intellect as a defense from genuine encounters
Defense mechanisms are a common psychological phenomenon. Simply stated, when we are feeling overwhelming anxiety (feeling pressured to acknowledge or confront thoughts or feelings that we have deemed unacceptable or unmanageable) we use clever defenses to keep ourselves at a safe distance. This reaction is logical and instinctual but becomes problematic when habitual. What we are avoiding is an opportunity for a genuine encounter with ourselves and God; we avoid because of a misguided belief that genuine encounters with the deepest aspects of our soul are unmanageable, not beneficial, and dangerous. Healing, rather, begins with awareness, acceptance, and a genuine encounter with the one singing His song of love over you (Zephaniah 3:17). Healing, then, begins with confronting these defense mechanisms, challenging misguided beliefs, and helping you make deeply genuine encounters with yourself, others, and the Healer.
Of all the defense mechanisms, the most common and unyielding amongst the highly educated is the defense mechanism of intellectualism. While we should by no means discourage educational pursuits and the advancement of intellect, intellectualism as a defense keeps our minds engaged as a distraction from pursuits of the heart. We discuss but never feel. And, we not only ignore the reality of current experiences, but we also ardently avoid being honest with others about it as well. We engage in noology (improving our knowledge of the mind) but avoid psychology (the study of the soul). As a practical example, one can appear devoutly religious through rigorous study, perfect engagement in ritualistic ceremonies, and the offering of sound advice; however, none of these pious behaviors offer the depth of spiritual growth available through humbled heart-felt prayer, passionate worship, and loving engagement in a divine romance. Plainly stated, reading Moby Dick does not make you a sailor, and, while being an excellent novel, it will not help you if you’re drowning.
Also, we not want to invalidate intellectualism particularly as it is used as a defense; for many, disconnecting emotionally and using intellect makes doing life a practical possibility. It’s true that we cannot always live in the storm. However, intellectualism, the gaining of knowledge through arduous study, is only beneficial if it produces and deepens an internal mysticism (specifically defined as a present experience of something greater than yourself). Intellect involves filling the mind with facts; mysticism, rather, is about engaging the heart and soul to give meaning, depth, and application to those studied facts. Read about God, yes; but, don’t let your studies detour your need to meet with Him face to face.
Many attempt to avoid exploring distressing feelings, challenging thoughts, or unnerving situations by over-intellectualizing the situation. The recommendation, instead, is to avoid the distraction and insist on the true question at hand: what are you avoiding? If we let down our defenses and allow ourselves to engage in a genuine encounter (with ourselves, with others, and with God), we allow ourselves to find lasting acceptance and healing.
Brennan Manning wrote about his experiences on fishing boats caught in the fury of a gale. In dire efforts to avoid the storm, he hid below deck only to begin supposing that such an action was allegorical to his life. He hid himself in libraries when what was needed was to step out into the storm and meet the God who is lord over it all.