology” (Merriam-Webster), or the “pursuit of wisdom” (Merriam-Webster). How do we see the world? How do we see society? What is the meaning of life? These are questions that everyone must answer. Different people come to differing conclusions. In a culture where every opinion is held to equal value, it is important that the believer understands such concepts as truth, logic, and value. Otherwise, the believer will be led by everything thrown their direction or, in contrast, oppose everything that may have some value. Some oppose philosophy because of Paul’s statement to the Colossians saying, “Be careful that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit based on human tradition” (Colossians 2:8). A closer examination of Paul’s statement will reveal that Paul is not dismissing philosophy, but rather Paul is dismissing bad philosophy. In addition, Paul’s statement on philosophy is a philosophical statement. Thus, it would seem that quite the opposite is being promoted by Paul. One should not avoid philosophy. One should avoid bad philosophy. How does one know bad philosophy? They know bad philosophy because they know good philosophy. Possessing good philosophy is another way that the church loves God with the mind.

6. Anti-intellectualism harms the church socially.

It seems that many are led more by politics rather than their religious convictions. The opposite should surely be the case. When one allows political parties and nationalistic fervor to dictate their beliefs, one may well be found favorable among the populace while being very unpopular with God. Anti-intellectual Christians will find themselves more easily swayed by the great influence of politics. The intellectual Christian, one grounded in the fundamentals of the Christian faith, will understand the great value of all lives despite race, nationality, or gender. Intellectual faith remembers and realizes the truthfulness of Paul’s statement in that “There is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). When intellectual faith realizes and actualizes Paul’s statement, then one will truly love God with the mind…and will be moved to love their neighbors as themselves.

7. Anti-intellectualism harms the church evangelistically.

While in prison Paul wrote that “what has happened to me has actually resulted in the advance of the gospel…I am appointed for the defense of the gospel” (Philippians 1:12, 16). How would Paul have been able to know how to defend the gospel if he did not know why one should believe the gospel? Many anti-intellectuals hold a limited if not unbiblical view of faith. Anti-intellectuals often consider faith to be the acceptance for which no evidence exists. Or, some may view faith as simply an emotional crutch. Faith is not demonstrated in such a way in the Bible. For instance, consider Jesus’ use of miracles. Jesus did not ask for blind faith. Jesus would back up his claims with a demonstration of power. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world” (John 9:5) and then provided the light of physical sight to the man at the pool of Siloam. At the tomb of Lazarus, Jesus told Mary and Martha (the sisters of Lazarus) as well as everyone else “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me, even if he dies, will live” (John 11:25). Bold words to say at a man’s tomb, don’t you think? Yet, Jesus demonstrated that he was the resurrection and the life by raising Lazarus back to life. Jesus backed up his claims. It behooves the modern Christian to know the evidences for the faith. This will provide great strength to one’s evangelistic efforts. Know what you believe, know why you believe what you do, and know the One in whom you are believing, so that you can tell others about the One you serve. Doing such demonstrates a love for God with the mind.

8. Anti-intellectualism harms the church spiritually.

Finally, anti-intellectualism harms the church spiritually. How one might ask? Anti-intellectualism harms the church spiritually in many ways. I will list only two for the purpose of this article. 1) It harms one’s view of salvation. Some have added to or taken away from the gospel message because of an unexamined view of salvation from the Bible. False professions have been made without understanding the submission required for salvation, that is to say one’s submission to Christ as the Lord of one’s life. 2) It harms one’s spiritual walk. Sometimes anti-intellectuals will allow things into their lives which should not be present. When confronted, the person will say, “I have faith and that is all that matters.” Such a view stems from a bad interpretation of faith. If a person had studied their Bibles, researched passages, and held a true love of learning about God, then one would be willing to submit themselves to God fully and completely. Perhaps some of the problems of integrity in the modern church stems from the laziness which is so boldly exhibited in the anti-intellectual movement. Such can be protected at least to some degree by loving God with the mind.

Conclusion

Socrates is noted as saying that “an unexamined life is not worth living.” Socrates is right. However, one could stretch the philosopher’s statement in saying that “an unexamined faith is not worth having.” Biblical faith is enmeshed with reason. We should know why we believe in God and why we believe in Christ. If one simply accepts Christ because their family or friends did, is their faith truly legitimate? The Christian should not be afraid of loving God with the mind. One need not leave their brain at the door of faith. In fact, reason and faith are complementary because we serve a real God who provides a real trust. Anti-intellectualism is harmful for the church. It is a trend that must be reversed. Charles Bugg puts it best in saying,

“There is no excuse for preaching that requires people to leave their head outside the church. In the Great Commandment, Jesus taught His disciples to love God with all of their mind, heart, and soul. Some preachers make their living by attacking education or by riding the horse of anti-intellectualism. The result is a kind of demagoguery that creates unwarranted suspicion toward education. Ministers need to use the minds God has given them and to love God with all of that mind. Likewise, they need to call their listeners to love God with all of their minds” (Bugg 1992, 125-126).

Sources Cited:

Bugg, Charles B. Preaching from the Inside Out. Nashville: Broadman Press, 1992.

Mish, Frederick C. Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary. Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster, Inc., 2003.

 

© August 24, 2015. Brian Chilton.

[1] Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quoted in this article comes from the Holman Christian Standard Bible (Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers, 2009).

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Russ McQueen
7 years ago

Most professing Christians are not even aware of their own anti-intellectualism. Perhaps the reason is that one would have to be acquainted with intellectual pursuit in order to grasp the concept of “anti-intellectual.” Contributing factors include the widespread lack of familiarity with Church history, development of the creeds, confessions and catechisms, and the place of contemporary churches and Christian movements in the historical context. We have practiced a form of Christian reductionism which holds that the only things of importance are “Jesus in my heart” and “my personal relationship with Jesus,” and we are left with a quasi-pietistic form of Christian emotionalism. Wake-up calls, such as your article, are sorely needed.

