Campaign for Science and Progress
Christians have established a formidable presence in the realm of science, a triumph that we must ardently defend and perpetuate for future generations. From Newton, Leibniz, and Maxwell to Kistiakowsky and Polkinghorne, Protestants have dominated the sciences as well as the Nobel Prize for hundreds of years. This excellence can also be traced to the ancient past. It is up to us to carry on this legacy!
Moses’ Egyptian Education
Moses’ secular education in the Egyptian court equipped him with skills in leadership, writing, and strategic thinking that were vital for the future role in leading the israelites.
So Moses was trained in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in his words and deeds (NET Bible, 2019, Acts 7:22).
Daniel’s Babylonian Education
Daniel and his friends were educated in the language and literature of the Babylonians. God placed Daniel in a setting that emphasized learning beyond religious instruction, giving him access to knowledge that would prepare him for a prominent role in a secular government while maintaining his faith.
“Select only strong, healthy, and good-looking young men,” he said. “Make sure they are well versed in every branch of learning, are gifted with knowledge and good judgment, and are suited to serve in the royal palace. Train these young men in the language and literature of Babylon.[a]” 5 The king assigned them a daily ration of food and wine from his own kitchens. They were to be trained for three years, and then they would enter the royal service (New Living Translation, 2015, Dan. 1:4-5).
Crystallized Intelligence Never Fades
Although age-related changes may impact your fluid intelligence, such as inductive reasoning and spatial orientation, your crystallized intelligence, which encompasses numerical and verbal abilities, remains stable throughout your life, often well into your 80s. By focusing on fields such as STEM or writing, you can help ensure that your intellectual skills endure over time. This phenomenon accounts for why many scientists continue to make significant contributions to their disciplines well into their later years.
Your Age Does Not Matter
Regardless of your age, pursuing an education is a worthwhile endeavor that can enable you to contribute meaningfully to the Christian community. For instance, my mathematics professor earned his Master’s degree at the age of 60 and began teaching our class. What is holding you back? The misconception that college is solely for the young often stems from a lack of understanding, as many classes are populated by individuals from diverse age groups.
Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death (Einstein).
Autodidactism is Real but Unrecognized
See my article on autodidactism.
The educational philosophy of autodidactism is a very real and richly rewarding reality that will never be fully recognized by society. Unfortunately, society often struggles to grasp concepts such as autodidactism; not only may one face skepticism during the hiring process, but there can also be social ostracism from peers. Those of us who are aware recognize that knowledge can be acquired through self-study, yet we eventually realize that formal validation is often the only pathway to acceptance within a society governed by gatekeepers. It’s important to recognize that not everyone approaches self-directed learning with the same level of diligence, and there is often no quick or straightforward way for others to fully assess your abilities. The scriptures indicate that this phenomenon has persisted since the dawn of time and will continue to inflict harm on self-directed learners, as humanity has opted for a misguided path characterized by crass materialism and arrogance. Save yourself time and effort and realize that, unlike justification, society is meritocratic, status-oriented, and will not take you at your word:
This is what I also observed about wisdom on earth, and it is a great burden to me: There was once a small city with a few men in it, and a mighty king attacked it, besieging it and building strong siege works against it. However, a poor but wise man lived in the city, and he could have delivered the city by his wisdom, but no one listened to that poor man. So I concluded that wisdom is better than might, but a poor man’s wisdom is despised; no one ever listens to his advice (NET Bible, 2019, Ecc. 9:13-16 NET).
Are You Making Every Effort?
If you’re not getting your education, then you are not making every effort, nor are you presenting yourself as a proven worker unto God. This is especially true for anyone who intends to teach biblical doctrine. Never make an uneducated teacher your guide; that is the epitome of the blind leading the blind. Do not be fearful of intellectual hard labor.
Make every effort to present yourself before God as a proven worker who does not need to be ashamed, teaching the message of truth accurately (NET Bible, 2019, 2Tim. 2:15).
