Theory vs. Practice

As a recent college graduate, I love engaging in the intellectual side of Christianity.  As I’ve noted before on my blog, I think this is something that is often missing from American Christianity.  Thinking critically and asking hard questions need to be encouraged by churches today.  And I love doing this.

Recently I’ve spent time thinking about intellectual issues like, “Is the Bible inerrant?” and, “Are Mormons Christian?”  However, we can’t overly focus on theory.  As fun as it is for me to talk about the infallibility of the Bible, is this what Jesus really intended?

THE NEED FOR BOTH

As Christians, we can’t have one or the other.  We need both.  Immanuel Kant once said, “Experience without theory is blind, but theory without experience is mere intellectual play.”

Practice without theory is blind.  When the Assemblies of God first formed as a fellowship, there was an enormous outpouring of the Holy Spirit.  Many people began speaking in tongues, which was viewed as an empowerment for missions.  Missionaries thought that Jesus’ return was so soon, that they didn’t have time to learn any language.  Instead, they went to foreign countries and started speaking in tongues, believing that the locals would understand and surrender their lives to Christ.  While their passion should certainly be admired, this wasn’t the right approach.

Theory without practice is empty.  In college, it’s fun to talk about what’s wrong with the world and what should be done to make it right.  I love engaging my mind and thinking hard on things like infallibility of the Bible or why we should believe Jesus was resurrected from the dead.  However, no one’s lives are changed from these discussions.  This summer alone, two girls in my youth group attempted to commit suicide.  While we didn’t have an actual discussion on it, I’m sure that they didn’t really care about the peccability or impeccability of Christ.

WHAT WOULD JESUS SAY?

While the Pharisees were wrapped up in debating the finer points of theology, Jesus was out changing the world.  He hung out with sinners, touched and healed sick people, and loved people regardless of how they were viewed.  He repeatedly called the Pharisees hypocrites for knowing the Law yet not living it out (Matthew 23:23).

Yet at the same time, Jesus had the scriptures committed to memory just as the Pharisees did.  He also said that not everyone who claims to do good in his name will enter into heaven (Matthew 7:21).  It’s not just about practice.  And it’s not just about theory.  We need both in order to do God’s will.  We need a balance.

Jesus had the perfect balance.  He memorized the scripture, was schooled in theology, and was an expert debater.  Yet he also washed his disciples feet, fed the hungry and healed the sick.

WHAT SHOULD I DO ABOUT IT?

Think of where you are right now.  In which category are you lacking?  Or perhaps, which one are you over-emphasizing?  If everything is about serving Jesus, yet never thinking through your faith or how you approach people, perhaps you should think more of the “theory” side.  If everything is about debating, arguing and supporting your arguments, perhaps you need some more experience in the “practice” side.  It’s not about majoring in one or the other; it’s about having a balance.

Are you loving Jesus with all your heart? [compassion]

Are you loving Jesus with all your soul? [wonder]
Are you loving Jesus with all your mind? [curiosity]

Are you loving Jesus with all your strength? [actions]