Why are complex theological queries too challenging for the average American christian to grasp?

Question

Does American theology boil down to a "feel good" religiosity with no room for serious intellectual evaluation?

The Francis A. Schaeffer Foundation is in Gryon, Switzerland.
C.S. Lewis is an Englishman and not really considered an intellectual heavy weight among general pear consensus.

Answer 1

Yes, the little spoon-fed babies have shriveled their brains because they aren't used to exercising them....They are taught that critical thinking is a sin.

Answer 2

Begging the question just a bit there? If so, you ought to realize that you're committing a logical fallacy that any freshman debater would recognize. Next time, you might consider losing the patronizing attitude, and maybe people would respond in a more thoughtful manner.

And as far as complex theological queries are concerned, not all of us leave our brains outside the church door. I enjoy theological studies and a good challenging question. I'm sure that I'm not the only American Christian who fits that profile.

Answer 3

TV, MTV the internet and a total failure of the USA educational system.

Everything comes in short bite-sized chunks. You can't do any kind of serious intellectual analysis in 30 seconds. It can take years of consistent though to sort out anything significantly complex. Who do you know who grew up in the USA and is under 30 who can do this?

The future belongs to the intelligent and well educated. That's the kids in China, India and the children of recent immigrants here.

Answer 4

You hadn't read much outside of your little world have you. Try reading a few Francis Schaeffer writings if you like intellect. I am betting you won't even understand 90% of the words. For easier reading, try a few C.S.Lewis books, former Atheist and professor of Oxford University and member of the Inklings literary discussion group. I am certain your credentials exceed such people of intellect. :o)

Answer 5

Most Americans go with the religion they were raised with, which is in most cases Christianity. If anyone raises questions to understand it or debate it, there arises a fear that God may strike them dead or something.
Most are taught at a very young age to never question God. It's just easier that way and they don't have to think on their own.

Answer 6

It's hard to get through the indoctrination. This forces reason and logic to be supressed with superstition and dogma. Intellectual discussion also requires knowledge and critical thinking, two concepts that are demonized by most religions.

Answer 7

A True Christian needs to have a direct communication with God. A one on one walk with God. As long as they do everything will be ok. But when pride comes in and you start walking this life on your own, then you will see the "feel good" religiosity, As long as I keep my hand in His I am ok.

Answer 8

In a lot of cases, yes.
You too want to feel good don't you?
I think you do.

The web is available for anyone to research religion and theology.
If you are serious go get it man.

The world is the correct place to go to learn about God isn't it?
They know everything.

Theology is the study of God.
How does one do that?

Faith my boy, faith.

Answer 9

Not just that, but thye're scared if they dig too deep they'll find out they're not doing the right thing and have to re-think thier faith. Most folks, regardless of what religion, don't open themselves to that possibility. More's the pity.

Answer 10

Any rich area boils down to "feel good" when it comes to morality. Could people donate half of their annual income to the Pan-African movement?

Sure.

Do they?

Nope. Materialism.

So, I think it's a class issue.