New Testament and Intellectual Humility

Introduction

This study examines how the New Testament scriptures might form and foster intellectual humility within Christian communities. It is informed by recent interdisciplinary interest in intellectual humility, and concerned to appreciate the distinctive representations of the virtue offered by the New Testament writers on their own terms.

The Virtue of Humility

It argues that the intellectual virtue is cast as a particular expression of the broader Christian virtue of humility, something which itself proceeds from the believer's union with Christ, through which personal identity is reconstituted by the operation of the Holy Spirit.

The Role of Jesus Christ

This demands that we speak of virtue in ways determined by the acting presence of Jesus Christ that overcomes sin and evil in human lives and in the world.

Conflict and Transformation

The Christian account of the intellectual virtue of humility is framed by this conflict, as the minds of believers who live together within the Christian community struggle with natural arrogance and selfishness, and come to share in the mind of Christ.

New Identity and Openness to Truth

The new identity that emerges creates a fresh openness to truth, as the capacity of the sinful mind to distort truth is exposed and challenged.

Impact on Knowledge and Decision-Making

This affects not just knowledge and perception, but also volition: for these ancient writers, a humble mind makes good decisions that reflect judgements decisively shaped by the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ.

Humility of Mind

By presenting humility of mind as a characteristic of the One who is worshipped--Jesus Christ--the New Testament writers insist that we acknowledge the virtue not just as an admission of human deficiency or limitation, but as a positive affirmation of our rightful place within the divine economy.