RUN - Dominick Hankle

Spiritual Development for Christian Scholars

By Dr. Dominick Hankle

In this column I want to ponder the development of Christian scholarship from a spiritual perspective, particularly the spiritual development of a Christian Scholar. To be Christian and a scholar is more than attending a Christian university. In fact, some of you may continue your studies after you leave Regent at a university not founded on Christian principles. Does that mean you're no longer a Christian scholar? Christian scholarship is more than being able to quote scripture versus that match particular discipline content. That is indeed helpful, but just because Satan quoted sacred scripture in Luke chapter 4 does not make him a holy angel. Being a Christian scholar is about what we become, not only what we do. It is an ontological characteristic carrying us through our journey in life. The purpose of this column is not to dictate a "to do list" for you to develop a particular spirituality. This column is not an authoritative instruction regarding your spiritual development nor is it a devotional of sorts. My hope is this column presents one traveler's experiences with another traveling a similar path.

I have been struggling with what it means to be someone in love with learning and in love with Christ for 15 years. My journey has taken me from a business and consulting professional, through a seminary degree and work in pastoral ministry. I have worked as a counseling psychotherapist and now as an assistant professor. Like most of you, life has challenged me to weep as well as allow me to experience a fore taste of the joys of heaven. I want this column to be a means for sharing what I have learned so that you may ponder how my experiences may illuminate your journey. Like Virgil, who guides Dante through the divine comedy, these little bits of can be your guide and mentor as you develop into Christian scholars. There will be six reflections on Christian scholarly spirituality, which I will share over the coming editions of RUN. Again, these are not doctrines, but rather personal experiences I have wrestled with and attempted to resolve. We all come from different Christian traditions and have different experiences of those traditions so I am not so arrogant as to believe I have "THE" answer. However, I do have "an" answer, and perhaps you will benefit from my thoughts.

Over the course of my studies, I have recognized the importance of a number of "virtues" driving my Christian Scholarship. Perhaps these are not virtues in the strictest sense, but I think they are at least virtuous. I am also aware this is not a complete or stagnant list and it continues to change and grow. Scholarship is a life long journey; it does not end with a degree. For our purposes, these virtues are Humility, Recollection, Simplicity, Love, Hospitality, Temperance, and Prudence. All of these find their root in Christ. As Christian Scholars, everything we do must its root in Christ. So, it is in his name I begin sharing with you today regarding Prudence.

One of the things I enjoy most at Regent is reflecting on what the name means. As you have heard many times a Regent is one who stands in the place of the King particularly in the context of an important task. We are Regents in the very present place God has placed us. We are Regents for Jesus Christ making a difference wherever we stand. If we tend the garden God has given us we serve God well. To be able to tend the garden as Christ requires us to prudently consider what it is we do, say, and become. Prudence is a virtue requiring careful thought, prayer, and discernment. In a world of impulsivity, prudence seems slow and out of touch. We want to answer quickly when someone asks a question, but that is not what prudence requires. Prudence requires discipline, and discipline implies discipleship and that leads us to who we are disciples of, Jesus Christ.

What is prudence really? One might say that prudence is an intellectual habit. Unlike other virtues, prudence is an exercise of the intellect to help us discern what might be the proper virtuous choice and what is not. Prudence lights the path to the other virtuous and subsequent actions. Good scholarship requires prudence because prudence keeps scholarship aimed at its proper end, to know, love and serve God. To develop this virtue we must inform our intellect for its proper exercise. How do we do that? By learning and meditating on Christian truths. These truths are authoritatively found in scripture and can be learned through reflection on the breadth and depth of the Christian experience over the past 2000 years. We should stretch ourselves outside denominational lines yet still be well rooted in our individual traditions because of the value each voice brings to the Christian experience. By informing your intellect with these Christian truths one provides the mind with illumination beyond pure physical truths and into metaphysical reality that scholarship must continue have as part of its work. Another task for developing prudence is forming yourself in your particular discipline well. You have come here to study "something" so diligent effort at acquiring that knowledge is instrumental in being good at what you do. You cannot sacrifice content knowledge if you want to succeed in your discipline. This is the "scholar" part of Christian scholarship.

If we want to exercise our studies well, in the light of faith, and in a manner that reflects good character and thoughtful action, we must be people of prudence. Prudence tells us how best to use our knowledge for the Glory of God and for the betterment of humanity. It is my hope that you will continue to reflect on how developing prudence is important for your Christian scholarship and spirituality. Remember that Proverbs 8:2 tells us "I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion." To be the friend of Prudence is to be friends with wisdom, the gift of the spirit all Christian Scholars seek for their whole life.

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A Grounded Theory Study: "Psychological Process of Discerning the Vocation to the Catholic Priesthood" was Dr. Hankle's dissertation topic. In addition to his academic credentials, Dr. Hankle has served both as an online and on ground adjunct faculty member since 1991; he also has 12 years of experience as an outpatient therapist and Pastoral minister.

Dr. Hankle is married to Andrea and they have three children, Olivia, Hannah, and Domenic. Originally from Greensburg Pennsylvania which is one hour south east of Pittsburgh, he and his family have made their home in Virginia Beach. Most of Dr. Hankle's free time is spent with his family traveling and enjoying each other's company. He very much enjoys playing his guitar, writing poetry, and reading history and spiritual classics. Dr. Hankle chooses to teach at Regent University because of the unique mission to help develop Christian Leaders. He believes that Christian Leadership is essential in creating a global community that recognizes the dignity of the human person furthering the message of Jesus Christ in whatever discipline these leaders choose to employ themselves.