There is a disconnect between the scholarly community and the pastorate. Academians parse all the possible meanings of a text and become exacting in describing the boundaries of said meaning. Pastors live with their boots on the ground, so to speak, and give answers that put hedges around the text to keep members farther away from the lines between right and wrong. How do such approaches help one grow in holiness and sanctification? How much does one’s culture interpret truth regarding behavior? It can be argued that the truth from the text is God’s very inerrant Word and, as such, cannot be changed. I certainly agree with the authority of the inherent Word of God but would argue that while the truth is not relative, the historical portion of interpretation does inform one as to the thoughts of the culture of the time, which illuminates how holiness is expressed. In areas where liberty can be exercised, there can be some differences as to how one would represent holy living. The tendency to put a hedge around certain behaviors, as is often the habit from the pulpit, has its inherent issues. This was what the Jewish Rabbis did. In the Talmud were instructions on how to keep the commands of the Tanakh (Old Testament) in daily living. This hedge around the law seemed to put tradition on par with God’s actual words and made following the law into a ritual rather than a heartful desire to please God. Jesus condemns such an interpretation in Matthew 15:1-9 when people were allowed to devote their money to God rather than care for their parents. He quotes Isaiah 29:13 in his response, indicating that the intent was not to honor God with such a gift. Both approaches present a problem: too much or too little liberty.
The academic institution has become the hallmark of Christian study. This reality should then include training in sanctification. The question becomes how is sanctification conveyed in the academic environment? The onset of distance education no longer requires the more intimate connection of being face-to-face with your students. Often, the assumption is that more mature students have the basics of living a life to God worked out, and all they need are the deeper truths found through the original languages or theological arguments. In reality, both the ivory tower and the pastorate would be well served if more attention were placed on holiness. While there is no doubt that seminary administrators and professors will forever debate the overall construction of the degrees that set the foundation for these institutions, more attention needs to be given to the character of the student. Schools that focus on the discipleship of students will reap greater rewards. Assuming the scholar or pastor is an effective mentor is being disproved anecdotally with the number of believers deconstructing their faith. Sanctification and the desire for holy living must be exhibited and replicated in those who represent the faith.