In some evangelical minds, Christianity has/is being intellectualized to the point of killing the life in it. The argument is that, fundamentally, Christianity is about relationship and that we’ve placed too much emphasis on the apologetics. Personally, I don’t think it’s possible to place too much emphasis on apologetics because that’s the avenue to those who take a more ‘intellectual’ approach to their beliefs. And, it’s important to know as well as feel our beliefs.
One of the criticisms of Christianity has always been that it’s too emotional, that it relies too much on engaging one’s feelings and not enough on engaging one’s mind. Yes… and no. I disagree with this analysis as well. Since Christianity IS a relationship, you can’t divorce one’s feelings from the equation. Simple example: if it was only the feeling of love that was the basis for a marriage then the lasting power is shortened. It’s all the little things you know about your spouse that forms the foundation. Feelings are our expression when we don’t have the words we want to express ourselves and are just as ‘legitimate’ as a reasoned argument.
When you read Paul’s letters you can begin to appreciate his totality approach. Paul attempted to engage the reader/listener on both an intellectual as well as an emotional level. When you read his prayers you can sense the depth of his feelings, his passion. And when you read his prayers you can see the level he was leading people to understand. He never wanted only part of the person – he was always aiming at involving the whole person in the process.
Bottom line… we need both but with some people you have to engage the mind in order to introduce the relationship. To me… if the mind isn’t engaged then there’s no substance, no foundation for the heart to stand on. It never is as simple as head vs heart. It is, and must be, head and heart. Why choose between the two….. choose both. Speak to the mind and let the heart react.
