Dr. Bernard, I think that anybody who's read your bio would be probably impressed by the academic

achievements that you have piled up over the years. Just a quick recap, you graduated from Rice

University with your bachelor's degree in managerial sciences and math.

Then you went to the University of Texas Law School, earned your JD there.

And then later in life, you earned a master's degree in theology in New Testament and a doctorate

from the University of South Africa. You've published 30 books and 11 booklets that have been published in 43 languages.

You're the chancellor and founding president of Urshan Graduate School of Theology. So I think I've

hit all the highlights there. I think what I'm trying to say is it's pretty clear from your bio

that scholarship is very important to you. However, there perhaps at least in my experience, there's

been this maybe a vein that runs through the traditional Pentecostal movement that has been

a little bit leery of academics and scholarship. I think there's been a fear that the more

academic we get, we're somehow going to squeeze out the spirit. How would you

respond to that charge? Maybe more importantly, if a young person is listening to this episode

and they're considering higher education, maybe they're even considering advanced degrees,

a master's or a doctorate, what case would you make to them to lean into that desire?

Why is scholarship and learning so important?

Well, first of all, let me say that's a legitimate and a real concern.

And let me give you a little bit background.

Traditionally, conservative Christianity in general and also the one this Pentecostal movement in particular,

have been a little skeptical of education, especially higher education, and especially secular education.

And there are legitimate reasons because often higher education has led people away from God

as certain even religious institutions like seminaries.

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