Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15 NIV)
Minding Your Mind
by Rosalie De Rosset
Walk into any Christian bookstore and case the shelves of books on women’s issues, family living, and patterns of leadership. You will be hard put to find little or anything written on the role of the mind or the importance of the intellect in developing and maintaining a sturdy, healthy faith in and walk with God. Go to any women’s retreat or women’s leadership conference. Speakers and seminars appealing to women’s hearts and souls and talking about spiritual disciplines abound. Discussion of women’s roles as mothers, daughters, single women, keepers of the home, and as home-schoolers dominates the teaching hours. But is there much or any focus on the importance of the mind, of the crucial role that good reading and responsible study play in its development? Is there much mention of becoming an intellectual as well as a spiritual disciple of Christ?
Sadly, many women are probably intimidated by the word intellect (I always define the word carefully when I use it), even though what it means is the power to know as distinguished from the power to feel and to will. Yet, every one of those women would agree, at least in theory, that we must know the word of God as well as feel it. Knowing involves the use of the intellect.
As an example, in the two or more decades I have been speaking at women’s conferences and retreats, I have often chosen to address the importance of good reading and solid Bible study in the Christian life. Often, the leadership has been hesitant when they hear my choice of subject, wondering if perhaps something more practical, more mainstream (dare I say predictable) would be a better subject—something like how to have devotions or how to discern the will of God or how to pray more successfully and consistently. 
Some women’s ministries leaders have seen the significance of what I want to teach, but they have also understood that my seminars will have to be titled carefully to get numbers. In other words, I must artfully design a title that suggests something “more interesting,” “more user-friendly” than thinking about the mind implies, something that, in a sense, cons the women into going to such a session. Somehow a consideration of Christian thinking seems so much less a priority and far less spiritual than subjects to do with Christian behaviors, even though the mind is what processes what we feel and will and can lead to a more thoughtful and deliberate Christian lifestyle.
In an articulate book called When Life and Beliefs Collide, Carolyn Custis James argues that all women are called to be theologians—in other words, to have knowledge of God. She notes that the Bible, not to mention church history, “records the stories of countless women whose theology led them to make significant contributions at home, in the community, and in the church” (p. 19).
When people—in this case, women—neglect the use of their minds, they may get caught up in idle activities, too many activities, silly reading and leisure habits which lead, finally, to a shallow understanding of what it means to live the Christian life. Their faith may also be too thin to sustain them in the hardships that invariably accompany the average existence.
Their Christian understanding, undeepened by knowledge, may become boring whether they admit it or not. As J.I. Packer says in his popular book Knowing God, “The world becomes a strange, mad, painful place, and life in it a disappointing and unpleasant business for those who do not know about God. Disregard the study of God, and you sentence yourself to stumble and blunder through life, blindfolded, as it were, with no sense of direction, and understanding of what surrounds you. This way you can waste your life, and lose your soul” (pp. 14-15).
This article by Rosalie De Rosset has been quoted from Gifted For Leadership, a women’s group blog from ChristianityToday.com. 
What think you?
Do you agree with the author?
And Now, for a Complete Change of Pace
It’s Blogger Awards night, ladies! Drumroll please…
Thank you, Connie Marie at Sharing Alaska for honoring Chrysalis with the Creative Blogger Award. It’s indeed an honor. Here is the award’s description:For those who bring unique and creative elements to their blogs. For those who incorporate art, music, creative writing, photo's, and other beautiful visual effects into their website. For those who put a unique spin on things and come up with new ideas. This award is for the artsy, the funky, the inventor, and even the rebel. This award is for those creative individuals who stand out from the crowd.
It’s my privilege to bestow this honor on five worthy bloggers. The rules of this award are posted at Writer’s Reviews by Christy Z. I would like to give the following recipients a big box of chocolates along with the Creative Blogger Award. Congratulations to all of you!
