The United States is not unique in world history in placing its youth in a competitive atmosphere in learning. We’ve just tried (with mixed results) to extend it to all youth, not just those in either privileged classes or who show interest and potential for learning. So, after 13 years of constant comparison with our peers relative to learning, we are guided to think that learning (intellectual development) is the highest goal of life.
True, you do need to know certain things. To be completely ignorant is not a path to God. However, Thomas a Kempis rightly says, “Indeed, it is not learning that makes a man holy and just, but a virtuous life makes him pleasing to God.”
I’ve been studying Mark for the past several months. I much prefer the Gospels to Paul’s letters. Paul is so culturally bound and focused on how to organize the new movement that he is often hard to understand. Jesus, on the other hand, although enigmatic at times, points us to how to live.
Learning is easy compared to living a holy life minute by minute. It’s not only what you know but what you do with it.
Tags: Christianity, Ethics, lifestyle, spirit
Faith Venture 
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