Seeing photos like this, while depressing, is a reminder that we still have a long way to go in combatting anti-intellectualism within the church. Anti-intellectualism manifests itself just as strongly in subtle ways. For instance, whenever you hear the word 'theology' or 'theological', in church just take note as to whether it is being mentioned in a positive or negative context. If my unofficial straw poll is to be believed then you will find almost 90% of references to theology to be pejorative. Theology is the bedrock of our Christian faith. Yet people who spend their time studying to deepen the roots of their faith are decried from the pulpit over and over again.
Another test for anti-intellectualism is when a false distinction is set up between being led by the Spirit and using one's intellectual faculties. (There should of course be no distinction. If you are truly led of the Spirit, this should mean that all your intellectual faculties are engaged in the process of being led of the Lord.) This is particularly dangerous because, very subtly, leaders in the church who feel threatened by those who engage their minds encourage their flock to be unthinking sheep. It's a recipe for disaster.
So for the record, my faith is totally inherently reasonable. In fact, that's why I believe in Christ. I am unashamed to be a thinking, Spirit-filled Christian because God gave me the brain I use to know him. I will never check my brain in at the door of the church.
Reason is the bedrock of my faith in God. So there.
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