The saying, "The more you learn the more you realize you don't know," certainly applies to me. I don't know how you could ever emerge from the experience of writing a dissertation without being humbled by the sheer vastness of academia in the western world. I've just finished writing the first chapter of my dissertation. After 45 pages and 11,000 words I'm feeling as though it really is almost an impossible task to contribute something new and useful to the world of theological study. If you're saying it, chances are someone else said it before you, and in a better way.
Writing at a tiny desk on my laptop computer in the Fuller Seminary library, I once made the terrible mistake of looking up from my work and taking in my surroundings. Row upon row, shelf upon shelf, thousands of theological books were all I could see.
Where did all this stuff come from? For the last 900 years or so people have been scrupulously studying the Christian faith from a mind boggling number of angles. The sad part is that I'm not sure that the average Christian is seeing things much clearer than the Christians living in 1100AD. Do I really want to contribute another book to the inritus irritus in the theological libraries of the world? Will call# BS1644.b8.P4.134 really produce much better results than BS1644.b8.P3.1699? I doubt it.
I appreciate very much the advice of Thomas A' Kempis who says, "Restrain an inordinate desire for knowledge, in which is found much anxiety and deception. Learned men always wish to appear so, and desire recognition of their wisdom. But there are many matters, knowledge of which brings little or no advantage to the soul. Indeed, a man is unwise if he occupies himself with any things save those that further his salvation. A spate of words does nothing to satisfy the soul, but a good life refreshes the mind, and clean conscience brings great confidence in God." - The Imitation of Christ, Counsels on the Spiritual Life, Chapter 2
Writing at a tiny desk on my laptop computer in the Fuller Seminary library, I once made the terrible mistake of looking up from my work and taking in my surroundings. Row upon row, shelf upon shelf, thousands of theological books were all I could see.
Where did all this stuff come from? For the last 900 years or so people have been scrupulously studying the Christian faith from a mind boggling number of angles. The sad part is that I'm not sure that the average Christian is seeing things much clearer than the Christians living in 1100AD. Do I really want to contribute another book to the inritus irritus in the theological libraries of the world? Will call# BS1644.b8.P4.134 really produce much better results than BS1644.b8.P3.1699? I doubt it.I appreciate very much the advice of Thomas A' Kempis who says, "Restrain an inordinate desire for knowledge, in which is found much anxiety and deception. Learned men always wish to appear so, and desire recognition of their wisdom. But there are many matters, knowledge of which brings little or no advantage to the soul. Indeed, a man is unwise if he occupies himself with any things save those that further his salvation. A spate of words does nothing to satisfy the soul, but a good life refreshes the mind, and clean conscience brings great confidence in God." - The Imitation of Christ, Counsels on the Spiritual Life, Chapter 2
2 comments:
The "average Christian" doesn't read non-highly-marketed books. So you're right, he/she doesn't understand things any better now than 900 years ago. But those who bother with it are influenced by recent changes in theology, I think, because the theology of a time generally develops from an awareness, in the thinking few, of a need for change.
The important thing to keep in mind is that when a few leaders change their thinking it can affect a lot of people, even if most of them don't realize it.
Hey Allan,
This is William Molenaar, we met at the SPS Banquet. Great blog...I am also truly humbled in regards to making a contribution to both Christian scholarship and the life of the Church. Yet I am convinced that "to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good."
Do your work with all the talents and abilities that God has given you, and continue to rely on the Spirit in regards to your research and being a part of something that you can't do on your own.
From our conversation that night, I felt that we have much in common. If I can help you in anyway let me know!
Post a Comment