I’m preparing an address to a Christian group on campus tomorrow evening. The topic given to me was Academics as a form of Worship. I think the direction I will take is that education is a necessary and vital part of Discipleship. I would appreciate any feedback.
Matthew 22:37 -“ Jesus said unto him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your MIND.”
Why should a Christian engage in education?
1. Creation bears the testimony of its Maker. Learning about this world carries out our responsibility to be good stewards of it.
2. Studying the writings of atheists like Marx, Nietzsche, and Freud provide a pugnacious and pungent critique of Christianity. And we need to take seriously critiques against our faith. In general, the Christian community does a poor job of looking critically at ourselves.
3. The Bible teaches us that it is not only acceptable, but necessary to ask God the question “WHY?” Habakkuk, Job, Jeremiah, the Psalmist, and even Jesus didn't hesitate to ask God why. Neither should we. (But that doesn't mean we'll get an answer. We might get something better.)
These are the barebones of the lecture. Any thoughts?
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
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3 comments:
Three solid points. To incorporate a bit more of the Matthew 22 passage, part of loving our neighbor (v 39) is understanding the various factors and structures that help to shape us both, and within which we all live and operate.
Excellent suggestion. I will incorporate your idea.
Brother Taran,
I know I am late to the dance, but wanted to offer another suggestion... albeit too late for last Thursday ;^)
Education helps us understand the diverse peoples in the world. We need to understand different cultures, worldviews, ideologies, etc if we are to affirm that which is beautiful within them, challenge that which is not and, ultimately, effectively proclaim the Good News in a way that is understandable.
Peace to you my brother,
From the Middle East
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