Philosophy
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The existence and initiatives of the Institute for Christian Thought are based upon the conviction that an intelligently mature Christian faith is both redemptive and culturally enriching—that Christianity rightly understood provides not only a message of salvation for mankind, but also helps identify and actively support various cultural elements necessary for a healthy society. This belief inevitably leads Christian believers to a transformative engagement with the culture in which they find themselves.
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On the other hand, ICT recognizes the large difficulties and challenges that have come to light in serious discussions regarding Christianity and culture. ICT attempts to respond realistically and positively to the challenges of the modern world. Our present world is marked by complexity and there are not "easy answers." Yet, as in the past, classic Christianity can engage the culture robustly and effectively. But this must be done under a proper and realistic assessment of our present age. Where do we begin?
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Living faithfully as a Christian begins with clarity of belief. As a man thinks, so is he. In the midst of a seemingly strong post-Christian culture, followers of Jesus need to understand the richness and complexity of their heritage and develop a worldview that enables them to live faithfully in all areas of life. They must be encouraged and taught how to be examples and leaders in their families, professions, churches, and communities. The sense of God's call over all of life must become real. Though this might be stated in many ways, the following two quotes from David John Seel and Tim Keller encapsulate ideas central to the thought and mission of ICT.
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Until Christians are known for the depth of their thinking, the breadth of their creativity, and the compelling nature of their lives, we will not have the tools necessary for lasting cultural change. 1
Culture changes when a society's mind, heart, and imagination are captured by new ideas that are developed by thinkers, expounded in both scholarly and popular forms, depicted in innumerable works of art, and then lived out attractively by communities of people who are committed to them. 2 |
Followers of Jesus Christ are called to love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. History shows how a thoughtfully engaged Christianity can be a powerful and essential force for good when it functions under the lordship of Christ. As we review history we are struck by the great minds in the Christian heritage who influenced culture as well as the church. The Apostle Paul, Augustine, Aquinas, Luther, Calvin, Wilberforce, Edwards, Kuyper are only a few examples. Today Christian thought is less than rigorous, and the collective Christian mind has significantly atrophied in Western Culture. It is widely recognized that the result of this is that the church, and Christianity in general, has become marginalized as a cultural influence. Ed Veith has stated well the challenge for Christians today:
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The anti-intellectual strain in American Christianity has, for most of the century, favored the heart over the head, giving experience priority over doctrine and encouraging individual pietism over the corporate life of the church. Today, the American church is reaping the bitter fruit of this anti-intellectualism, as its members are left helpless against the onslaught of anti-Christian relativism. To recover and build on the truths of God's Word, the church must rehabilitate the Christian mind. Not only theologians and pastors but laypeople as well must be equipped to think in terms of truth. In finding a way to do this, the contemporary church can take some lessons from its own history. 3
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Or, consider the following...
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We are having a revival of feelings but not of the knowledge of God. The church today is more guided by feelings than by convictions. We value enthusiasm more than informed commitment. 4
We live in what may be the most anti-intellectual period in Western civilization. We have passion—indeed hearts on fire for the things of God. But that passion must resist with intensity the anti-intellectual spirit of the world. 5 |
1 David John Seel, quoted in Critique, a publication of Ransom Fellowship, Issue #5, 2006, Rochester, MN, Denis
Haack, editor
2 ibid., Tim Keller, quoted in Critique
3 Ed Veith, Here We Stand, p. 84
4 1980 Gallup Poll on Religion
5 R. C. Sproul, "Burning Hearts Are Not Nourished by Empty Heads," Christianity Today 26 (Sept. 3, 1982), p. 100
Haack, editor
2 ibid., Tim Keller, quoted in Critique
3 Ed Veith, Here We Stand, p. 84
4 1980 Gallup Poll on Religion
5 R. C. Sproul, "Burning Hearts Are Not Nourished by Empty Heads," Christianity Today 26 (Sept. 3, 1982), p. 100