Tolle Lege

The School of Athens by Raffaello Sanzio

Dean Lindsay Whaley recently led a seminar concerning “Faith and the Academy.” This class explored how Christians should operate in a secular academic environment, and how Christians can glorify God through scholarship. A key aspect of the discussions was the necessity of humility in a Christian’s “life of mind” and academic pursuits.

Approaching scholarship from a secular perspective, one holds human academic accomplishment in high regard. Advanced degrees, published papers, cutting-edge research, and strong rhetorical skills certainly prove an academic’s excellence in his or her field. Such credentials, viewed in a secular framework, may lead one to believe that scholars discover or create or have dominion over knowledge. Today’s scholars are, in a sense, approaching the pinnacle of human knowledge, having the advantage of hundreds, even thousands, of years worth of academic work to draw upon. Though academic progress will presumably continue in future years, today’s researchers do, essentially, know more than any before them. It is easy to view scholarship as a supreme act of human accomplishment, the crowning achievement of a highly evolved mind. This view does not, however, entirely align with a Christian view of knowledge. The Christian’s approach to academia must be tempered with a different cosmic perspective.

The Biblical perspective poses God as the revealer of knowledge and wisdom, and man as their humble recipient. Scripture frequently compares knowledge and wisdom to hidden treasure. Job 28 describes the search for these things, lamenting that they are more difficult to procure than “jewels of fine gold,” “coral or crystal,” and “pearls,” among other riches. Wisdom and understanding are posed as practically inaccessible to humans. Verses 20-21 read, “From where, then, does wisdom come? And where is the place of understanding? It is hidden from the eyes of all living…” The frustration and desperation in these words show man’s inadequacy in the pursuit of “understanding” and “knowledge”; indeed, these things are actively “hidden” from him. The passage does, however, open a doorway for man to find the “treasure.” Verse 28 reads, “…Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.” Man finds wisdom in humble reverence for God, rather than in his own aggressive efforts. Understanding involves a flight from evil – reconciliation with a perfect Creator, rather than a process of self-deification through intellectual accomplishment. The ability to think and study comes from God. He provides any inkling of “understanding” or “wisdom” we experience.

This perspective, with God as the source of all wisdom and knowledge, alters how the Christian approaches the academic world. 1 Corinthians 1:20 reads, “Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?” This passage calls into question the quality and value of human knowledge severed from God. God “makes foolish” what the world praises; the knowledge of the great “debater” and the clever “scribe” pales in comparison to God’s wisdom. Considering this, Christians can respect, but not worship, the great academics and thinkers of “this age.” Ultimately a human’s intelligence or accomplishments do not alter his or her worth in God’s eyes. Revering and submitting to God, in academic respects and otherwise, allow man to serve, follow, and glorify Him.

This attitude of humility in academic pursuits has practical possibilities. As one example, Dean Whaley noted how scholarship involves critiquing others’ work. As a Christian, an attitude of humility and love makes this process constructive and encouraging rather than malicious and self-aggrandizing. 1 Corinthians 8:1b reads, “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” Essentially, criticism should “build up” the community, while still being tactfully corrective. It should not “puff up” individuals as all-knowing scholars, self-secure in their achievements. 2 Corinthians 1:12 emphasizes  “conducting ourselves…in the holiness and sincerity that are from God.” Maintaining a humble, open, and sincere attitude in academic practices is edifying to the academic community; communication is not blocked by arrogance, and open receipt of constructive criticism allows for sharpened and improved ideas.

All in all, a scriptural approach to academic pursuits emphasizes humility and perspective. By seeing knowledge as God-given, rather than humanly achieved, the Christian appreciates the privilege of learning as a gift from God. At the same time, man’s knowledge, while still impressive by worldly standards, no longer elicits the same degree of awe when compared to God’s infinite wisdom. Finally, a God-centered, humble attitude towards the pursuit of knowledge can impact the practical actions of the academic, in his or her interactions with colleagues and contributions to his or her field. Essentially, as said in Proverbs 2:5, “…you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.” Humility and reverence towards God can and should define the Christian’s approach to academia.