May 20, 2007

“Intellectual Christianity” is a term I coined (as far as I know) to answer a question that has haunted me for years. The question is, “Why are there some professing Christians who have never had their lives truly altered by the gospel of Christ?”

A woman called the other day from another state desperate for help. She and her husband, both in their late thirties, have been Christians for years. Recently he confessed that he views pornography and has “lusted” many times for sisters-in-Christ where they attended services. He has become verbally and mentally abusive to both her and their children, and he admits he will continue in his chosen lifestyle while attending church services. She wanted to know how to cope. I wanted to know why this professed Christian would not be changed by the gospel. The answer is, he is practicing “Intellectual Christianity.”

This situation is not all that unusual. Oh, the specifics might change but the problem remains. Parents know dancing is sinful and yet allow or encourage children to participate. Young people know fornication (premarital sex) is sinful but continue to engage. Doing what one knows is wrong is nothing but “Intellectual Christianity.”

It is not all that uncommon to hear of believers who steal tools from work, tell dirty jokes, watch filth on TV or at the movies, drink alcoholic beverages and dress immodestly while maintaining an upstanding relationship with a local church.

Sure they know all the right things, they can tell you book, chapter and verse for the plan of salvation, the items of worship and the work of the church, but they have the morals of alley cats. Why? The answer is “Intellectual Christianity.” They have made a mental acknowledgement of Christ but it goes no deeper than that.

Jesus asked a question that drove home this problem. “But why do you call me 'Lord,

Lord,' and do not do the things which I say?” (Lk 6:46). Yes, intellectually they believed, but their belief did them no good.

Those who are converted to “Intellectual Christianity” make Christ a diminutive part of their lives while making a show of religion. These go to church and may even be somewhat active in the machinery of a local church (teach, take an vigorous and visible part), but their “Christianity” does not go beyond this symbolism. It certainly did not make them better people.

These are the “hearers only” discussed by James. “Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves,” (Jas 1:21-22). These may believe but they have never allowed that belief to cause them to lay aside the filth and contamination of sin.

True, soul saving, Christianity is a life changing walk with the Master. Paul expressed it this way in Gal 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” If my profession of faith in Christ has not altered my life then I am a fraud. If I am not daily dying to the old man of sin, deceit and wickedness (1 Cor 15:31), then I am a liar, a counterfeit and a hypocrite.

I like to illustrate it like this. If I believe that 5 + 5 = 10, then that belief dominates my entire life; whether at home, the grocery store, the gas station or at church services. In like manner if I believe that Jesus Christ is God’s Son and the Lord of my life then that belief takes over my entire existence whether at home, the grocery store, the gas station or at church services.

We have many professing believers who “know” what is right and what is wrong. But this knowledge neither governs nor navigates their daily lives. For example, a man might believe the Bible teaching pertaining to marriage and divorce. He might claim that “divorce is against my religion.” But, how has that belief changed him? Does he now seek to love his wife as the Lord loves the church (Eph 5:25)? Is he changed by the teaching of the Bible sufficiently to become a godly and honorable husband?

Jesus did not give His life so that I could have some “Intellectual Christianity.” So I could get dressed up, go to church services; engage in some forms that identify to others I am a member of the church of Christ. He died so that I could be saved from my sins and live a life that honors Him. “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son,” (Rom 8:29).

He saved us by His amazing grace and we are to honor that mercy by godly living (1

Tim 2:2; 4:2). Godliness that is rooted in the character and spirit of a true believer (1 Pet 1:15-16), and anything less than having a Christ-like character makes one empty (2 Tim 3:5), regardless of one’s professed belief. Having Christ-like godliness allows others (family, friends, enemies, et al) to glorify our Father by observing our changed lives (Matt 5:16).

Those believers who continue to engage in sinful habits, use vile language, lose their temper or fail to manifest good and godly characteristics are embracing “Intellectual Christianity.” This is a “Christianity” that is of no greater value than making one “feel” he accepts some form of religion.

“Intellectual Christianity” will not secure from the Lord a “Well done and welcome home” when one dies. “Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father in heaven,” (Matt 7:21).

-jrb