Sunday, July 8, 2012

Proof texts for anti-intellectualism

In his book Think John Piper gives a detailed exegesis of two key passages that are often used to justify anti-intellectualism within Christianity

[Jesus said]
“I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children"
Luke 10:21-24

For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe.
1 Corinthians 1:20-24

Piper's conclusion is that the real issue here is attitude, it not intelligence versus "simplicity" but rather pride versus humility. Children represent humility and dependance. Wisdom here represents the arrogance of Greek wisdom/scholarship which exalted man. There are intelligent people who are humble and "simple" people who are proud. It is also not an issue of educated versus uneducated.

The question is who is exalted: God or man? A key part of hearing and believing the Gospel means being humble enough to acknowledge that one cannot save oneself. Only God can save us.

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