This Makes Me Mad.

You know what bugs me?

Lint traps.

You know what really bugs me?

Anti-intellectualism.

If you don’t know what that means, I trust that you’ve heard it at play:

“Jesus didn’t go to seminary, why should I?”
“Seminary? More like cemetery! (Followed by snickering)”
“The disciples didn’t have degrees.”
“Me? Oh I just like to keep it simple. No fancy schooling for me.”

It drives me crazy. And I hear it all the time. It’s very subtle, but it’s out there.

It’s bad logic for so many reasons (Jesus, just like any Jewish boy in the first century, would have had extensive schooling; Paul, who wrote most of the New Testament, was one of the most educated men on the planet; Luke, who wrote Luke-Acts, was a doctor, etc.), but most of all it’s profoundly prideful. Not to mention it segregates and divides those who have done the hard work of formal seminary education (like me, for instance).

Bottom line: If school is for you, awesome. I got nothin’ but love for you. If school is not for you, realize that God does call some people to get a formal education. Sorry.

Other Posts You May Enjoy:

Have you enjoyed today's post? Would you kindly consider subscribing to our feed through RSS or email? That way, you're never out of the loop! BeDeviant.com comes to you, how brilliant.

Contributor: Justin Wise

A religious deviant who enjoys coffee, collared shirts, spending time with his wife and son, learning about quantum physics and creatively exploring the riches of the Spirit of Christ. Culture + Faith + Technology. Contact the author
  • "Theology is only that part of religion that requires brains." - G.K. Chesterton
    http://eternal-revolution.com/39/gear/chesterton-...
  • Oh. I like that. Chesterton was a stud. Why do the brainiacs get so much flack? It's like if you use your mind in Christ, you're outcast.
  • Adam
    I can guess where you're hearing this from...

    It drives me crazy. I really wish that these folk would let it go. If you have a problem with it (which doesn't makes sense first of all), then don't worry about it. Stay in your shell.
  • I'm interested: Where do you think this is emanating from?
  • Yeah I don't blame you. Seminary can be an awesome tool, and I think you are doing it right. I think it's best to experience real life/ministry, and when you do the seminary experience is all that much more meaningful. The problem is I have see with some is when somebody goes to college, straight to seminary and becomes an egghead and has no idea how to relate to people.

    I also have seen the opposite extreme from people who don't think you can possibly be qualified to be a pastor if you don't have an MDiv.

    Whether you have an MDiv or not, teachability and having a desire to be a life-long learner is the most important thing.

    I don't have a MDiv, but I do have a B.A. in youth ministry (minor in Biblical Studies). I've learned far more about theology and ministry since leaving the classroom in my own study and ministry experience. But, if I ever have the opportunity to go back to school, I'd jump at it.
  • Teachability = agreed. Unfortunately, I think the strongest voices in anti-intellectualism are the most UNteachable people out there.

    "Love buildeth, but knowledge puffeth up." Easy way to fix that? Let's just not learn anything, or so the logic goes!
  • Anonymous Caregiver
    Too bad everyone wants Christians to be just like them.God forbid there be diversity in the kingdom.
  • Nick Dressen
    I'm with you Justin, it's important to have an education in the word. Yes it's great to be an " on fire for God Christian" but if people don't know anything about the bible, they will have a hard time sharing it with others. I personally would rather talk to pastor who is educated because they know where things are in the bible and can quickly go to them and offer help. Don't let those haters get you down.
  • You da man, Nick. I can actually picture you saying this to me over a plate full of hot wings. Is that weird?
  • Susan
    As a Catholic, I'm with you on the formal education thing.

    I have a BS in something that can also be obtained at a 2 year community college/vo tech. I don't really use it right now, but I'm still glad that I went the full route rather than the quick path. There's more to be gained in formal schooling than a degree.
blog comments powered by Disqus