The Intellectual and Emotional Knowledge of God

The knowledge of God has fluctuated between two extremes throughout church history. In the first four centuries of Christianity, there was a balanced approach to understanding God—one that engaged both the mind and the heart. The early church fathers sought to explain the difficult theological concepts found in Scripture while emphasizing the necessity of passionate devotion in worship. They understood that the greatest commandment calls us to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30).

However, over time, the church has often shifted too far in one direction or the other. Today, some Christian groups focus exclusively on intellectual theology, producing scholars who can dissect Scripture but whose hearts remain cold toward God. Others focus only on emotional experiences, seeking the presence of God in worship yet neglecting sound doctrine, resulting in believers who "do not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God" (Romans 1:28).

Here is my invitation to you:

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” (Psalm 34:8, NIV)

True knowledge of God is like tasting and seeing—not just knowing with the mind, but experiencing with the heart.

Not just to read, but to experience.
Not just to learn, but to love.
Not just to gain knowledge, but to be transformed.