I think part of your answer to number 2 identifies a problem associated with anti-intellectuallism in the church.

“- acting in a manner that indicates we have learned all there is to learn and so, we may pontificate to others who blindly accept what we say. This can spread anti-intelectualism under the guise of ministering.”

So many times I’ve seen teachers within the church become popular and gather their own following - often partially based on good teaching, but also based on their growing popularity. I think this is actually a similar type of laziness because people find the one person they want to listen to and then hang on their every word without any further critical consideration.

In our culture we tend toward anti-intellectualism. We base our “knowledge” on passive learning. We accept because something is said. It may be a political issue, an emotional issue, whatever. Someone says it so we believe it. In the Church this can be manifest as a sin. This, I think, can be attributed to the laziness we sometimes have in regards to learning scripture and what scripture means. To hear a passage, a sermon about a passage, whatever, and accept it emotionally and so, “believe” based on our emotional response, without fully delving into what the core teaching was in the context of when it was written and how the lesson of that time applies to our lives today, is a self focused, lazy effort at belief. God gave us his word so that we would understand it, act upon it and live to do His will. By passively accepting what is said to us, we minimize or negate the opportunities God has given us to do his will, because we simply don’t take the time to learn what He is really saying. This seems to me to be the sin of anti-intelectualism.

2. Now discuss ways in which you tend to become anti-intellectual with regard to spiritual matters.

In my answer to question 1, I addressed what I think may be the core manner we become anti-intellectual. Some additional ways may be:
- being delusional about the real effort we are putting into our Bible study
- acting in a manner that indicates we have learned all there is to learn and so, we may pontificate to others who blindly accept what we say. This can spread anti-intelectualism under the guise of ministering.

3. Why is it so easy to separate the intellectual life from the spiritual life? Discuss.

I suspect because as sinners we tend to focus on ourselves rather than God. As we have learned, our focus should be God centered. By separating our intellectual life from our spiritual life we can walk through day to day living without the “pressure” of having to evidence God in all we do. It’s sometimes easier to segregate the intellectual from the spiritual, so that we don’t get into the conflicts and feel the discomfort that can accompany being open about God with others. Instead we need to put forth the effort to be open about God recognizing the joy this will bring. This focus seems to me to be both an intellectual, spiritual and emotional way of life.
One question I have and ask so I can grasp these concepts more thoroughly, is the idea of what I think I know versus what I really know. Am I correct in understanding that in an anti-intellectual world we can easily be moved away from our spiritual life by anti-intellectualism; that our spiritual life should be based on what God has revealed as we are able to understand it more completely through deep study and commitment?

4. Many times I receive e-mails that include a short Scripture and prayer. The sender then attempts to persuade me to forward the e-mail to a certain number of people so that I can receive a blessing from God. How does this evidence Tabloid theology? Explain.

Often there is no biblical basis to these emails. The message is often hearsay. The concept that forwarding an email will bless you is a faulty position as there is no evidence they are God inspired or even accurate. These distributions can be a placebo for ones need to feel as though they have done something God focused. But in fact as the idea of obtaining a blessing for forwarding an email seems to me to be just another manifestation of self. It makes the sender feel good.

5. Discuss ways in which you have been influenced by Tabloid theology. Why is it so common for us to be Tabloid theologians?

It’s easy and can sometimes even be fun to be distracted by the excitement and newness of a tabloid theology message. I guess my thought here is we must be resolute, in our evaluation of what is the basis of the theology. Is the topic based on essential truths, or man-made supposition? We need to disregard or otherwise properly evaluate and prioritize, anything non-essential.

6. Folk theology, unlike Tabloid theology, is rooted in traditions that have been passed on through various sources. But like Tabloid theology, Folk theology is baseless and naive. Further discuss and give examples of Folk theology.

Folk theology is rampant in many sects of Christianity. Having been raised as a Roman Catholic, I lived with this throughout most of my life. Some examples discussed in class and one’s I have heard or even been taught as a Catholic child are:
Angels look like men with wings
Each having our own “Guardian Angel”
Views of Heaven (pearly gates, St. Peter with his ledger, etc)
Satans appearance

7. In your notes there are examples of how theology affects a number of different areas in a section entitled “How do we do theology everyday.” How are the issues listed below influenced by our theology?

Our ability to act in a God focused way is directly attributable to our theology. All the items listed will be impacted by this. As we study theology and gain a deeper and richer understanding of God, we should be in a position to better act with a God centered focus. This will help us make better decisions, be better able to minister to others, and grow in our relationship with God an all aspects.

8. How was your thinking most challenged by the lesson?

The question on anti-intellectualism stumped me for quite a while. It has challenged me to think about the implications of study on my relationship with God. ie. What I should accept, what I should question and what I should stop questioning and simply accept.

9. In the coming week, in what ways can you apply the lesson learned? Write them down.

Use good study habits and proper questioning to determine the validity and veracity of my beliefs. Just because I believe, doesn’t mean what I believe is always Biblically correct.

