What is the our response in a culture that feels this way? How do we respond? What types of conversation stem from this postcard and the attitude it represents? It is overwhelming how many people hold this attitude. Something went wrong somewhere.

from term papers to tall pulpits

Since most in this community of bloggers are juggling roles as students and pastors I feel that it would be helpful to bring up this topic. How, in our local churches, do we convince (strong word, I know) people that such disciplines as hermeneutics are of value? Do we assume too much when we think it already is? How do we create a atmosphere which regularly engages in well-thought out discussion of scripture? I think the answer is more than just "teach a small group by reading your principles of interpretation notes" because all that would do is transfer information. I want to know how we get people to care about thinking for themselves, once that is done we'll teach them how. Please tell me this is possible and that we are not chained to teach series proclaiming "3.5 weeks of purpose" and "7 trendy ways to fancy up your guest room before summer".