A Christian intellect is a human mind, functioning well in relation to Christ and for the good of the church.
In Klaus Issler’s class, Philosophical Issues in Educational Studies, one of the final projects was outlining our Intellectual Cultivation Plan, describing what we will do during the doctoral program and beyond to continue intellectual growth. Here is mine, starting with some assumptions and ending with some practical actions.
Assumptions
- The manner, means, and end of a Christian intellect are determined in relation to Christ.
- A Christian intellect thinks well and deeply, offering thinking as an act of love for God.
- The thinking processes of a Christian intellect place a high priority on thinking about a full range of topics in the context of community and in an integrated fashion, honoring God as Lord and Creator of all.
- Valuing the life of the mind shapes intellectual nurture and expression.
- Because the life of the mind is valued as an expression of love for God and the church, the faith community specifically nurtures intellectual development.
- In return, good thinking informs and shapes communal practices.
- Cultivating a Christian intellect is theologically beneficial.
- Cultivating a Christian intellect benefits the Body of Christ.
- It glorifies God. It expands God’s kingdom.
- Cultivating a Christian intellect is practically beneficial.
- Cultivating a Christian intellect allows for more robust interdisciplinary integration.
- It increases our capacity for persuasive explanation of truth.
- It balances out an overemphasis on emotion and experience in American culture.
Practical Actions
- The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford press offers an excellent opportunity for breadth of thought. (My first in the series was Quantum Theory
by Polkinghorne; it changed the way I think about the world.)
- Oxford University book series, written by experts, in a wide variety of fields
- A broad knowledge of various disciplines that challenges assumptions, develops learning skills, and deepens knowledge.
- This breadth of knowledge provides fodder for interdisciplinary integration.
- Biblicaltraining.org, a website offering both beginner and advanced lecture series by known Christian speakers allows to revisit seminary training and to think afresh about previously learned material.
- I have an extensive library, covering a variety of topics and filled with many books that I have not read. I plan to own every book I possess, reading it in a manner consistent with Mortimer Adler
.
- I already receive three journals that need deeper engagement: Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, Christian Education Journal, and the Journal of Spiritual Formation and Soul Care.
- A more careful reading of these journals will help me to engage in fresh thinking.
- Continuing these subscriptions after the program will keep me up to date on the discussion in these key disciplines.
Do you have plan?
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