“Higher Education”

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

I am a christian and have a hard-earned doctorate in a prestigious field.  My peers and colleagues think that the idea of God is antiquated and ludicrous.  Meanwhile, christians at my church have little education, menial jobs, and minimal interest in esoteric matters.  This may sound cruel, but I would be embarrassed to bring my colleagues to services.  I am ashamed of my discomfort but am still unwilling to invite my professional friends to church.  Why can't christians seem smarter?

Sincerely, Between a PhD and a Hard Place

Dear Between a PhD and a Hard Place,

You are assuming God defines ‘smart’ the same way as you do. God doesn’t care about esoteric debates and controversial questions – in fact He mocks those who build their lives upon such things (1 Cor 1:20, 1 Tim 6:4).

God defines ‘smart’ as those honest and humble enough to seek Him (Lk 8:15). The intelligent person seeks the truth regardless of whether it is fashionable, impressive, or easy. The intelligent person makes sacrifices in this life, so they might have treasure in the next (Lk 9:23). The intelligent person confesses Christ openly, so Christ will confess him openly before God (Lk 12:8).

‘Smart’ is in the eyes of the beholder. Your colleagues know much more about the ways of this world and academia than the average person does. Yet, does this make them smart considering this world is passing away (2 Pet 3:10)? If I place all of my trust in the knowledge and power of man, will I not be considered a fool before God on the Day of Judgment? Is that not the message of the parable of the rich man (Lk 12:18-20)? It is not the brethren who are dumb but the overly-educated scholastics who deny the need for God.

God says that very few scholars of this age will obey the gospel (1 Cor 1:26)… this makes you a very rare and special gift to your colleagues. You are numbered among the few of academia that have realized the importance of eternal wisdom. This makes your responsibility to your peers all the more poignant. You have a rare opportunity to shine brightly for God’s Word in a world that tries to suppress it. Do not hide your light (Lk 11:33).

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