Devotion - Tuesday, February 23

I Corinthians 1:20-31 could be a tough section of scripture for those of us who live in the university setting. Paul writes, “Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?” This could be a tough section; or it could be the very verses which drive us more deeply into our work.

We haven’t done as much with the faith-science debate in recent years. I am forever grateful to the scientist who helped me to understand the difference between science and science-based-technology (SBT for short). Most of what it taught (to undergraduates for sure) is SBT. It is only a few who push the edges of what is known, who delve into pure science.

There is a parallel between this and what happens within the Church. Here, one would separate piety from theology. Theology, like science, is dealt with by a small group. These persons share their findings and use what has been discussed as a way to help us understand our actions. Those actions, the prayers and songs, give expression to the theological tenets. But few of us will delve into the fine points. We say our prayers, lift our voices to God, and go on with our lives. These interactive actions are our piety; the way we pray.

These verses of I Corinthians are not telling us to never seek knowledge or information; they are reminding us that for the knowledge to be useful it must be put into practice. We cannot simply debate, we must also act.

Science leads to SBT; theology gives rise to piety. If we are going to boast, “boast of the Lord,” not our own insights and discoveries.