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Let Your Intelligence and Faith Work Together

Let Your Intelligence and Faith Work Together

Whitney Hopler

Live It Editor

Some people see the world only in terms of obvious physical realities.  Others view the world through the lens of blind faith that doesn't fully engage their minds.  But both camps of people are like the Cyclopes of ancient stories whose vision is limited to what they can see with only one eye.  They're missing out on the world's multidimensional glory.

The only way to see the world as God meant you to see it is to look at it with both "eyes" He has given you - your intelligence and your spirituality.  If you develop both your IQ (intelligence quotient) and SQ (spiritual quotient), you'll be able to see the full depth and beauty of yourself, others, and the universe God has created.

Here's how you can let your intelligence and spirituality work together:

Realize that everyone believes in something
Some people believe in God, and some people believe in the god Randomness, who they think has the power to transform complete chaos into the finely tuned order of our universe.  Understand that it takes just as much faith - if not more - to believe that the universe has no divine creator or director than it does to believe that God exists.


Understand that God gave your mind so you could use it

Remember that we were made in God's image, and that includes our brains.  Know that He wants you to make good use of your intelligence and not be afraid to explore the world so you can discover more about it.


Recognize the amazing accomplishments of smart, spiritual people throughout history

You have only to read through the annals of history to discover legions of educated men and women whose faith in God was important to them.  As you learn about what they accomplished in their lifetimes, you'll know that smart people can believe in God and use their God-given gifts to make a significant, positive difference in the world.

Don't let yourself be hoodwinked by myths
Know that IQ isn't somehow superior to SQ; both are equally important for being able to accurately perceive the world.  Seeing is a form of believing, but believing is also a form of seeing.  Know that science can never prove that God does or does not exist.  Science, by its nature, will always be completely neutral on the subject.  If you do believe in God, don't ever be ashamed of your faith. 

Don't think that God frowns on your doubts and questions.  Instead, know that He wants you to use them as tools to develop a deeper faith.  If you don't believe in God, realize that whatever the reasons are, they have nothing to do with your intelligence because many people with very high IQs also have faith in God.  Don't look down your nose at people who believe in God. Ask yourself what emotional reasons you might have for your skepticism, and consider seeking healing for those issues so you'll be free to go on a genuine spiritual quest for answers. 

For example, if you blame God for the evil in the world, remember how many atrocities have been committed by atheists (such as leaders of communist governments who have slaughtered millions of people).  If you think religion is a crutch, consider how often the biblical God makes the lives of His people harder - not easier - so they can grow.

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