Open myself to God so as I do learn more, that I can let the Holy Spirit work in me in a way that Glorifies God and helps me do His will.

Accept the understandings I am coming to humbly and use the knowledge I gain, not to elevate myself but rather to fulfill whatever Gods plan is for me.

I can relate to your answer to number 2 - time is a heavy constraint on our lives. We really want to be able to trust that we don’t have to double check every little reference that is preached, which would make actually listening for the intended point difficult as well. Probably there’s not anyone who has escaped at least some bits of false theology from getting in.

#2. I personally try to read through the scriptures that have been presented in church and see if what was said matches up with the passage and its intent. But, sometimes that doesn’t happen and I can rely too much on the pastor to be accurate.

#3. Because the world compartmentalizes the two into different categories. Your spiritual life is something you “do” at church and you use your intellect on the job or in life in general. People don’t usually view intellect as a God given gift.

#4. Many people will believe anything they hear. Men and women are counting on the false assumption that they will receive a blessing just like the person in the e-mail. When people are desperate, they will try anything. Also the old saying, if it is in print, it must be true.

#5. I personally cannot think of a specific example, but I am sure it has happened to me too. We all like a good “sensational” story.

#6. Folk theology reminds me of traditions repackaged as religion. Example: You must go to church every week or you will go to hell. You are sick because you have sin in your life.

#7. When you get sick - Should I take medicine or go without. See an MD (if it is not too serious) or rely on God to heal me.

When we choose schooling for our children - What will the school system teach my child in a particular grade and how does it line up with scripture.

When we vote - Will I vote for a candidate based on one issue or on the character of the candidate. Is he “religious enough” (and I use that term loosly).

When we decide who we will marry - Does my future mate believe in God and will we rasie our children with the same values and views.

#8. I never really considered the different categories of theology. I always viewed theology in two categories - Good or Bad (right or wrong).

#9. As I talk with people, it will become more clear what type of mindset they have with regard to theology. This can further open up discussions to the truth based on God’s word.

First, this:

“For the past several years, much of Christendom in America has become “market-driven” (good title for a book, Rick?)”

cracked me up, lol.

And on deleting Jesus, hey, if He’s trying to spam me… But seriously, I agree that peer pressure does play into these problems significantly.

I liked your point about how the churches are too often just producing generations of baby Christians that don’t grow beyond that. This aspect makes the mental atrophe even more anti-scriptural - not learning to digest ‘meat’, etc.

Also,

“Whew. I don’t know if I’ll post my answers for every lesson or not. That’s a lot of typing. Hope I didn’t bore you.”

You can copy and paste your answers in the comments box - unless you mean you just wanted to answer them in your mind or on the talk sessions without typing them out at all.

I think you bring out a great point in your statement:

“We tend to be tabloid theologians because we tend to give people the benefit of the doubt–we trust the source, therefore we trust the information.”

In a way by blindly accepting what some human is saying, we are also failing to trust God in not believing if we put the time into studying His word we could get what we need out of it, which would include easily being able to discern what is tabloid nonsense or folk theology. I think this program is a good step in that direction.

1. Systematic, expositional preaching/teaching of the Word is becoming something from a bygone era. For the past several years, much of Christendom in America has become “market-driven” (good title for a book, Rick?) and shallow. For the most part, the church is becoming spirutally anemic because solid exegesis and exposition have been replaced with video/lighting/sound systems that welcome us into the auditorium instead of the sanctuary. Pop-psychology has replaced nouthesis. Many people have not been taught how to read and study the Bibl,. but instead have been guided to “experience” God because that’s what really counts.

2. For me, when reading through a familiar passage of Scripture, it is much easier for me to lean on what I already know and uinderstand about the passage than to purposefully come to it with an open heart and a fresh wonder, seeking the Holy Spirit to illuminate some facet that I have missed before. To borrow from the rest of you - “pure laziness”, at times.

3. Separating the spirtual from the inteelectual and vice-versa is so easy becasue, for one, as a man, I compartmentalize anyway. Secondly, who wants to be accused of “quenching the Spirit”, and overthinking everything? See, peer pressure affects us grownups, too.

4. Emails with something about Jesus in them - who would dare to delete Jesus…I ask you? And, what kind of calloused, hard-hearted person would it take to scoff at the story of the kidnapped teenage girl whose mother has been searching frantically for her and just wants us to pray for her to be found? Oh, and I almost forgot, since this is all “news”, and has to have touched my heart, and I know the person who sent it to me, how can I NOT take it seriously?

5. As I mentioned in the online group tonight, when I first became a believer, I was convinced that I wasn’t really saved because I wasn’t able to speak in tongues and so many people around me were able to do so. If everyone else - these maturer Christians and these pastors and the like - are doing it and telling me the Word of God insists on it, who am I to doubt and question?