The Uneducated Twist the Scriptures to Their Own Destruction
The teachings of the untaught are often heretical and they fall easily into false doctrines. Many such people have created their own theologies that breed hypocrisy and ignorance, endangering the lives of innocent children.
16 He writes about ·this [L these things] in all his letters. Some things in Paul’s letters are hard to understand, and people who are ·ignorant [untaught] and ·weak in faith [unstable] ·explain these things falsely [L twist/distort them]. They also ·falsely explain [L twist; distort] the other Scriptures, ·but they are destroying themselves by doing this [or which will lead to their destruction] (Expanded Bible, 2011, 2Pet. 3:16).
Beware the Indoctrination of Seminaries!
Theological institutions, particularly those that are overly insular, often prioritize indoctrination over genuine education. Each seminary tends to promote its own specific theological perspective, which can foster a disconnect from reality and hinder one’s capacity to effectively address scriptural issues. In contrast, the Bible advocates for active engagement with the world while upholding one’s faith.
I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world (New Living Translation, 2015, John 17:15-18).
Paul emphasizes unity in Christ rather than division by allegiance to specific human leaders. If you label yourselves with Catholicism (of the Pope), Lutheranism (of Martin Luther), Calvinism (of John Calvin), Arminianism (of Jacobus Arminius), Wesleyanism (of John Wesley), Amyraldism (of Moses Amyraut), Molinism (Luis de Molina), Chaferanism (of Lewis Sperry Chafer), you are going directly against the word of God and your doctrine is not sound. The Bible warns that some of these people may have created divisions because they are devoid of the spirit:
“What I mean is that each one of you says, “I follow Paul,” or “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?” (ESV Study Bible, 2008, 1Cor. 1:12-13)
Avoid pursuing a career as a theologian from a seminary, as many lack the necessary authority or comprehensive education regarding biblical texts. This has led to the emergence of various sects, often propagated by individuals with insufficient understanding or critical thinking skills (1John 2:27 ESV; cf. John 15:4-5 ESV).
Sharpen Your Ax!
Many people are content to walk around with a very dull ax, this should not be so! Research shows that you can change your intelligence through study, and the Bible encourages that you do so.
Using a dull ax requires great strength, so sharpen the blade. That’s the value of wisdom; it helps you succeed. (New Living Translation, 2015, Ecc. 10:10)
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me. And since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children (ESV Study Bible, 2008, Hosea 4:6).
Even an AS Degree in STEM is More Impressive Than a PhD Outside of the Sciences
The study of mathematics serves as a testament to one’s ability to think critically and approach problems with a logical mindset. An Associate of Science degree in STEM fields, for instance, provides a comprehensive foundation in various mathematical and scientific disciplines, including college algebra, college chemistry I w/ labs, college chemistry II w/ labs, trigonometry, calculus I, calculus II, calculus III, physics w/ calculus I, physics w/ calculus II. By comparison, a PhD in theology, and other underwater basket weaving majors, stops at algebra.
Yes, an AS degree in science is infinitely more impressive! But why stop there?
Recommendations
Enrolling in a reputable and regionally accredited in-state college to complete your basics and then transfer to a university for your bachelor’s degree will enhance your credibility to the highest level and ensure that your efforts are acknowledged and respected. This way, you will be less likely to be dismissed, and God can utilize you as a powerful force for good. I recommend pursuing a degree in STEM; fields such as Physics, Astronomy/Astrophysics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Nuclear Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, and Biochemistry are excellent options. I lead by example, having earned a place on the President’s List multiple times in Physics at a college that has been regionally accredited for over 50 years.
Wisdom is supreme—so acquire wisdom, and whatever you acquire, acquire understanding! (NET Bible, 2019, Proverbs 4:7).
ESV Study Bible (ESV Text Edition: 2016). (2008). Crossway.
NET Bible: Full notes edition. (2019). Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C.
New Living Translation. (2015). Tyndale House Publishers.
The Expanded Bible. (2011). Thomas Nelson.
Together in action, united in spirit, aligned in purpose.