Are Christians called to the intellectual life? Arguing that Jesus was the smartest man who ever lived, Sire explores the moral and spiritual dimension of the mind and encourages you to develop intellectual disciplines and virtues that will further God's kingdom. For thoughtful Christians who want to love God with their heart, soul, and mind. 252 pages, softcover from InterVarsity.

A 2001 Christianity Today Book of the Year! What is an intellectual? How can you learn to think well? What does it mean to love God with your mind? Can the intellectual life be a legitimate Christian calling? Is the intellectual life your calling? James Sire brings wit and wisdom to bear on these questions and their possible answers. And he offers an unusual "insider’s view" of learning how to think well for the glory of God and for the sake of his kingdom. In Habits of the Mind Sire challenges you to avoid one of the greatest pitfalls of intellectual life--by resisting the temptation to separate being from knowing. He shows you how to cultivate intellectual virtues and disciplines--habits of mind--that will strengthen you in pursuit of your calling. And he offers assurance that intellectual life can be a true calling for Christians: because Jesus was the smartest man who ever lived, Sire argues, you can and should accept the challenge to think as well as you are able.

James W. Sire (Ph.D., University of Missouri), formerly a senior editor at InterVarsity Press, is an active speaker and writer. He has taught English, philosophy, theology, and short courses at many universities and seminaries. He continues to be a frequent guest lecturer in the United States and Europe. His InterVarsity Press books and Bible studies include (a worldviews textbook), and

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Reviewed by Eduardo Gonzalez (El Cajon, CA), January 16, 2001

This is an excellent, and well written book on the exercising of the mind as a Christian, and the need for it. This is a welcome look at Intellectual Christianity, both the benefits and the dangers, especially for a college student like myself.

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