I was talking with a friend the other about the misguided tendency of Christian conferences to have seminars on all kinds of cutting-edge issues coming from the culture.  Don’t get me wrong.  I think Christians ought to stay abreast of the latest news and be growing in the ability to navigate the various challenges to the gospel.

What struck me is how impractical it is to mainly offer issue-oriented seminars rather than helping people to learn how to think theologically in a way that is truly grounded in Scripture. Too few Christians have taken the time to do this.  When we do have the patience over the long haul to learn the Christian faith well it gives us a discernment we can’t find anywhere else.

I read a lot, and I read books on diverse subject matter.  However, if I don’t keep meditating, mulling, memorizing, and going deeper in my understanding of God’s Word my discernment in properly engaging culture will be impaired.