The Misuse of Biblical Knowledge
Some years ago, I read this humorous but real account from a Presbyterian layman whose article lamented that too often the churches in his denomination preoccupied themselves with peripheral issues. What he described could be any denomination or church that takes theology and learning seriously:
I remember my first visit to a Reformed church all too well. There I was, very wet behind the ears, full of tidbits from having digested Boettner, Calvin, and Pink. Searching the Scriptures had convinced me that the “doctrines of grace” truly summarized the Gospel, and I desired with all my heart to worship the Sovereign God of the Scriptures. So, I searched for a fellowship which confessed these great Reformational truths. I found one. Upon my arrival to this quite small congregation, I was “greeted” by this nerdy guy carrying a stack of books. What this man lacked in social skills, he more than manifested in aggressiveness. As he quickly approached, I will never forget his three-fold machine gun-like interrogation: (1) “Are you new here?” [obviously so, given the size of this tiny group]; (2) “Do you study theology?” [when I responded affirmatively, I could hear his breathing become labored and saw him start to sweat]; and then (3) the coup de grace— “Are you infra- or supra-lapsarian?!” To which I said, “Neither, I’m vegetarian!” My humor was lost on this poor fellow. ((download here))
Our nerdy theologian (but I repeat myself – just kidding) has clearly misaligned his priorities. Okay, so he’s not a people person. Fine. But if you’re going to move past the usual pleasantries and ask what could be an uncomfortable question, how about “Do you have a relationship with Jesus Christ?” before sizing up where the guest stands on somewhat obscure theological issues? But that story is an extreme example of how Christian people routinely misuse biblical and theological knowledge. Here are a few ways it’s done:
Knowledge is Harmful When Used Arrogantly
Our culture labels even well-balanced, humble people who nevertheless have convictions about right and wrong with pejoratives such as “Bible Thumper” or “Holier Than Thou.” While we cannot keep that from happening, we can behave in a way to ensure it’s not true. Caricature often arises from reality, and many of us have experienced the sad reality of one who poses as a moral authority based on their knowledge of the Bible, but all the while the opinion of those around them is unanimously negative. He’s thought to be a jerk because he is.
In the first weeks at my new workplace years ago I learned that everyone in the office despised Jack. After another week or so, I felt myself despising Jack and thinking, “I bet this guy is a ‘Christian.’” Sure enough, as soon as he learned that I was studying for the ministry he cozied up to me to celebrate our common ground. I did my best to avoid him in order not to tarnish my testimony with our co-workers. Jack mercifully left after a couple of months, and thankfully my relationship with the other employees remained intact. There are many Jacks [and Janes] out there who use their knowledge to put others in their place, all the while failing to exhibit the character qualities the Book demands of those who profess fealty to its God.
There are many Jacks [and Janes] out there who use their knowledge to put others in their place, all the while failing to exhibit the character qualities the Book demands of those who profess fealty to its God.
Knowledge is Harmful When Used Obsessively
This occurs when there is a focus on one truth or set of truths to the exclusion of others. It often happens because the truth in question is new and transformative to the adherent and therefore he must share it with others for whom it is also undoubtedly new and urgently needed. While this phenomenon can and does take place with any number of pet doctrines and practices (family-integrated worship, KJV-onlyism, courtship-only, etc.), it happens with alarming frequency to the ‘Converted Arminian’ or ‘New Calvinist’. In fact, it occurs so often that those (like myself) afflicted with it have given it a widely used and accurate name – “Cage-stage Calvinism.” Author and blogger Tim Challies has described it accurately:
Calvinism is a beautiful thing—when we Calvinists don’t ruin it. For too long Calvinism has been linked to arrogant, fiery, and argumentative Calvinists who seem like the only cure for their cruelty is time in a steel cage. Diagnosis? A Cage- Stage Calvinist.
A Cage-Stage Calvinist is someone who has learned the five points of Calvinism and goes on a relational rampage. They attack, bludgeon, and judge their brothers and sisters in Christ who don’t line up … as they [should].
And, of course, a Cage Stage Calvinist doesn’t think they are one. I know, because I was one. Still am, sometimes. Don’t assume this post addresses other Calvinists—it might be for you.
Real Calvinism doesn’t need a cage. Real Calvinism is a Humble Calvinism. A heart-grasp of the doctrines of grace will humble us before the Lord and before one another. When the doctrines of grace hit our hearts, we will bear fruit that smells like our Savior who is gentle and humble in heart.
Cage-Stage Calvinism happens when the doctrines of grace have clogged up our minds but have never made it to our hearts. It displays itself in a variety of symptoms. If you have any of these seven symptoms, call on your Great Physician right away.
Challies goes on to list the seven symptoms which I found to be quite accurate. You can read them here.
Knowledge is Harmful When Used Finally
Far too many Christians see biblical knowledge and theology as ends in themselves. We are educated well beyond the level of our obedience. But rather than putting into practice what we already know, we continue the pursuit of more information as if cramming for a final exam. There will be a final exam to be sure, but it will not be based on quantity of knowledge but quality of life.
In his humorous but biting book, The 77 Habits of Highly Ineffective Christians, author Chris Fabry insightfully captures the approach of many Christians with Habit #10, Be a Hearer Only:
It may surprise you that some of the most ineffective Christians today learn more about the Bible than anyone else. Let me explain. Those who constantly sit under the teaching of the Word have a wonderful opportunity for mediocrity. These are people who most likely have five or more Bibles as well as a shelf of Christian books and commentaries, and say ‘Amen’ while listening to their Christian radio station (with all car windows down, volume up). These people teach classes, answer questions correctly, and pray an inordinately long time on Wednesday evening. But the pivotal word for them is “hear,” for they ONLY listen to the Word and don’t do it in their lives. Follow their example. Become filled with the desire to hear facts and view charts and maps about the Bible so you can tell others all the neat information you’ve gleaned. But do not DO the Word. Go away from each conference or seminar feeling very good about transcribing the entire outline and all the Scriptural references, but don’t do a thing about changing your own life. If you encounter an admonition against a particular sin, simply look past the passage until you come to something you’re already doing right. This, of course, is like a man who looks in the mirror at a restaurant and fails to remove the broccoli lodged between his teeth, but is quick to point out the creamed corn on his neighbor’s lapel. Hear as much about Christianity as you can, but do as little as possible so it will have the least effect in your own life. Scripture to Avoid: James 1:22-25.
Ouch. But rather than avoid James 1:22-25, please read, commit to memory, and put into practice. Then, the very practical reason for which God gave the Bible will happen, and we will be “fully equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:17).
We are educated well beyond the level of our obedience … There will be a final exam to be sure, but it will not be based on quantity of knowledge but quality of life.
Ken Brown is the pastor of Community Bible Church in Trenton, MI. We republish his article by permission.
This photo modified from Max Pixel and is used under a CCO Public Domain license.