The most common critique of “the life of the mind” that I hear is one for which I have the some sympathy. This critique states that the life of the mind takes the focus off of just living for Jesus. I understand the sentiment behind it, but get frustrated with the “all or nothing” way in which it is generally presented.
I most often hear this accusation in somewhat awkward situations. I can be involved in a good theological discussion (online or in person) and someone uncomfortable with conflict or intellectual discourse will jump in and shut down the conversation by asserting that all that really matters is loving Jesus. We need stop all this talk and get our focus back onto loving and serving Jesus. Of course no one can continue the discussion because then we obviously don’t love Jesus. The moderator feels pious and holy and the rest of us sheepish and frustrated. But honestly I think this objection asserted this way is completely wrong and somewhat dangerous. Theology does matter and in fact has everything to do with loving Jesus.
What we believe determines how we act. Theology has institutionalized racism and sexism. Theology has justified rape, slaughter, and torture. Theology has encouraged greed and spread poverty. Theology has pillaged lands and destroyed ecosystems. Don’t tell me it doesn’t matter. It determines exactly what it looks like for a person to follow Jesus. Unless we take a good look at what we believe and realize that “all Christians at all times” have NOT believed as we do, dangerous theologies will continue to flourish. I discuss theology, read books, and study scripture because I love Jesus and want to follow him. Understanding his commands, how his words would have been understood by his audience, and how the church over time has interpreted his words is important to me. Blindly following or not questioning why or what I am following seems highly irresponsible to me. If I love Jesus then I will take the time to intellectually understand what I believe.
Sure it is a problem if all I ever do is discuss or read about Jesus’ commands and never actually obey any of them. To put it bluntly, that’s just dumb (and suggests that I seriously failed in my understanding of scripture). Many intellectuals have failed to live out their faith and actually do the things Jesus commands us to do, so I understand the fear in this accusation against the life of the mind that intellectualism could result in just words and no action. But living for Jesus isn’t an either/or between the two. Sure faith without works is dead, but unexamined actions can be harmful and can actually stand in the way of living for Jesus. Both are necessary for the Christian who wants to “live for Jesus.”
So I’m done with being told to shut up and just serve, or to stop thinking and just get to know Jesus. Those aren’t dichotomies; both are required while neither should be privileged. I love Jesus and so I will engage my faith intellectually. That is living for Jesus.