1. Heather at Graced By Christ
2. Diane at Like A Watered Garden
3. Laura at My Quotidian Mysteries
4. Rachelle Seek First His Kingdom
5. Kathleen Marie at The Open Window
Photo Credits: A & B by GaetanLee, C by cybele (Flickr)
18 COMMENTS:
I know at least three of these women, and I couldn't agree more- wonderful choices!
And of course, you are not only creative, but such a blessing!
I'm sorry I haven't stopped by more often lately...with homeschool going full speed ahead, it's been more difficult to reply to everyone or even post!
This current post gave me much food for thought...(um, no pun intended!) :) I think it is good to keep our minds sharp in whatever ways we can...especially at certain stages of life. A couple years ago I started writing again and almost finished a novel...but it's temporarily on hold. I hope to pick it up again soon, though! And now that I'm teaching at home, my brain is forced to pick up speed again, instead of the preschool years when my focus was on, you know...Blues Clues. lol
Interesting article. I was a math major (even after I was told by a math teacher that girls couldn't do math). Then I was a seminary student in a denomination that doesn't support women in ministry. The result of that is I'm often tossed the questions "to make you think" when in a group setting. I love it because it challenges me, but I find it sad that many Christian women choose to accept what others think rather than think themselves (ok, lots of Christian men do the same thing). In a lot of ways, our culture does not reward thinking on our own. That's one priority in teaching my girls--that they know how to discern for themself. Thanks for a great article.
Wow - Thanks e-Mom! What a sweet award!
I love that book too. As a seminary grad myself, I'm a huge fan of women embracing that thoughtful-living way of engaging with theology!
I completely agree that we do spend enough time talking about our minds and thinking and intellect, but I don't think it is only women. It is easy for people in general, not just women, to shut their brains off.
First off, congratulations on the award - definitely well deserved.
As to your question. I agree...to a point. I definitely see people more interested in pop Christian culture rather than studying and reading the Word and having a true understanding of Christian theology. I am often saddened by the lack of knowledge of Church history and historical church doctrine. But, we mustn't be lulled into thinking that one can only be a good Christian if they have enough (or the right kind of) intellectual knowledge. Andrew didn't say to Peter "come and understand." He said "Come and see." Jesus didn't tell John the Baptist's disciples to explain all about Jesus' Godhead when he asked from prison if Jesus was the one. He told them to report back that "the blind can see and the lame can walk...". Christianity is experiential. Knowing God is not just about having an intellectual understanding, its knowing Him in our hearts and see what he has done in our life and the life of others. We can argue with an atheist all about the validity of the Historical Jesus, etc. etc., but until he has faith he will not believe. I am reminded of 18th-19th century Europe where learning was valued (including in the sems), but Christianity languished. I guess we (or rather I) have to be careful that we don't get too full of ourselves and puffed up.
But, it can't be all about experience either, because that can get people into some serious trouble. There are certainly many cults and psuedo-Christian groups who base their validity on emotions and spurious experiences.
Wow! Thank you so very much and congratulations to you. This is sure a wonderful way to start my day. God Bless You and thank you again. Hugs!
e-Mom, thanks for the award! How very flattering. I appreciate it.
I love your post today, too. I agree that many have a "thin" faith based on feelings rather than serious study and thought. Our culture in general is very "feelings"-based and our Church doesn't encourage much serious thought. In fact, in many circles it's frowned upon, as if somehow we'll "think" our way out of faith. Many people also believe that if there's too much thinking involved, then it's not FAITH. Hogwash. Ours is not a blind faith. Serious study and deep thought about all the things of God can deepen our spiritual lives more than almost anything else. (IMHO, of course.)
Thanks again for the award!
You are so sweet--thank you.
You know this is one of my biggest pet peeves (other than people having pet peeves) :) I hate that the media tends to assume (too often rightly) that women are less interested in thinking and I certainly notice it in the Christian bookstore. In fact I have pretty much given up on the Christian bookstore having much geared towards women that is also edifying. Ands it is true that not renewing the mind can easily lead to idleness.
