Life of the Mind Part 2: Science Explains (away) Faith

It's common in atheist circles to dismiss religious belief three ways:

As evolution: Belief in gods developed as a survival mechanism in prehistoric and ancient times.

As sociology: Acceptance into early societies was contingent upon joining "in-groups" that practiced superstition and controlled people by appealing to the gods.

As psychology: Religion can be explained as a result of wish-fulfillment for a cosmic Father figure who oversees an otherwise chaotic universe.

What are we to make of such atheist claims? Four responses:

1. Partial agreement: False religion can be explained quite helpfully in the above three ways.

2. Disagreement: True religion, if such a thing exists, remains unaffected.

3. Fallacy: All three dismissals assume atheism as a starting point. In philosophy that's called "begging the question." Meaning, it's cheating.

4. Reverse the critique: Atheism itself can be explained in the same terms:

• As an emerging survival mechanism in God-believing society (evolution). 
• As a privileged "in-group" that condemns opponents, feels superior, etc. (sociology). 
• As wish-fulfillment for moral autonomy, avoiding feelings of guilt (psychology).

* * *

For Christians, developing the life of the mind is a free and rich experience.

While showing love and respect to our atheist friends (and opponents), we're under no obligation to play by their rules.

For further reading: see Douglas Groothuis, Christian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Faith, ch 16.
Artwork by Steve Blake

Life of the Mind Part 1: Thinking or Feeling?

In my ideal world I'd be a perfect balance of head and heart.

Apparently, in God's ideal world that's not the case. My God-given "lead card" is definitely the mind.

How about you? What's your lead card -- mind or emotion?

I think the point is that we should seek to be well-rounded people of both intellect and feeling, but most of us will lean one way or the other.

Rare is the person who's equally both.

Three conclusions:

1. I ought to accept the profile given me by God. My 60/40 mind/heart combo is no better or worse than any other. 50/50, for example, is not necessarily an ideal to be sought.

2. I should value the "other." Part of serving in the body of Christ is learning to value people different than myself -- those more emotional than me, for example.

3. I should pay attention to my weaker side. My being mainly rational doesn't excuse me from working on the affective side of things.

A certain pal of mine, Pastor Jonna Fantz, embodies "high feeler" (her lead card) with "high intellect." A fine model for me and all who know her.

Jonna is "Outreach and Community Life" pastor at Salem Covenant Church, New Brighton, MN.

Marriage Part 10: The Body

The early Gnostics valued spirit over concrete substance, mind over matter.

The material universe -- including one's own body -- was evil, they thought, or neutral at best.

But NT epistles such as Colossians and 1 John take aim at Gnostic tendencies in church and culture by focusing on the value of Christ's physical body.*

The incarnation of Christ validates material creation. God made it, loved it, entered it.

So I suggest . . . that body and appearance may be more important in marriage than is often thought, and that true spirituality includes my physical self.

So perhaps I should lift a few weights now and then, cap the calories, comb my hair, and buy a nice outfit more than once/decade.

Indeed, given the limitations and failings of advancing age, I still wish to present myself to Sharon as best I can, not letting myself go to the dogs under the assumption that, after all, she's pretty much stuck with me.


It is often maintained that Gnosticism was not in full bloom until the second century. Thus the NT addresses a kind of "pre-" or "proto-Gnosticism."

A sampling of references includes Colossians 1:22, 2:9; 1 John 1:1.

Marriage Part 9: Uncommon Interests

Sharon and I don't have a lot in common.

Certainly not decorating, sewing, health food, or much of anything about home and garden.

Ditto for board games, crafts.

Surely not theology, writing, public speaking or spy novels.

And with 100% philosophical certitude I can tell you: not golf.

Honestly, it's been a struggle our entire marriage of 32.5 years.

Lack of overlapping hobbies and pursuits can frustrate both spouses.

On the other hand, some couples are blessed with major common interests such as music, hiking, travel, art -- you name it.

Not us.

I guess we both like restaurants, old movies, long walks.

That's not a lot to build on.

Instead, we try hold it together with common values. 

Values trump interests.

Fortunately, we both value church and family, keeping our word, saving and giving, work, sabbath, play, love languages, quietude.

Yawn . . .

Really exciting list, eh?