Every wind of teaching

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. (Ephesians 4:14 NIV)

How does one learn to think for oneself? Read old books. Use your own words. Ask who benefits from the status quo. Follow the money. Remember, fear is rarely a good reason. Avoid listening to people who often lie. Use the library not the (Christian) bookstore. Authorial intent – ask who published it and why. Trust your heart – especially if you are being asked or told to do something that does not feel quite right. Ask yourself, what in principle would change your mind? Be an extremist (what are the poles?) Think God’s thoughts after him. Heresy check (think in community). Freedom and authority. Limited expertise. Don’t have strong opinions about what you don’t know. Travel (at least to the other side of campus). Admit that you can’t be objective about your livelihood.