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A Crisis of Ignorance

'WorldWatch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Ignorance pervades society, manifesting in a profound lack of understanding across various domains. Many fail to grasp basic historical facts, with surveys revealing that more Americans can identify popular music composers than recognize the Bill of Rights as amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Significant portions remain unaware of the correct centuries for pivotal events like the American Revolution, and many misattribute famous quotes to incorrect historical figures. Scientific ignorance is equally alarming, as seen in individuals protesting against dihydrogen monoxide, not realizing it is simply water. Political agendas further expose willful ignorance, with claims contradicting biological realities and scientific facts about physical capabilities and virus responses being disregarded. Education systems, despite high rankings, show declining performance in math and science compared to international standards, compounded by lowered benchmarks in grammar, literature, and history for the sake of fairness. Biblical literacy has also plummeted, with many younger individuals viewing the Bible's teachings as oppressive and a significant number unable to name basic scriptural facts, such as the birthplace of Jesus Christ or the four gospels. God warns in Hosea 4:6 that His people are destroyed for lack of knowledge, emphasizing that rejecting knowledge, especially of Him, leads to dire consequences. Ignorance, particularly of God and His Word, stands as a curse, the root of misunderstandings, misguided decisions, broken relationships, and catastrophic conflicts. As Wisdom speaks in Proverbs 1:29-32, those who hate knowledge and reject the fear of the Lord will suffer the consequences of their ways, with waywardness and complacency bringing destruction. Solomon advises in Proverbs 10:14 that wise people store up knowledge, suggesting that banishing the cloud of ignorance could resolve many societal ills.

Is Ignorance Truly Bliss?

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

Ignorance may be bliss, but it is also spiritually deadly. Without an acute recognition of our spiritual state, there cannot be a true appreciation of the sacrifice made for us. The knowledge that comes through self-examination produces sorrow, yet it can be positive if used correctly. However, the effectiveness of that knowledge hinges on whether we truly want to see the reality about ourselves. There are none so blind as those who will not see. Some individuals, driven by pride and self-centeredness, refuse to acknowledge their failures and project their shortcomings onto others, avoiding the light of exposure. They live in terror of looking inside and making an honest accounting of their lives, showing no desire to see, rendering even a great sacrifice meaningless to them. Only when a person acknowledges the depths of their brokenness can they begin to appreciate the awesome cost of what was done for them. Spiritual blindness compounds the problem, as some are blind to the fact that they are blind, assuming they are just fine, which is a truly pitiable condition. Human nature often leads us to create our own standards of righteousness, selecting evidence that allows us to measure up almost perfectly, while ignoring contrary evidence. This selective ignorance prevents a proper accounting of our spiritual state. God works to help His people see, often through circumstances that should make us curious about the cause, prompting us to inquire of Him. Yet, as long as we reject the possibility that something is wrong with us, nothing changes. Focusing on others' faults allows us to avoid the hard work of shining the light on ourselves, perpetuating division and violence. Our ignorance might allow for short-term bliss, but it can harm those around us and cut short the good work that God began in us. To keep the salvation process moving forward, we must acknowledge where we stand in relation to Him, recognizing that we are not yet a finished product. If we desire His help to see ourselves clearly, He will respond, mercifully guiding us out of wretchedness and corruption toward abundance and eternity, provided we are willing to face what we would rather not see.

For Lack of Knowledge

Commentary by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Ignorance of biblical matters is a profound issue, evident in the astonishing lack of understanding displayed by some individuals. A profound lack of biblical literacy reflects a broader educational decline, where even basic scriptural knowledge is absent among many, particularly younger generations. Surveys indicate a significant portion of Millennials hold negative views toward the Bible, seeing no reason to engage with it, and many cannot correctly identify fundamental details such as the birthplace of Jesus Christ. This crisis of biblical illiteracy stands in stark contrast to the envisioned future where everyone will know the Lord, highlighting ignorance as a curse that could spell disaster for a nation over time.

The Healing of a Man Born Blind (Part Three)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

We must accept that there are some things for which we do not know the answer, and not all the things we 'know' are necessarily true.

What We Don't Know

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

God promises to answer our requests with gifts that will unlock the shackles of ignorance, producing the confidence to live by faith while the world burns.

How Little They Know

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

We must escape the influence of our defective culture, sacrificing our time in Bible study and meditation, coming to know God and doing His will.

Limiting the Holy One of Israel (Part Two)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

We limit God through our willful sin and disobedience, pride and self confidence, ignorance and blindness, and our fear of following Him.

A Government to Fear (Part Three)

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Secular-progressives are increasingly winning legal cases because of the enormous ignorance of the populace of both religious and civic knowledge.

Sovereignty and Its Fruit: Part Ten

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Once we accept God's sovereignty, it begins to produce certain virtues in us. Here are four of these byproducts of total submission to God.

The Lord is My Light and Salvation

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Of all the benefits that we have received from God, there are are few more remarkable than the possession of light and the ability to use it.