Articles
Knowledge Is Power: Christians and Interdisciplinary Studies
King Solomon, under the inspiration of God, wrote, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Prov. 1:7). Additionally, from this wise man penned, “For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Prov. 2:6). Israel’s wisest king had much to say on the subject of knowledge and wisdom throughout his writings. One must be mindful, and take great care to remember, that knowledge can puff up (cf. 1 Cor. 8:1) if it is misused. This does not mean that seeking to study and understand other things outside the Bible is necessarily wrong. The Apostle Paul provides warning in the dangers that abound if an individual gets entangled in the wisdom of this world rather than the wisdom of Christ, “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ” (Col. 2:8). The objective of this article will be to look critically at the benefits of studying subjects to increase one’s knowledge in conjunction with Bible study.
Before diving into the main point of this article—one issue should be addressed. Education is extremely important and most would agree, if asked, a proper and honest one would be their desire. It is irrational for a parent to suggest that the content or manner of their children’s education does not matter. Nowadays parents have a great responsibility to look deeper into the curriculum and the methodology that their children are being exposed to in the school system. Once a child has grown and is able to provide input or make the decision on what they want to pursue, then it would be prudent for them to seek out honest educators. For generations the thought or concern over what is taught in the classroom probably never crossed the minds of most, but that has certainly changed. Christians most of all are having to really evaluate what is best for their children and themselves if they are pursuing further education. Ultimately, what matters most is the truth that is found in the Word of God, which never changes, even though the world does.
The standard of truth is the Bible and this is where wisdom is acquired; however, great benefits can be gained from seeking knowledge in various secular subjects. People have at their fingertips a myriad of options to increase their knowledge of a particular subject. Christians should decide the basis for their own personal development about a particular secular matter. A few simple questions can be asked: 1) How can God be glorified by studying this? 2) Can studying this help give a better defense for the Bible? 3) Is this material based on fact? Those are just some things to consider when looking at topics of interest or focusing on educating oneself.
Fortunately for the believer, there are many benefits to searching and educating oneself to understand things more in order to give a defense for the Word of God. For instance, studying in the field of biology, especially in cellular structure and the fine-tuning of organisms, builds well-evidenced conviction that a highly intelligent being had to be involved. One who becomes a biologist can study the differences between people and animals. A biologist, who is also a Christian, could also provide the case against the volatile issue of abortion and stand for the sanctity of life. An expert in this field could present the facts there is a human life inside the womb. Furthermore, they could point out what is and isn’t true about life at conception. No matter what a person may believe, God knows each and every child conceived (cf. Ps. 139:13ff; Is. 49:15). Additionally, scientists can provide further proof of what is contained in the Bible. For example, a geologist can confirm the roundness of the earth (cf. Is. 40:22), and an astronomer has the ability to determine that the planets, stars, and galaxies are placed in such a way as to allow the Earth to exist (cf. Ps. 104:5). Studying science should not cause one to fear, because there is so much information out there that supports the validity of Scripture!
A mathematician can easily determine that there is order in equations. This gives credence to the fact that God is not a god of chaos and confusion (cf. 1 Cor. 14:33). An individual who studies numbers in depth can see that throughout the Bible there is no shortage of them. For many, there is great difficulty in understanding the nature of the Godhead, but a mathematician can appreciate and provide a defense for the oneness of God. Probably the easiest explanation for the Godhead is 1^3 or 1x1x1 and not 1+1+1. Some in the world think the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit are not three in one, but the Bible says otherwise (cf. 1 Jn. 5:7f). Another thing that a mathematician can do is critically look at certain held beliefs in numerology and gematria and point out what is true or false. Individuals can be allured by various mystical practices and other New Age ideas and thereby read into Scriptures things which are not there. Someone who studies math could figure out or understand the structures of the Ark built by Noah or the Temple constructed by Solomon. Of course, an architect would prove even more beneficial in these examples. Math displays another idea of completeness or being whole and that points to God.
A linguist can be quite valuable to the brethren. No doubt that if someone were to study the original written languages of Hebrew, Aramaic, and Biblical Greek it would be of great benefit to obtaining a richer understanding of the Scriptures. This skill gives a person a fuller picture of what the application was to the people of the Scriptures. If a person presents an exegetical lesson, then it is prudent to look at the original languages and context to give their audience a greater understanding of what is being taught. One other thing a linguist can do, which should not be overlooked, is potentially to get involved in translating Scripture into other languages to be made available to those lacking a Bible in their native tongue.
Mental health experts are very much in need, because believers are constantly under attack from Satan and his forces (cf. 1 Pet. 5:8). Additionally, Paul wrote, “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Tim. 3:12). Believers are facing daily trials just like the rest of world. It is not wrong to seek professional help when it is needed. Psychiatrists, psychologists, and other professional counselors can provide tools to go along with Scripture to support a fellow Christian in their walk. Depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and various addictions are not uncommon among people of the church. A precaution to consider is that no magic pill will solve mental disorders. Medication may be warranted to help with symptoms, but never seen as the ultimate solution.
Finally, a great tool to have in someone’s arsenal is a working knowledge of philosophical thought. With countless belief systems out there, having an ability to use logic and an understanding in philosophy can benefit someone greatly in debating the issue of truth. When engaging in a discussion of truth—a valuable tool to have at one’s disposal is what Norman Geisler and Frank Turek call, “The Road Runner Tactic”. They summarized it in this manner:
“The ‘Road Runner’ tactic turns a statement on itself and helps expose the self-defeating (and thus false) statements that are so common today. These include statements such as, ‘There is no truth!’ (Is that true?); ‘All truth is relative!’ (Is that a relative truth?); and ‘You can’t know truth!’ (Then how do you know that?). Basically, any statement that is unaffirmable (because it contradicts itself) must be false. Relativists are defeated by their own logic” (I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist, Geisler & Turek, p49). |
What has been presented is by no means an exhaustive list of subjects that people can learn along with intensive biblical study. Always search the Scriptures first because they are the authority for everyone to follow. Each person must prepare to provide a proper and adequate defense for their beliefs (cf. 1 Pet. 3:15). Studying a variety of disciplines with a scriptural basis can possibly aid someone in their evangelistic efforts for God’s kingdom. As mentioned at the beginning, all need to be cognizant of the dangers that knowledge can bring. Pride and a haughty spirit bring all to their own destruction (cf. Prov. 16:18). Sadly, that is the situation many are in today along with many other sins that separate themselves from the Father (cf. 2 Tim. 3:2). Remember too that God has gifted each believer in order to serve Him and others for His glory (cf. Matt. 25:14ff; Rom. 12:3ff; 1 Pet. 4:10f). May the church seek wisdom from the Lord (cf. Jas. 1:5; 3:17) in its effort to save the lost souls of this world.
