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 Not
all higher education is good. In fact, some of it can be
dangerously hurtful, especially among God’s people. That’s
the kind I’m opposed to.
I
am opposed to the kind of higher education which becomes an end
in itself; the kind without point or purpose. Most elective
higher education presupposes its employment in some way.
Prospective preachers, for instance, can learn much in subjects
such as English and Speech that will improve their effectiveness
as public speakers and writers — but only if they employ
what is learned. However, to become a professional student who
is “ever learning” with little intention of ever doing is to
waste precious time that ought to be redeemed (Eph. 5:16).
I
am opposed to the kind of higher education that promotes
pride--that subtle kind of pride that self rarely recognizes or
confesses. Such pride is almost limitless in its expression. It
may lack patience with the ignorant and uneducated brethren. It
may even be critical of them for being unable to fathom and
appreciate the great instruction and instructor with which they
have been blessed (?). (How opposite the truly educated
instructor who accommodates his instruction to the level of his
listeners in bite-size and digestible chunks — the way Jesus
did.) When higher education lowers our esteem for brethren and
hinders our association with them, it has been a hurtful
education. Care must be taken to insure that higher education is
not attained at the expense of humility.
I
am opposed to the kind of higher
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education among Bible teachers that
complicates and confuses the gospel message. For instance, the
use of a vocabulary that is intended to enhance the speaker more
than the message edifies no one (1 Cor. 12:26b). Learning and
being edified are impossible without understanding;
understanding is impossible when the language is not common to
teacher and learner. Even humble men of higher education can
unwittingly use expressions that are natural with them but not
understood by their audience — it may sound good, but who is
profited? Paul did not come with “excellency of speech” (1
Cor. 2:1), neither should we! The gospel needs no embellishment.
Its persuading power does not lie in the wit and wisdom of its
proclaimers, much less in their ability to quote from the Greek.
I
am opposed to the kind of higher education that causes less
appreciation for “first principle” Bible subjects. Such “milk”
is ever appropriate in the spiritual diet of every Christian and
they should rejoice to know that others may be hearing it for
the first time. Whether teacher or learner, highly educated or
less, such truths are worthy of our hearing and repeating again
and again with thanksgiving and appreciation.
I
am opposed to the kind of higher education that promotes party
spirit between the alumni or other educated peers; the
kind that causes discrimination between brethren and destroys
equality among believers. Seek it? Yes, if you’ll use it.
Label it, “handle with care”. Dan S. Shipley
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