6. Aside from all the ones mentioned on the dvd, the first thing that came to my mind was the one Krystal raised about the “co-redemptress”. Perhaps the most prevalent one I see in my ministry, though, is that many people believe that they have to pray “just right”, or God isn’t going to answer their prayer. First off, God answers every prayer, even if the answer is, “No.” Second, that would mean that my acceptance by God is based on my performance instead of on the righteousness of Christ credited to my account by grace through faith. Third, and this is the part that people miss the most, is that it grossly contradicts the character of God as He has revealed it to us in His Word.

7. Our theology affects our worldview - even when we are small children. It is through our worldview that we view and make decisions about the world around us. How a person views God and what a person thinks and believes about God - even when they believe there is no God - is what determines how we respond to everything else. What we live is what we believe, and what we believe is what we live - I see no getting around this.

8. It made me re-evaluate if I have been taken captive “Colossians 2:8), and if so, where. It also gave me pause to consider that I have to repent of my laziness and alacrity in approaching the Word.

9. I am now authorized to be skeptical of what is presented to me as true - from whatever source. As Michael says, “Keep the gates closed until I am compelled to open them.”

Archie: In your third post, you proposed that perhaps some in the church reasoned that if they were going to end up taking beliefs by faith anyway, then critically thinking as a lay theologian would just be a waste of time & effort. I’d say that’s possible, but my gut feeling is that it’s really more a matter of laziness. If I don’t continue to challenge my children to pick up after themselves, they wouldn’t do it. If the church is no longer challenging believers to think through the issues of doctrine, then they don’t do it. If intellectual reflection isn’t taught to be important, then naturally a new believer would likely think it to be unimportant. More on this in one of my answers.

Here they are:

1. …Further discuss the ways that the sin of anti-intellectualism is evidenced in the Church.

I do believe that “blessed is he who does not see and yet believes,” but the church, some persuasions more than others, can raise faith above reason to a fault. I’m not saying there is anything wrong with having faith, but we see far more services of faith (healing services, prayer services, etc.) than classes teaching doctine and sound biblical study. There is also the real concern of the “marketing” of church. Churches are becoming so concerned with numbers, that they end up having a large church of baby Christian (or non-Christians) that are not being discipled to grow. Very wide, but not at all deep. As a consequence, pastors have to “dumb down” (as Mr. Patton likes to say) their sermons and simplify doctrines and disciplines of the faith.

2. Now discuss ways in which you tend to become anti-intellectual with regard to spiritual matters.

Over the past year or so, I’ve really opened my eyes to some church traditions and folk theologies that have no basis in scripture. Since that’s what I’d been taught, I accepted it without scrutiny.

3. Why is it so easy to separate the intellectual like from the spiritual life? Discuss.

This is how it’s being taught now. This is the one area of our life where it is acceptable to just take it all on faith. That’s how we’re “supposed” to do it. Besides this, it’s easier; a more user-friendly kind of spirituality. People can have the warm fuzzies without any real need for brain power.

4. Emails. How does this evidence Tabloid theology? Explain.

It’s taken as true just because the e-mail says it’s true. These have no basis in truth and are supported with no evidence.

5. Discuss ways in which you have been influenced by Tabloid theology. Why is it so common for us to be Tabloid theologians?

We don’t want to appear like we don’t believe God can do certain things or perform certain miracles. We don’t want to be labeled as skeptics or “Spirit-quenchers.” I like to feel as if I’m “up” on what the Holy Spirit is doing in the world and in the church. I admit, I’ve read the Bible Code, I keep up on end-times theories, etc. I don’t hold any beliefs clinched in my fist because of these, but I do watch for this stuff. Is my grade gonna get cut now??

6. …Further discuss and give examples of Folk Theology.

We discussed a lot of these already. I did think of on area we didn’t get into though (and I hope I don’t step on too many toes here). This one isn’t so novel and is widely accepted. It’s that of Mary being a “coredemptress” and intercessor for us. There is also a prevailing belief that we can place our orders with God like going through a drive-through, and He will be our genie and grant our request.

7. How are the issues listed below influenced by our theology?

Sick–Our theology affects our thoughts on why we’re sick, how we’re suppoed to deal with being sick, how closely God is interacting with our sickness, etc.

Choosing schools–It affects our choices based on how we think it will impact our children’s spiritual health and on God’s will.

Voting–Our theology shapes our beliefs on the major issues which determine for whom we vote.

Marriage–We want to marry someone that is like-minded about these issues. As Christians, we also want God’s will for our marriage.

8. How was your thinking most challenged by the lesson?

I have been challenged to continue to find those folk theologies that have crept into accepted teaching and to compare everything with scripture.

9. In the coming week, in what ways can you apply the lesson learned? Write them down.

Be more cognizant of my acceptance of spiritual or theological “breaking news.” I have also been convicted to spend more time in deep study of the Word to sharpen my sword.

Whew. I don’t know if I’ll post my answers for every lesson or not. That’s a lot of typing. Hope I didn’t bore you.