Scholarship as worship

This post is written seated in a Bangkok chapel with a group of fellow-Christians.

Earlier this morning (8.30am) we sang, prayed, shared and heard the word of God. That was self-consciously an act of worship in the classic sense of an intentional gathering of God's people.

The same group of people is now seated in the same place.

What are we doing?

We are engaged in a scholarly pursuit. We students are presenting our doctoral research. Fellow students and academics are asking questions and giving critiques, affirmations, suggestions and encouragements.

That is a description of our actions. What is the nature of these actions?

Last night one of the academics remarked that if we are called by God to scholarly pursuits it is a kingdom vocation in Christ and part of our discipleship and disciple-making ministry. If it is not God's calling and a kingdom activity why are we doing it?

Worship is a presentation of my whole self to God as a living sacrifice, including renewal of the mind - motivated by the mercies of God in Christ (Rom 12:12).

So, if what we do at 11am is not an act of worship why are we doing it? If scholarship does not belong in the chapel where does it belong?

On reflection, chapel is a most appropriate place to be at 11am.