Robot Clone Generation

Abstract
Using Kohn’s article as a jumping off place, this narrative seeks to show that Christianity is not defined by how well one knows the Bible, any more than being well-educated is defined by a degree on the wall. Drawing on personal experience as a Baptist pastor’s daughter, and including a few Biblical examples, a plea is made to question the status quo and return to critical thinking skills as a means of rediscovering true Christianity: Christ.


Robot Clone Generation
Are we to be reduced to a society of people quoting intellectual facts, flaunting excellent test scores, and waving about advanced degrees yet devoid of any critical thinking skills? This state of affairs is not only the product of schools, but also of many of our churches. The world is churning out classrooms full of students who can cite their multiplication tables and geometry theorems, yet they know very little of practical everyday life. At the same rate, churches are churning out young people who spew scriptures and Bible facts without batting an eye, not having a clue about the practical essence of Christianity. Christianity is not defined by how well one knows the Bible, anymore than being well-educated is defined by a degree on the wall.
I, too, was afflicted with this malady of ‘fact-worship’ over critical thinking skills. I grew up in an environment where Biblical knowledge was the ultimate goal of every aspect of life. My brain was overloaded with scriptures and facts, ever ready to impress others with my Christian superiority. If someone asked me a question about the faith, I was always ready with an answer, just as Christians are supposed to be! I had the verse memorized: “…be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you...” (I Peter 3:15)
But wait, I could rattle off facts, and quote verses, but was I truly able to give a reason for what I believed? “There’s a big difference between knowing what something says and knowing what it means. Millions of Christians know what the Bible says. But many do not know what it means because that can only be revealed by the Spirit.” (George, 1989, p. 38) One of the major downfalls of ‘fact-based’ religion is the lack of understanding why one believes what they believe. I had become a pre-programmed robot clone identical to every other person I attended church with, simply regurgitating the facts and opinions of others. Just as Kohn referred to those who viewed the education system as a means of “reproducing our current culture” (2003, p. 4) and “preserving the status quo” (2003, p. 4), the religious circles I grew up in were very concerned that we all looked and sounded alike down to the very last detail.
This pursuit of conformity had terrible consequences. I was so busy seeking to excel at being an outstanding Christian that I missed Christ altogether. In memorizing more, I thought less; in thinking less, I avoided the true question inside my heart: “What does all this mean?” I had become just like the Jews that Paul described in Romans chapter two – they knew the Scriptures inside and out, yet were completely unable to save themselves. Even in the moments when I would admit to myself that there was a possibility that I did not really know this Jesus whom I had read all about, I could not dwell there. It was easier to maintain the semblance of mature Christianity than it was to exercise the mind by delving into deep personal introspection.
My personal story does have a happy ending. I married a man who knew on an intimate level that Christianity was a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. For the first time in my life, I was introduced to Christ as a very real, living person who dwells outside of the realms of religion, the God-man who was more than just a recorded gospel story. This Jesus loved me, not for whom I was affiliated with, what I looked like, or how much I knowledge I had, but for whom he created me to be. He made me with my own unique personality including all of my abilities, thinking processes and preferences. He designed me for a perfect role within the body of Christ. By reducing myself to a copy of another Christian, I was upsetting the perfect intention my Creator had for my life.
To those who still think that Bible knowledge and religious rules define Christianity, I ask you this: How much Bible knowledge do you need before you can be considered a mature Christian? “How familiar with it must you be?” (Kohn, 2003, p. 3) The Pharisees had the Old Testament memorized, yet they stood face-to-face with Jesus and had absolutely no idea who he was. The chief priests and scribes told Herod where Jesus would be born, (Matthew 2:4-6) yet they did not seek him out for themselves. Knowledge then cannot be an indicator of spirituality. Let us take a look at the disciples: “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13) What was different between these men and the Pharisees? They had had a real encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ, not only as a man walking this earth, but as the Saviour of their souls. They knew him not only in name, but also as the Spirit dwelling inside of them in resurrection power. This is what made the difference in my own life between being a robotic clone of those around me, and being a Christian that causes people to say, “Wow! Something is different here!”
It is time for Christians to switch their brains to the ‘on’ position and consider that there is more to Christ than anything they have ever considered! Start asking questions about the things that you have always accepted as truth. Ask yourself where the evidence is to support it, how it is important to you, and why it is necessary to believe. (Kohn, 2003, p. 6) Let us prevent another generation of people who, like me, go through the same motions as their parents and their religious organizations, but never truly encounter Christ for themselves. Remember that true Christianity is not found in Biblical knowledge, but in Christ. I leave you with this thought, “If one’s understanding of Christianity is comprised only of assent to the objective facts, and devoid of the subjective personal relationship with Jesus Christ, can such a person be considered a Christian?” (Fowler, 2000)




References
Fowler, J. A. (2000). A personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Retrieved from
www.christinyou.net/pages/persrel.html
George, B. (1989). Classic christianity (p. 38). Eugene: Harvest House Publishers, INC.
Kohn, A. (2003). What does it mean to be well-educated. Principal Leadership. 4,6.
Retrieved from www.alfiekohn.org/teaching/welleducated.htm