Is ignorance encouraged in Christianity?

Answer 1

Thou shall ignore the tree in the middle of the garden for it is the tree of knowledge...need i say more?

Answer 2

Proverbs chapters 1-4 discuss the benefits of wisdom and knowledge, and there are many other verses in Proverbs that basically say wise people pursue knowledge, while fools shun it. Philippians 1:9, Paul writes that his hope is for the church's love to abound in "knowledge and depth of insight." Colossians 2 says that all knowledge is found in Christ, and there are many, many more verses in the bible that encourage learning and wisdom. So the answer I'm submitting is no. Ignorance is not encouraged in Christianity. Some people may choose to remain ignorant, but I think it would be hard to find a field, religious or otherwise, where that isn't the case.

Answer 3

Why persons think that the anonymity of this Forum grants them a license to ignore common social graces bewilders me. I suspect that these persons would be truly ashamed if they knew their parents, husband, wife, children, etc., learned of some of the things they write herein. Clearly they do their loved ones a disservice and dishonor them with such behavior.

In answer to your question, I would argue that Christians and non-believers are just like other folks; some are overly sensitive, insensitive, kind of spirit or not easily ruffled. In short, we are all imperfect people in an imperfect world. I believe charity of spirit is the most important quality one should strive to obtain. Such a benevolent goodwill enables a person to peacefully co-exist with everyone and make this imperfect world just a little bit more tolerable. We all have our inherent biases and flaws, but there is no reason we cannot strive to be better, no matter what our personal circumstances may be.

Intellectually, Christians and non-believers, like all of us, fall into the standard bell curve of intelligence, with the usual statistical distributions. For example, I am a member of MENSA and a Christian, so I am at least one actual and verifiable data point indicating that any assertion of inferior intelligence on the part of Christians might be flawed. Nevertheless, if you or anyone has some empirical data that supports a assertions about the intelligence of believers or non-believers, I would be interested in reviewing it for use in a conference paper I am authoring.

Answer 4

Not as such. But Christianity, like all other belief systems, inevitably encounters facts that don't square with received dogma. When faced with these, believers will often choose to ignore or contradict these facts rather than face them and reconcile them (or not) with their prior beliefs. Again, this is true of virtually all belief systems, not just Christianity. For example Hare Krishnas believe that the moon landing was faked, because according to their beliefs this is for some reason impossible. Here's another: Some Buddhists believe that the earth is flat, and it is only our bad karma that prevents us from seeing it.

The good news: Believers in whatever creed are usually able to reconcile their beliefs with the facts eventually. Example: Geocentricity was once considered a non-negotiable tenet of Christian belief. Now not even the most vociferous fundamentalists believe in it.

Answer 5

Even though I am a Christian it seems that it is.....I have seen too many hypocrites in this religion but they're also the ones that people follow the most....*sigh*

Answer 6

Jesus gives a parable at Luke 12 that pointedly tells us He will not tolerate followers who are ignorant of His commands:

47 And that servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. 48 >>>>But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few.<<<< For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.

We are all commanded by our Master to be "disciples," which means "learners." We are not to be ignorant, but knowing; or in the dark, but in the light of His truth.

Answer 7

From what I've seen, yes. There seems to be a push to keep people ignorant. But then there is that old saying "ignorance is bliss".......

Answer 8

Yes, absolutely. Knowledge leads to questioning . Questioning leads to science and science leads to heresy.

Answer 9

Ignorance and intolerance

Answer 10

It used to be, they did not want people to be able to read the NT because of the contradictions it is rife with..