I don't think that being a good Christian necessitates being educated--there are plenty of Godly women out there that minister to the less intellectual aspects of a womens soul, and as Shamus pointed out the other day in a similar conversation with the kids, there have been generations when the Bible was not available to the masses and there were still Christians then. However, we must be good stewards of what He has given us and that means not being swayed here and there and instead holding fast to and studying the truth so we can recognize the false. It is important to be growing in Him, which He does differently in different people. For some it is a case of studying His word (the gift of knowledge would definitely come in here) and for others it is daily conversation with him and trusting (hmm, sounds a lot like the gift of faith). I am wary of anyone saying that THIS is necessary to a relationship with God, anything other than a relationship with Christ as Savior. Renewing the mind is part of it, a relationship with Him is part, experience with Him is part, and all the spiritual gifts come into play at different times for different people. All the gifts are important and no one gift is more important than any other. :)
And I am realizing that I have a bad habit of leaving a whole post worth of comments on peoples blogs and really need to address them on my blog and link back. Bad habit that.wnr
I think we live in a society of "thought-less-ness" I think it's important and very biblical to exercise our minds in HIS word.
Great post and great comments. My experience has been that the Christian women I seem to hang around with have no connection with more intellectual biblical/spiritual pursuits. Maybe I need new friends. :-) There's a balance, as some commenters have noted. True. But the balance currently appears to be heavily on the side of fluff.
Whew! Lot's of good reading here with all these comments!
All I want to say is this;
that head at the beginning of your post freaks me out!
Sorry. Not quite the intellect you were looking for.........;o)
As a Christian woman, I am thrilled to have discovered your site. I, too, spend a great deal of time examining women and our relation to God. May your efforts continue to be blessed.
Tammy: Lol, Blues Clues. I'm thrilled that you're writing a novel. You're certainly gifted with "smartness" and only Moms like you would dare to homeschool. Don't worry about infrequent visits here... your kids are much more important. {{{Hugs}}}
Mipa: You have impressive gifts: I was a math major (even after I was told by a math teacher that girls couldn't do math). Then I was a seminary student in a denomination that doesn't support women in ministry. I gather you're using your intelligence, despite the opposition you've enountered. Thanks for stopping by!
Laura: Amen. You're blessed! I took some theology courses too, and I loved them.
Tami: Interesting point. Our society's biggest monetary rewards go to entertainers and sports figures, not necessarily heavy-duty thinkers. And males often follow the money... :~)
DebD: You've left a very articulate comment. And I agree that "knowledge puffs up" and intellectual pride can be very dangerous. Scripture as a whole is a book of history, poetry, prophecy and so on, NOT a theological treatise. It's easy to forget that God has revealed himself through "story." Yes, Christian aplogogetics needs to come after evangelism. Faith comes first; it is the fruit of the Holy Spirit. A good definition of theology is "faith seeking understanding"... not the other way around. Blessings!
Sarah: You've been thinking hard about this topic! First, yes, one can read the Scriptures, but unless one's heart is open and sensitive to the Spirit, the words of the Bible fall on hard, inpenetrable ground. (eg. Bertrand Russell)
As educated women we are among the most privileged in the history of the Church. a) We can READ. b) We can use to good Bible reference books. c) We can google any topic, and d) we can use any number of excellent Christian study resources that are available online. Therefore, we have a tremendous responsibility. We must know the Scriptures, and then pass on the Truth--first to our children, and ultimately to others. Titus 2:3-5 is has much to say to younger woman, as well as to older women.
Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.
I don't think you are in danger of being led astray by your husband or your pastor. However, if you ever find yourself in a position where you feel either one of them is in error, I enourage you to deal with them respectfully. Enough said!
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are known as the "patriarchs" of the faith. Nothing wrong with good solid male leadership... in fact, it's essential, and biblical. However, I hear your concern about cultish groups, but I can't imagine that you would find yourself falling into that kind of trap.
Hugs!!!
Kathleen Marie: Congratulations again! A well-deserved award. I look forward to checking in to see who you pass it on to. :~)
Rachelle: You're welcome!
