As a believer, how often have you had another believer tell you that you are wasting your time by reading the writings of past leaders such as Martin Luther? When I was a young believer, there were those who said that Christians shouldn't attend college--after all, Jesus was coming within two years--because it was time that we should be spending studying the Bible, praying, and witnessing to others.

Now, many years later, I have learned to appreciate that people like Martin Luther, John Calvin, and James (Jacob) Arminius wrote some things that can help me grow spiritually. I appreciate that they perceived things which I might never perceive on my own (even in my Bible time). Reading their writings can show some of the gaps in my knowledge and awareness. As these gaps are revealed, it can spur me to read God's Word (the Bible) even more, seeking his truth in the newly revealed areas.

Yes, it is possible to use head-knowledge as a replacement for heart-knowledge. Yes, it is possible for head-knowledge to lead to spiritual pride. But then, we can generate just as much head-knowledge on our own, and build spiritual pride without the input of historic church leaders' teachings. It seems to me that reading these writings can be more helpful than it can be harmful. Therefore, a believer should never let anyone tell them not to use the brain God gave him or her.

The truth is, worship should be done with your whole being. That is why Paul wrote about singing and praying in tongues needing to be accompanied by singing and praying with your mind, in a human-understandable language. If you fail to use the tools God gave you, you will fail to accomplish all that he has given you to accomplish.