Habits of the Mind: Intellectual Life as a Christian Calling [Paperback]

James W. Sire (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 5, 2000

A 2001 Christianity Today Book of the Year! What is an intellectual? How can you learn to think well? What does it mean to love God with your mind? Can the intellectual life be a legitimate Christian calling? Is the intellectual life your calling? James Sire brings wit and wisdom to bear on these questions and their possible answers. And he offers an unusual "insider's view" of learning how to think well for the glory of God and for the sake of his kingdom. In Habits of the Mind Sire challenges you to avoid one of the greatest pitfalls of intellectual life--by resisting the temptation to separate being from knowing. He shows you how to cultivate intellectual virtues and disciplines--habits of mind--that will strengthen you in pursuit of your calling. And he offers assurance that intellectual life can be a true calling for Christians: because Jesus was the smartest man who ever lived, Sire argues, you can and should accept the challenge to think as well as you are able.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

In some Christian denominations the intellectual life is looked at askance; anything beyond basic literacy is regarded as presumptuous. Sire (lecturer, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship; The Universe Next Door) argues that the intellectual lifeDa life of thinking and thinking wellDcan be a calling for some. Indeed, it is, to a certain extent, a calling for all Christians. "Thinking," he notes, "is integral to our call to be what God wants us to be." The author does a fine job of defending and promoting a Christian intellectual life, one that "does the truth." And the truth for Sire is that revealed in Jesus Christ. Writing in the tradition of John Henry Newman, to whom he devotes a chapter, and A.D. Sertillanges, the author defines the habits required of the Christian intellectual. Recommended for seminary and larger public libraries.DAugustine J. Curley, Newark Abbey, NJ
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Sire shoots down the theory that to be a Christian and an intellectual is oxymoronic. What does it mean to be an intellectual? he asks. What does it mean to think well and responsibly? He examines how to cultivate intellectual virtues and disciplines in the ongoing pursuit of knowledge. He defines what an intellectual is--one who is in love with ideas is the short explanation--and ultimately challenges Christians to accept the responsibility to "think well." An intellectual, he notes, must be fairly intelligent, have access to a good education, and be able to communicate effectively. A Christian intellectual is all that and, in addition, directs every act and every thought to the glory of God. More than that, Christian intellectuals must do as they say--hypocrisy is not an option--and must act on what they claim to know to be the truth. The qualities of an intellectual mind include a passion for truth, a passion for holiness, and constancy, patience, and perseverance. June Sawyers
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 263 pages
• Publisher: IVP Books (July 5, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0830822739
• ISBN-13: 978-0830822737
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #45,368 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #89 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Education

More About the Author

James W. Sire (Ph.D., University of Missouri), formerly a senior editor at InterVarsity Press, is an active speaker and writer. He has taught English, philosophy, theology, and short courses at many universities and seminaries. He continues to be a frequent guest lecturer in the United States and Europe. His InterVarsity Press books and Bible studies include The Universe Next Door (a worldviews textbook), Scripture Twisting, Discipleship of the Mind, Chris Chrisman Goes to College, Why Should Anyone Believe Anything at All?, Habits of the Mind: Intellectual Life as a Christian Calling, Naming the Elephant: Worldview as a Concept, Learning to Pray Through the Psalms, Why Good Arguments Often Fail and A Little Primer on Humble Apologetics.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

59 of 60 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars From One Wannabe Intellectual To Another, November 19, 2000

By 

E. D. Seaman "E2D" (Kettering, OH United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Habits of the Mind: Intellectual Life as a Christian Calling (Paperback)

Our society has often labeled Christians as non-thinking weaklings who need a crutch to make it through life. Unfortunately many proclaimed Christians often mirror such an image, perhaps because they are Christian in name only and have never experienced spiritual rebirth or maybe they have been led to believe 'blind faith' is the only faith. Thankfully, James W. Sire reminds all of us that Christians too have a mind, and True Christians also have the Truth with which to engage a world hostile to Christianity.

Sire divides the book into ten chapters, each dealing with an aspect of the intellect. The first chapter "Confessions Of An Intellectual Wannabe" will strike a chord with many wannabe intellectuals, such as this reviewer. The next two chapters explore the thought of John Henry Newman, a true intellectual that we all wannabe! The next five chapters explain what 'thinking' actually feels like and how to develop the intellect--spiritual disciplines for the mind. One of the most profound exercises is that of lectio divina. Warning don't try this without supervision, unless of course you already know the Truth--Jesus Christ.

Christ as an intellectual, yes He was and still is the smartest man to ever walk the earth--think about it, is discussed in chapter nine. The final chapter discusses the responsibility of all us Christian intellects and wannabe intellects. Sire handles a deep subject with care and a delicate wit. For those who realize that Jesus Christ is the Truth and are ready to engage an intellectual world hostile to True Christianity this is the book for you. If you don't think your smart enough, join the fight anyway, all intellectual wannabes are welcome!

Semper fi & agape, Ed D.

42 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent treatment of a neglected topic. Read and grow., March 10, 2001

By 

Douglas Groothuis "Douglas Groothuis" - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Habits of the Mind: Intellectual Life as a Christian Calling (Paperback)

Few contemporary evangelical writers have so profitably and profoundly explored the meaning and implications of the Christian worldview and mind as James Sire. Now his wise, well-informed, and witty book puts us even further in his debt. The chapter, "Jesus, the Reasoner," is worth the price of the book. It demonstrates that Jesus prized and exemplified the life of the mind.

Be sure to read Dr. Sire's other books on related themes: "The Universe Next Door, 3rd ed.," "Why Should Anyone Believe Anything at All?," and "Discipleship of the Mind."

Douglas Groothuis, Ph.D., Denver Seminary.

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Habit Forming Reading, July 17, 2001

By 

A. Parker - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Habits of the Mind: Intellectual Life as a Christian Calling (Paperback)

Of all "Christian World View" books published in the last twenty years, this reigns supreme. Though certainly never intended to be practical or prescriptive, Sire provides the greatest service to 'Intellectual Wannabes' by discussing exactly what it means to be a Christian intellectual. His own history provides an able model for aspiring thinkers. However, the real inspiration lies in holding up Jesus as the ultimate thinker. Jesus' incontrovertible logic is emphasized. Jesus' mind and wit bolsters our own courage to stand up for His truth in a world flailing for standards of verity. Via his discussion of wholistic disciplines, Sire encourages engaging and stretching the mind inside a wider integration of being (mind, body, soul, and spirit). He spurs us on to acquire holiness and to live the truth beyond mere mental ascent. Sire encourages us to develop the intellectual habits necessary to go forth and live truth.