Spritual Practices: Intellect
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2
Some people grow in faith by being surrounded by others. Some grow through worship and others by being in solitude. For people like St. Paul, Thomas Aquinas, Karl Barth and many others, one main pathway for spiritual growth came through the intellect. Some people may not get much out of 30-minute worship set, but give them a five volume set on theology and watch their face and soul light up.
While almost all creatures can ‘think’ and some can even plan, like animals hunting in packs,and a few like whales and chimpanzees have memories, humanity was made with a mind for reason, remembering, creating, comprehending, analyzing and with the gift of curiosity for the sake of exploring things in new ways. Moses was praised for being a great judge, Joshua for being a military strategist, David for having a mind for God, Solomon for wisdom, and Paul for having a theological mind. They were not only blessed with intellect, but it was through their intellect, at least in part, that they grew in their knowledge of and faith in God.
While I do not consider myself a scholar, it has often been through reading books that I have taken some of the biggest steps in my theological understanding of God. For example: The Crucifixion by Fleming Rutledge or Robert Capon’s Kingdom, Grace, Judgement commentaries on the parables are excellent. It has also been through books that I have moved deeply in my soul by authors like Brennan Manning, David Benner and Richard Foster. Of course, to grow through the intellect you are not limited to reading books, you can take courses or listen to lectures online (or in person when that is again allowed).
It should go without saying, but hey who am I not to state the obvious, studying the Bible, “the word about the Word”, is an essential way of growing in knowledge, love and faith. You can study verse by verse, or book by book, with a commentary or multiple translations. The options are many.
If the intellect is one of the main pathways you use to grow in faith, then these COVID days are not much of a hurdle to you. There are plenty of great books and resources available online, some very excellent Podcasts too, I hear, and if you are really desperate you can always ask Todd or myself for specific suggestions.