I have been thinking for some time about the universal command to love God with the mind and the specific calling to intellectual achievement (in whatever field).

Some Christians and especially the intellectual leaders of the church are called to higher levels of knowledge and wisdom. In fact, Christian thought leaders in every field should understand deeply the biblical worldview and how to engage cultures in evangelism, apologetics, and for the common good.

On the other hand, everyone who is a Christian receives a command to love God with the mind (Deut 6:4-5; Mark 12:30). How this works out in practice depends on many variables, including access to learning formats, economic resources, and aptitude.

In neither case, of call or command, is anti-intellectualism or biblical ignorance a God-honoring option. Theological illiteracy is also spiritually dangerous.

In its broader context, both the specialized call to the life of the mind and general command to intellectual piety are part of a wholistic spirituality that loves God with all the mind, soul, and strength, and also loves their neighbor (Mark 12:30-31).