Russ McQueen
7 years ago

Most professing Christians are not even aware of their own anti-intellectualism. Perhaps the reason is that one would have to be acquainted with intellectual pursuit in order to grasp the concept of “anti-intellectual.” Contributing factors include the widespread lack of familiarity with Church history, development of the creeds, confessions and catechisms, and the place of contemporary churches and Christian movements in the historical context. We have practiced a form of Christian reductionism which holds that the only things of importance are “Jesus in my heart” and “my personal relationship with Jesus,” and we are left with a quasi-pietistic form of Christian emotionalism. Wake-up calls, such as your article, are sorely needed.

Brian Chilton
Admin
7 years ago
Reply to  Russ McQueen

Russ,

Thank you for your comment. I agree with everything you said. The church is woefully ignorant concerning matters of creed, history, and oft times basic biblical knowledge. While emotions have their place, we cannot and must not neglect loving God with the mind.

Blessings,

Brian

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jlafan2001
jlafan2001
8 years ago

I’m aware of Augustine but he believed the universe was created in seconds which is even worse than the genesis text. Also, how do you know the creation account was a corrective and not a copy? The other creation accounts are older and it is possible that the jewish people needed an account of their own after inventing their own monotheistic god. The people were starting to make it on their own and needed their own god and creation accounts to match the other gods so why not go bigger and better.

jlafan2001
jlafan2001
8 years ago

I’m aware of Augustine but he believed the universe was created in seconds which is even worse than the genesis text. Also, how do you know the creation account was a corrective and not a copy? The other creation accounts are older and it is possible that the jewish people needed an account of their own after inventing their own monotheistic god. The people were starting to make it on their own and needed their own god and creation accounts to match the other gods so why not go bigger and better.

Pastor Brian Chilton
Admin
8 years ago
Reply to  jlafan2001

Please provide citations.

jlafan2001
jlafan2001
8 years ago

To Daniel…the plain reading of the genesis text implies 24hour, six day creation. A lot of the early church fathers took that view because it seems fairly obvious that this is what the text is saying. It wasn’t until science showed it was wrong that old earth, day age, gap theory or even metaphor came on the scene. Organizations like Biologos seems happy in rewriting the biblical texts to suit science and their ideas but they aren’t fooling anybody.

Daniel
Daniel
8 years ago
Reply to  jlafan2001

My suggestion is to dig a little deeper. As far back as Augustine, we can see precedence in church history for rejecting a literal 6 day interpretation of Genesis 1 and 2. Digging even deeper, we can see the Genesis account as a parallel, yet corrective juxtaposition of the Egyptian creation myths – which is exactly what we would expect, given Mosaic authorship.

Again, I fear that straw men are being constructed and torn down in this case.

jlafan2001
jlafan2001
8 years ago

To Daniel…the plain reading of the genesis text implies 24hour, six day creation. A lot of the early church fathers took that view because it seems fairly obvious that this is what the text is saying. It wasn’t until science showed it was wrong that old earth, day age, gap theory or even metaphor came on the scene. Organizations like Biologos seems happy in rewriting the biblical texts to suit science and their ideas but they aren’t fooling anybody.

Pastor Brian Chilton
Admin
8 years ago
Reply to  jlafan2001

May I interject for a moment. The issue of Genesis and the timeframe of a day is anything but settled. A psalm attributed to Moses as well as the writings of Simon Peter acknowledge the difference in the way God and people view time. I would recommend John Lennox’s book “Seven Days that Divide the World.” Both views are respected. I wrote an article on this very issue which can be found on this website.

Daniel
Daniel
8 years ago
Reply to  jlafan2001

My suggestion is to dig a little deeper. As far back as Augustine, we can see precedence in church history for rejecting a literal 6 day interpretation of Genesis 1 and 2. Digging even deeper, we can see the Genesis account as a parallel, yet corrective juxtaposition of the Egyptian creation myths – which is exactly what we would expect, given Mosaic authorship.

Again, I fear that straw men are being constructed and torn down in this case.

Daniel
Daniel
8 years ago

To jlafan2001… if you lost your faith after considering the evidence for evolution, I fear you were originally sold a caricature of biblical faith that is built on young earth creationism. Such a view is compatibile, but not necessary, for biblical faith as trust in Jesus as Messiah.

jlafan2001
jlafan2001
8 years ago

The thing about anti-intellectualism is that it is a safe spot for christians. There are many websites out there of christians turned atheists who dared to examine their faith. When they searched for evidence of god, the bible or creation, they were shocked at what they found. The evidence wasn’t what they were told. A lot of them set out to prove the atheists wrong and that their faith was a reliable one only to find out that the counter-apologist has better evidence and arguments. I for one lost my faith when I looked at the evidence for evolution and then found the bible to be unreliable as the word of god in may respects.

trackback

[…] ~ Brian Chilton, 8 Ways that Anti-Intellectualism is Harming the Church […]

jlafan2001
jlafan2001
8 years ago

The thing about anti-intellectualism is that it is a safe spot for christians. There are many websites out there of christians turned atheists who dared to examine their faith. When they searched for evidence of god, the bible or creation, they were shocked at what they found. The evidence wasn’t what they were told. A lot of them set out to prove the atheists wrong and that their faith was a reliable one only to find out that the counter-apologist has better evidence and arguments. I for one lost my faith when I looked at the evidence for evolution and then found the bible to be unreliable as the word of god in may respects.

trackback

[…] Here is a great post by Pastor Brian Chilton who incorporates apologetics into his ministry. Also, see our post called The Problem of Anti-Intellectualism in the Church-Problems and Possible Solutions […]

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