Personally. I think this is a false dichotomy, however, I have noticed that many Christians seem to have no problem with immersing themselves in the scriptures and applying their knowledge to apologetics and theological constructs - being scripturally literate is encouraged and admired. But what about serving the poor? The mere suggestion of helping others on this board has brought accusations of bragging - yet, any display of scriptural knowledge is commended.
Seems to me that Jesus focused His ministry on serving others - He did not call His disciples to 'know', but to 'do'. Now, I have a high regard for the Bible, but if it is not applied, it is worthless towards our sanctification.
What I have seen lately, is a fear and sometimes a loathing of institutional (church and government) programming for the poor and people in need. Am I wrong about this? If I am right, why is this happening? Why do Christians seem afraid of helping people in need in an institutional manner? And, why do Christians feel obligated to correct false doctrine or wayward Christians with doctrine, but only secretly serve people in need - as if it is something to be ashamed of?
I remember a thread that was started months ago about Mother Teresa - her life-long service has been called into question by some Christian people because of her lack / depth of scriptural knowledge or at least, her apparent inability to articulate what she believed in a theologically acceptable manner. The women committed her life to God through service and has been criticized by Christians! This seems really strange to me. In any case, please to not turn this thread into 'Why Mother Teresa is not a Christian II' If you want to discuss her in more detail you can dig up the old thread. I only brought her up as an example of doctrinal bias.
Ideally, I think we need to focus on both scriptural knowledge and social justice,
Seems to me that Jesus focused His ministry on serving others - He did not call His disciples to 'know', but to 'do'. Now, I have a high regard for the Bible, but if it is not applied, it is worthless towards our sanctification.
What I have seen lately, is a fear and sometimes a loathing of institutional (church and government) programming for the poor and people in need. Am I wrong about this? If I am right, why is this happening? Why do Christians seem afraid of helping people in need in an institutional manner? And, why do Christians feel obligated to correct false doctrine or wayward Christians with doctrine, but only secretly serve people in need - as if it is something to be ashamed of?
I remember a thread that was started months ago about Mother Teresa - her life-long service has been called into question by some Christian people because of her lack / depth of scriptural knowledge or at least, her apparent inability to articulate what she believed in a theologically acceptable manner. The women committed her life to God through service and has been criticized by Christians! This seems really strange to me. In any case, please to not turn this thread into 'Why Mother Teresa is not a Christian II' If you want to discuss her in more detail you can dig up the old thread. I only brought her up as an example of doctrinal bias.
Ideally, I think we need to focus on both scriptural knowledge and social justice,