Abstract Thinking vs. Application

Which is more important for the building up of knowledge, logical thinking or application? Beware, framing a question in this way may not appropriate because both of them may be important. Neither one is dispensable. However, for the convenience of discussion, it may be appropriate to put them in opposition so as to evaluate the relative importance of both.
Mathematics has been my favourite subject. Reading mathematics popularizers is an enjoyable pastime for me. Mathematics is a mind-game. But sooner or later, its value becomes apparent when application arises. What is the use of studying differential calculus or number theory? You don't need them in buying groceries in the market. However, they are indispensable in modern engineering and in cryptography which secures Internet transactions.

When we read Matthew today, we found that Jesus sounded very anti-intellectual.
At that time Jesus declared, "I thank thee, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes (Matthew 11:25).
Traditionally, scholars would interpret this preference for babies to refer to their purity and humility of hearts. Other passages reinforce such an interpretation. For example, when the disciples asked Jesus who would be the greatest in the Kingdom of God, Jesus gave the following answer.
and said, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:3)
There are many more passages in which Jesus criticized the teachers of the Law for their legalism and literalism. Consequently, the gospels give us an impression that being an intellectual, being a learned man is no good at all. This is an incorrect understanding. Otherwise, Thomas Aquinas would not be canonized a saint and honoured with the title of Angelic Doctor. The truth still is a preference for children. Why?
Perhaps Jean Piaget's cognitive theory may throw some lights on this issue. Piaget was an important philosopher, natural scientist and developmental theorist in Europe. Every trained teacher should know something about his theory of cognitive development. Piaget charted 4 stages of cognitive development which all people must go through.

1. Sensorimotor stage (roughly from birth to 2) in which the baby is egocentric and it builds up a knowledge of the world through movements and senses.
2. Preoperational stage (roughly from 2 to 7) in which the world is manipulated through magic.
3. Operational stage (roughly from 7 to 11) in which the world is known through concrete actions.
4. Logical stage (roughly from 11 and beyond) in which the world can be understood through abstract reasoning.

The majority of the audience of Jesus did not receive formal education. Very little did they know any proper procedure of defending a thesis, or logical syllogism. Therefore, learning through practice, learning by putting theory into concrete actions are more appropriate for the audience. There was no point debating whether God had created the universe in six days or the number of angels dancing on the tip of a needle. For them, there is no point who my neighbour was. The point is rather whether I actually go out of my way, my usual routines, to lend a helping hand to the needy. What is the use of being a PhD if, instead of putting your learning into actualizing your team members' potentials, you pull out all the stops to punish your subordinates?

My dear Advocate, You have created us with an intellect. May we apply it in a way pleasing to You. Amen.