Oxford Weekend and Anti-intellectualism

While I was at the Oxford Scholars Weekend, there were discussion groups about 21st century challenges. The main focus of my group’s discussion is America’s anti-intellectualism. Americans seem to have a growing hostility towards intellectual pursuits. In movies and etc., nerds are tormented and hard working students are not celebrated. The media often describes intellectuals as “out of touch.” This anti-intellectualism causes problems in the education system. Teachers can’t seem to inspire student because students have no desire of to learn whatsoever. There are infinitely number of ways to teach (in school or out of school), but if kids don’t want to learn, there’s not too much we can do.
As I reading about anti-intellectualism, I gained a little insight into my middle school. I came from a small, private Christian school. It has K4 to 12th grade and only ~200 students. There, the focus is on being a good Christian and getting closer to God. It’s a school but no one cares about science, history, etc. (that’s why I left the school). I read that some conservative Christians believe that public education suppresses religion (especially Christianity). Atheism and Deism spread among the educated during the Enlightenment. Puritan John Cotton wrote in 1642, “The more learned and witty you be, the more fit to act for Satan will you be.” In my opinion, in this case, religion is hindering their prosperity. Conservative Christians’ anti-intellectual practices discourage me from believing in Christianity.