Too often the scholarly guild has gone along to get along. It has sunk into a bourgeoise, conformist respectability. At times it's almost indistinguishable from the world. It's lost its saltiness, its light is dimmed, it repels all non-conformists.
Jesus dared to speak in his own name and by his own authority. He was no "yes man." He wasn't afraid to challenge the traditions of the centuries. He thus stood out from the scribes. He amazed his listeners both by the substance and the manner of his instruction.
We are not Jesus, nor do we have his authority. But we are encouraged by the example of the Bereans to "examine the Scriptures daily" (Acts 17:11). The Greek word translated "examine" has several possible meanings:
- investigate
- question
- sift
- discern
- determine
- appraise
- scrutinize
- cross-examine
I well recall in Basel how Markus Barth, lecturing on the Gospel According to Mark, challenged the teaching of his own Reformed Church concerning the practice of pedobaptism. He scandalized the establishment by sweeping away the traditions of the elders. He spoke with a freshness that captivated some and infuriated others. He looked in vain for any evidence of infant baptism, and stood his ground. His father, the famous theologian, had done the same thing before him.
Why are we humans still so susceptible to groupthink and so easily manipulated into believing certain things? Even with minor issues, groupthink triggers decisions that aren't ideal. We are becoming less and less independent thinkers. Groupthink is all about participating in a group bias that gives a person a sense of belonging. Lack of cognitive diversity is one of the greatest banes of our day. This is why the free exchange of ideas is so important.
Read and listen to things you disagree with as often as you can.
Think more of the evidence than what other people think about you.
If necessary, be willing to stand alone.
