Intellectual intolerance

By theFlakes (a.k.a. Brian Kellogg) ~

"We know that reason is the devil's harlot, and can do nothing but slander and harm all that god says and does." - Martin Luther

Dr. Martin Luther's Church Door - Wittenburg, Germany '93 (Photo credit: Mikey G Ottawa)

This is a quote from a man that I used to admire until I learned more about him and the incredible amount of ridiculous rhetoric that spewed forth from his mouth. This quote entirely encapsulates the christian evangelical fundamentalist view on the human intellect. Why do many who study in higher education institutions leave christianity or at the least only pay it lip service? I think the answer to that is quite self evident. It is not due to the indoctrination forced upon students at higher ed institutions. Many of those students have already received enough indoctrination growing up in their christian homes. No, the truth of what many learn in college sheds honest illumination on the beliefs and religious fears drilled into them in childhood. This is why in christian evangelical fundamentalist circles we see such a disdain for those educated in religious studies, philosophy, and other disciplines who dare write or say anything that would challenge their world view. After all these silly PHDs don't have the spirit like they do. All the PHDs have is the knowledge that they worship. It's the devil influencing them; come-on its all so obvious to us enlightened special few. This is vanity and foolishness.

Five years ago I would have been numbered in those evangelical fundamentalist circles. My studies and research have led me out of it, thankfully. When immersed in it you do not realize how intolerant and unthinking you become. Group think pervades the very atmosphere in these circles and is, unknowingly or not, rewarded. Don't be too different; don't disagree too much or you'll be marginalized or even ostracized. I do not believe they marginalize such a one on purpose. It is more born out of their fear over the weakness and doubting of their own faith I suspect. After all, Martin Luther would say while pointing his finger at me, just look there if you want to see the spiritually devastating results of reason. I proudly stand guilty as charged and the better for it.

"Hell was made for the inquisitive."

- St. Augustine - REALLY?! How utterly absurd!

"Reason is the greatest enemy that faith has; it never comes to the aid of spiritual things, but -- more frequently than not -- struggles against the divine Word, treating with contempt all that emanates from God." - Martin Luther

"There is on earth among all dangers no more dangerous thing than a richly endowed and adroit reason...Reason must be deluded, blinded, and destroyed." - [Martin Luther, quoted by Walter Kaufmann, _The Faith of a Heretic_, (Garden city, NY, doubleday, 1963), p. 75]

"Reason must be deluded, blinded, and destroyed. Faith must trample underfoot all reason, sense, and understanding, and whatever it sees must be put out of sight and ... know nothing but the word of God." - [Martin Luther]

"Whoever wants to be a Christian should tear the eyes out of his Reason." - Martin Luther -

Now we've finally found some common ground.

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