The Incarceration of Intellectualism
“O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?” Romans 11:33-34 (KJV)
In our last entry we examined the seduction of sentimentalism. Specifically, how human sentiment that is not scrutinized and subjected to the Spirit of God will seduce a soul to supplant the Lord’s leadership in his or her life. For this week’s entry, I entreat you to consider the thought of the incarceration of intellectualism.
Dissimilar to sentimentalists, those that demonstrably employ emotions as their guide and litmus test for decision making and doing life, the intellectual self-incarcerates himself by hiding and avoiding anything associated with or attached to emotions. They assert that one’s reason and logic will lead you to truth. In addition, the intellectual or rationalist relegates Christian living to committed correct thinking. What says scripture?
For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds. Psalms 57:10 (KJV, emphasis added)
“Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.” Psalms 119:142 (KJV)
According to Dictionary.com, intellectualism is the excessive emphasis on abstract or intellectual matters, especially with a lack of proper consideration for emotions. Philosophically speaking, intellectualism is the concept that all truth, values, and moral convictions are conceived and centered in one’s knowledge and that an individual’s will is customarily guided by the intellect. Furthermore, in a social context, intellectualism points to a powerful preference for reason and logic that transcends emotions. Intellectualism is also connected with individuals considerably committed to cerebrally cemented concepts. In other words, they are resolute in rationalizing reality and reject embracing and entertaining the proper place of emotions in one’s life.
However, it is imperative to note that God gave us a mind with the capacity to capture rationality. We are made in His image and He is the transcendent Intelligent Designer. And the Holy One has given us both heads and hearts.
“I have declared the former things from the beginning; and they went forth out of my mouth, and I shewed them; I did them suddenly, and they came to pass.” Isaiah 48:3 (KJV)
“For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.” Romans 1:20 (KJV)
When we search the scripture, we will see that there is nothing wrong with being an intellectual and Scripture exalts clarity and knowledge.
“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” Colossians 2:8 (KJV)
“A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.” Proverbs 14:6 (KJV)
However, an excessive and extreme approach to intellectualism will lock up the soul in the lie that one’s own reason is the capstone and absolute arbitrator of truth. This corruptible, contemptible, and conceited conviction is not condoned in the Word of God.
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.” Proverbs 3:5-7 (KJV)
I close with these thoughts: Rationalism reverts to irrationalism when it rejects the rulership of Sovereign God. Intellectualism that is not subject to the Spirit of God will not only incarcerate you in this life but in the next life! In other words, this intellectual spell will lock you up in the jail cell of hell.
For the Glory of God,
PBKSR