Hear, hear: Ours is not a blind faith. Serious study and deep thought about all the things of God can deepen our spiritual lives more than almost anything else. I'm thinking of C.S. Lewis, among others. Blessings to you.
Heather: You're more than welcome. Creativity is inded YOUR middle name!
You make me chuckle... for several reasons. First, you seem as fascinated with the diversity of gifts in the Body of Christ as I am! Yes, not all are gifted with intellect, or faith, or in prayer etc. We all must work together to build the body up in love. Therefore, women who have been gifted with minds, MUST use them.
So you have a pet peeve about people with pet peeves? Lol. And I sometimes do the same... leave a long comment, when I should be blogging about a topic that hits a hot button. I look forward to checking in to see what you've written recently about this one! Blessings. :~)
Amydeanne: You certainly do use you mind, as well as your abundant creativity. You're a blogger, after all. (I just saw a cute T-shirt that said, "I think therefore I blog." {{{Hugs}}}
Jennifer: My experience has been that the Christian women I seem to hang around with have no connection with more intellectual biblical/spiritual pursuits. Maybe I need new friends. Ooops, maybe so. Fortunately, you have friends who are thinkers in the blogging community!
Kristy: So what's wit ju? You make me laugh!!! That opening photo is eye-catching isn't it? It certainly got your attention. Anyhoo, sorry about that!
Carol: So nice to meet you! I'll stop by your site very soon. Blessings on your ministry too.
Sarah: Well, I'm sorry to have frightened your poor daughter! There's a medical name for ceramic heads like that... which I've forgotten at the moment. :~)
You've left a nice explanation of the proper roles of husbands, wives and daughters. :~)
Gosh, I don't think I know of any "patriarchal groups" that lean to the extremes of disallowing young women higher education... do you?
Sarah: Thanks, I've taken a cursory look at your links. My first thought (always) is "What does Scripture say?" Does Scripture teach the principles these two groups are espousing? There's a balance between the freedom we have in Christ (being led of the Spirit) and trying to live according to Scriptural guidelines.
Perhaps, at the heart of these two ministries lies the idea that men and women have different psychologies... which I agree with, and something that feminists adamantly deny. I believe men and women are differently designed and differently motivated, and a host of misunderstandings/problems arise between the two sexes as a result.
There is also the complex issue of natural giftings, as I've addressed a few of my blog posts. Some men are softer and more creative, while some women are more intellectual and action-oriented. You just can't fit the two genders into precise boxes when it comes to the types of activities/work/relationships men and women are best suited for.
My advice to anyone who is considering a Christian "alternative lifestyle" is to seek the Lord in prayer, study the Scriptures, seek Godly counsel, and let the Lord open and close doors circumstantially. The Spirit WILL lead, for he has promised to lead us into all Truth.
Let us remember we are justified by faith, and we will never reach perfection this side of heaven. However, in God's eyes we are holy and beloved, because of what Jesus has done... and I say, PTL for that! {{{Hugs}}}
Another great post e-mom! I’m afraid I have never felt the "mind and intellect" were strong points for me personally, but I do believe we need to work at sharpening our minds. I liked your point: "...the mind is what processes what we feel and will and can lead to a more thoughtful and deliberate Christian lifestyle." To encourage myself in training my mind...I love the verse: "We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ..." 2 Cor. 10:5 Thanks for sharing. Also, I am very embarrassed to be so late in getting back over here to give you a heart-felt thank you for your vote of confidence in me. I truly appreciate the blogging award and your thoughtfulness in sharing it with me. Life on my end has been very hectic and I haven’t been blogging this past week. I was honored to see your post-Thanks so much! Diane
Diane: Nice to see you here, my friend. Your blog is one of the most creative and thoughtful I know. You certainly do a lot of thinking to put together your posts. And I like your verse: 2 Cor. 10:5.
Congratulations again. Blessings!
Wonderful article. I understand the apathy and the inference that to think for one self is dangerous. It is imperative we know WHY we believe what we do.
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