Monday Morning Manna: Intellectual Common Sense

It might be a bit idealistic to think that an individual or group could approach an issue with a good blend of intellectual skills and common sense. An argument broke out in a faculty meeting one day over the possible inclusion of a new course in the curriculum. After some time, one of my favorite professors, made the following observation that ended the discussion, “What we really need is a course in common sense. Unfortunately, we have no one on this faculty qualified to teach it.” While it was a humorous way of summarizing an academic discussion, it was also a serious statement of truth. Sometimes we get so caught up in intellectual pursuits, that we forget common things; as well, we sometimes get so involved in common sense expertise, that we forget the intellect. Again, a blend of both would be nice. American philosopher, historian, and psychologist, William James, once said, “A sense of humor is just common sense, dancing.” Ideal would have intellect and common sense as dance partners, but that would be a humorous scene. We might have to coin a phrase – intellectual common sense. Perhaps that is why Jesus added “mind” to the Old Testament verse, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength” (Deuteronomy 6:5; Mark 12:30; Luke 10:27).

Dr. Dan Crawford, Senior Professor at Southwestern Baptist Seminary, is the WestCoast Baptist Association’s Spiritual Life & Leadership Mentor. Follow Dan on Twitter @DrDanRC and Facebook www.facebook.com/dan.crawford.