Faith - ii - the 'Intellectual' appraoch

This entry will focus on the first of our "extreme" forms of faith, namely, the 'intellectual' approach to faith. Simply put, there is an overemphasis on that angle on our faith in which our faith is guaged by what, or how much, we "know". Too much weight is given to orthodoxy. Pure, correct doctrine is the goal, and any one who lines up properly to all the correct doctrinal categories is viewed as a true believer.The overarching problem is that is part of a false dichotomy (more on the other part in the next entry).

It is deceptive in that the pursuit of the 'intellectual' can turn Christianity away from a relationship with the Almighty Triune God of grace, and into an exercise of the mind. It tends to be the problem of the conservative branch of the Church, and looks down on those who don't emphasize this same knowledge of God and of Scripture. The 'intellectual' faith seems to be more concerned with the ins and outs of theology than making sure that good theology is being lived out in every area of the believer's life. This intellectualism turns the faith into a set of propositions to be agreed upon. The 'living' out of one's faith is either assumed, or just plain ignored.

In the end, this approach can lead to a docetic Christianity, where our salvation seems determined by how much we understand of the Gospel. In order to combat this extreme, we must realize that our faith is not just about saving the mind, but the whole person. Through a relationship with the LORD we are saved, by grace, so that we may not be able to boast. Our salvation is for our bodies, our minds, and our spirits. Our salvation is alot more than just mere intellectual assent.