I’ve been reading and thinking more recently about the role and importance of knowledge in the spiritual life, as we seek to be formed into Christlikeness. This cultivation of character happens in the context of a deepening union with Christ. Some complain that there is too much focus on knowledge in our churches, and not enough on the heart and its habits. J.K.A. Smith has written on this, and much of what he says is a needed correction.
However, I don’t think a focus on knowledge is the problem. Rather, it is a focus on content and then getting people to say they believe the content delivered to them. But that is a far cry from knowledge.
What is knowledge?
First, it is vital to see that knowledge is not the same thing as certainty, nor does it require certainty. We can have knowledge, but also recognize our fallibility as knowers. A good definition of knowledge, from Dallas Willard, is this:
Knowledge is the ability to represent a subject matter as it is, on an appropriate basis of thought and experience.
When I know something, I see reality as it is, in a way supported by sound thinking and relevant experience. To see the importance of knowledge here, let’s consider the three types of knowledge that there are.
Knowledge by acquaintance: This happens when I know something based on a direct awareness of it. Right now, as I sit on my backyard patio, I know that our dog Winnie is walking across the concrete in front of me. I’m directly aware of her presence and actions. Christians past and present testify that we can know God in this way, too. I can be directly aware of God’s presence, of a thought that God wants to communicate to me, of his love for me, and so on. I may not be able to give an argument for this (I also may have one, however), but I can know, nevertheless, that it is true. A worry here is that we may go off the deep end, thinking we are aware of God and his thoughts when we in fact aren’t. This is where being part of a healthy spiritual community that seeks God and his kingdom together acts as an important check, providing encouragement and correction as needed.
Propositional knowledge: An example of this is when I know that the following proposition, or statement, is true: “Our dog Winnie is an Aussie-Doodle.” I believe it is true, I have solid evidence that it is true, and it is, in fact, true. In the spiritual realm, we can have knowledge that God exists, that Christ rose from the dead, and so on. Remember, knowledge doesn’t require certainty, so we don’t n need to worry about our doubts. We should address them, and correct our beliefs as needed, but we can experience the freedom that knowing these and other truths brings to us.
Know-how: This is knowing how to do something, it is a skill. Some people are very gifted gardeners, just knowing how to care for plants in ways that enable them to flourish and grow. Or I might have some know-how that enables me to calm Winnie down when she is worked up because someone rang the doorbell, or is afraid of a thunderstorm. In the spiritual life, one might know how to pray in ways that are effective (James 5:16).
Why does knowledge matter for the spiritual life, and for our growth in Christlikeness?
First, we can know, based on the testimony and example of Jesus, his early followers, and so many others who have walked in the Way the past 2,000 years that he is there and that he loves us. We can know that he is ready to bring his kingdom more fully into our lives, and spread it to others through us and our lives. This is propositional knowledge.
Second, we can know that the spiritual disciplines, such as fasting, prayer, meditation, study, solitude, silence, community, and many others, are effective ways to invite God into our lives. They are significant means of the grace of God, the love of God, and avenues to experience the presence of God. They are God-given, time-tested, and grace-filled ways to experience life to the full. I have a good deal of propositional knowledge here, as it is a focus of my research and writing. I know a lot about these things. But I want to grow in my knowledge by acquaintance and know-how. I want to experience God, or at least be open to whatever he wants to do, via the spiritual disciplines. And I want to know how to practice these and other disciplines in ways that open me more fully to the Spirit.
Third, as we step out in faith, trusting Jesus to be with us, guide us, and help us, whatever we do and wherever we are, we will see his kingdom there. I’ve noticed recently that when I simply invite God into my daily activities, invoking his kingdom as I teach, write, and seek to love others, things happen. And the things that happen can’t be explained by my own talents, will, or anything else. The best explanation is that God is present, and at work. And I’m so grateful. As we do this over time, we’ll know how to put ourselves in position to receive and extend the power of God’s kingdom, and we’ll be more deeply and directly acquainted with it and the God who rules over it. And for that, we can be grateful.
These reflections have been prompted lately by Eternal Living: Reflections on Dallas Willard’s Teaching on Faith and Formation. If you’re looking for something to read along these lines, it is worth checking out.