INTELLECTUAL KNOWLEDGE

“...Seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and from, and KNOWLEDGE SHALL INCREASE” – Daniel 12:4b                              

The Word of God prophesies about Increase in INTELLECTUAL KNOWLEDGE: “But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and from, and KNOWLEDGE SHALL INCREASE” (Dan.12:4). The truths of these words could be no more real that they are today. In particular, Intellectual Knowledge is advancing phenomenally. Between 1900 and 1950, accumulated knowledge doubled. Between 1950 and 1965, it doubled again. And again between 1965 and 1975. Hardly can an individual keep abreast of the developments in any field! The study of science has grown exponentially in the past 100 years.

By 2015, 90% of all the scientists that ever lived were alive. In the second half of the 20^th century, the number of academic papers published annually doubled every nine years! In 1975, the President of the American Medical Association asserted that about 50 percent of all medical knowledge is outdated every ten years. Currently, the rate is less than 2 years! Medical decisions are becoming more complex because the volume of information far exceeds human capabilities to retain, but for the emergence of cognitive technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The most amazing creation in recent decades has been the invention and development of the computer, which has transmuted into an ever-increasing range of cutting-edge technologies: the Internet, Digital Twins, Cyber Security, AI, Robotics, Blockchain, Quantum Computing, Virtual Reality (VR), Edge Computing, Internet of Things (IoT), DevOps, Natural Language Processing (NLP), 3D printing, 5G Network, Augmented Reality (AR), and Extended Reality (XR). High-rated education and intellectual knowledge are top priorities in a complex world.

Meanwhile, redemption does not delete reasoning. Faith and Reason can co-exist harmoniously. Sir Isaac Newton, one of the most influential scientists of all time, was an erudite Christian and theologian. Salvation does not deaden the brain or kill creativity. However, while we should not disparage Intellectual Knowledge or lag behind to the extent required to fulfil life’s purpose, our trust must not be placed on this increasing, yet imperfect resource: “Whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we KNOW IN PART...” (1 Cor.13: 8b-9a).

The quest for knowledge is insatiable, and no degree of intensive and extensive research will answer these age-old questions: “Where did I come from?” “Why am I here?” “Where am I going?” Science and Technology do not hold the keys to the questions that probe our deepest sense of being. Intellectual humility is therefore the honest and willing admission that our knowledge is limited, our reasoning imperfect, and that we still have much to learn: “And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to” (1 Cor.8:2). Apostle Paul also wrote of the last days when men will be “always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” (2 Tim.3:7).