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Glossary Definition of word.
academic
That which is academic is scholastic in nature. That is, academic matters pertain to intellectualism or an academy of learning. All people should develop an academic understanding of the Scripture. Long-term weakness in apologetics comes from reading the Bible purely for comfort or emotional inspiration. All who read translations of the Bible are indebted to the translators who exercised advanced academic abilities in their translation work. The Bible is written with layers of complexity which require great intellectual efforts.
It is, however, altogether false to suggest that one must study the Scripture in a formal university or college in order to properly learn the Bible or theology. The “Jews marveled” at the teachings of Jesus questioning, “How does this Man know letters, having never studied?” (Jn. 7:15-16). His contemporaries erroneously assumed that one must be formally taught to have authoritative knowledge. A similar mistake was committed by Annas the high priest and the Jewish council in how they perceived Peter and John. “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus” (Ac. 4:13).
There are many who have attained stunning academic knowledge of the Scripture, yet have never known God ... and, worse yet, are not known of God (Mt. 7:23; 25:12; Lk. 13:24-28; Jn. 8:42-47). The apostle Paul, who taught many deep mysteries, warned, “Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth” (1Co. 8:1). Head knowledge is important and should be encouraged, but heart knowledge is far more important. Head knowledge alone may lead to an eternity of damnation. Regretfully, most of the “academic” teachers of the Bible destroy faith by teaching the Bible as only a human composition.
The acedemic quality of Balancing the Sword made it suitable for the University of South Florida as a senior level literature course.
See academic vocabulary and Bible study. |
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