The Crippling Effect of Anti-Intellectualism in Christianity

Systematic Theology and the Life of the Mind

Few mistakes are more crippling to Christian witness within the Christian community than anti-intellectualism. Few theological errors violate more theological doctrines more radically. In his Pulitzer-Prize-winning work, Anti-Intellectualism and in American Life, historian Richard Hofstadter defined anti-intellectualism as a “resentment of the life of the mind, and those who are considered to represent it; and a disposition to constantly minimize the value of that life.”

I agree, but will add a few nuances to this: An anti-intellectual demeans or even rejects the worth of reasons, arguments, and evidence in the shaping of individual beliefs and overall worldviews and holds in contempt or derision those who insist that the intellectual should be fed not starved. Few who read this message are in danger of anti-intellectualism, but many outside the Christian academy are in cognitive jeopardy. But this argument will further the defense of the sanctified intellect so that the mission of God will go forth in even greater power.

Recommended Reading:

1. Harry Blamires, The Christian Mind
2. Os Guinness. Fit Bodies, Fat Minds.
3. James Sire, Habits of the Mind
4. P. Moreland, Love Your God With all Your Mind.

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