Registration is now open for the Desiring God National Conference this Fall (Oct. 1-3). At the conference Piper’s major book, Think: The Life of the Mind and the Love of God will be released.
Here is an excerpt from Piper’s letter of invitation:
Dear friends,
Thinking is one of the most hazardous things we do. But it is absolutely necessary for being human and worshipful. The apostle warns, “Knowledge puffs up” (1 Corinthians 8:1). But he also commands, “In your thinking be mature” (1 Corinthians 14:20). Do this dangerous thing. But do it well.
For many years, the life of the mind—the calling to think biblically—has pulled me and perplexed me. It has seemed utterly necessary, yet clearly not ultimate. Thinking is for the sake of something greater. Yet it is not a means that we will ever leave behind. The greater thing is loving God. Thinking truly is a means of loving duly. Yet the act of loving God will never dispense with thinking rightly about God.
The American people and the American church have a long history of anti-intellectualism. When you think of how God-dishonoring much intellectual life has been, this is understandable. But it has not served us well. When the faithful, rigorous life of the mind is diminished, the spiritual benefits don’t last much longer than a generation. The very thing we wanted to protect is eventually weakened. The Great Commandment is to love God with everything in us, including our minds (Matthew 22:37). When that means of love is marginalized, love for God weakens.
I would like you to join us to think about thinking at the Desiring God National Conference October 1-3, 2010.
I went to Al Mohler, president of Southern Seminary, first as the anchor for Friday night. He said yes. I also asked him to stay over for a Sunday inauguration service for Bethlehem College and Seminary, which he was willing to do. Next I went to Rick Warren. I told Rick that he is known, and faulted, as a pragmatist—would he come and make a case for the importance of biblical thinking to help some of his followers see that pragmatism is not enough, and some of his detractors see that thinking is not enough? He also said yes. Then R. C. Sproul said yes (he’s now informed us he’s medically unable to travel in 2010 and so will deliver his message via video). We’ve also received confirmation from Thabiti Anyabwile, pastor in Grand Cayman and former Muslim, and from Francis Chan, pastor in Simi Valley, California. And now I’m inviting you.
You can read the rest of the letter.