We live in strange times. It doesn’t take a scholar to notice that throughout most of the history of western culture, the Church has been responsible for establishing schools and universities. Western learning survived the Dark Ages because the Church maintained learning in the monasteries.
Harvard University, the oldest institution of higher learning in America, originally trained clergy and is named for its first benefactor, John Harvard—a minister! The second oldest is the College of William & Mary. It was established to prepare young men for ordination in the Church of England. Yale, the third oldest, finds its origin in 17th-century clergymen who sought to establish a college to train clergy.
What is strange is that so many contemporary American Christians believe that academics and study is foreign to the faith and completely unnecessary. No one would expect that an 8th grade education in math, science, literature, social studies, etc. would be sufficient in the 21st century. Yet there are many who are satisfied with an 8th grade theological education. And in many churches that do not have the practice of Confirmation, theological education ends with Vacation Bible School. Even more startling is the fact that the pastor of one of our nation’s largest mega churches is proud that he never graduated from a seminary!
This all seems quite contrary to Jesus’ final words “teach them—ALL!” Rigorous study of God’s word should be the lifelong pursuit of every Christian. The depth of wisdom in Holy Scripture could never be totally plumbed in a lifetime. Jesus wants us to continually learn more about Him and God’s plan of salvation. He wants us to see God’s awesome love for us in Christ. He wants us to know more and more about who He is and what He does for us. As we study God’s word the Holy Spirit brings us a deeper understanding of faith accompanied by peace and Joy.
May Christians never abandon the world of academics. May all Christian schools prosper. May we listen to Jesus and not seek to do the minimum but the maximum in our faithfulness to His direction to teach.
Prayer: Lord of Wisdom and Knowledge, grant that I may be faithful in the lifelong study of you Holy Word. Amen.
God’s richest blessings in Christ,
Pastor Philip Quardokus
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