“Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.” – St. Jerome
Previously I wrote about the “lie” – deceit in general – and I proposed that it is a chief impediment to the virtuous, and thus happy, life.
Many of us have heard the above quote from St. Jerome. Now, I would like to address ignorance and how it plays a role in mitigating the impacts of the “lie” and finally, our conscience where it all comes together to decide the path we want to go.
Ignorance is an effect of original sin. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, CCC, 405)
An example of ignorance cited in the Bible is shortly after Pentecost in Acts Chapter 3 where Peter addresses the people in Solomon’s Portico. After telling the folks they “killed the Author of life,” he said, “And now, brethren, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers.” (Verse 17)
What Peter is saying is those who rejected and crucified Christ would not have done so if they had understood Who He really is. This parallels Christ’s words from the cross: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)
Ignorance is not fatal. “I (Paul) was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and an arrogant man, but I have been mercifully treated because I acted out of ignorance in my unbelief.” (1 Timothy 1:13)
“And that servant who knew his master’s will, but did not make ready or act according to his will, shall receive a severe beating. But he who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, shall receive a light beating.” (Luke 12:47-48)
“(I)gnorance can often be imputed to personal responsibility. This is the case when a man ‘takes little trouble to find out what is true and good.’ … In such cases, the person is culpable for their ignorance. … If – on the contrary – the ignorance is invincible (no reasonable expectation of knowledge) or the moral subject is not responsible for his erroneous judgment, the evil committed by the person cannot be imputed to him. It remains no less an evil, a privation, a disorder. One must therefore work to correct the errors of moral conscience.” (CCC 1791/1793)
I have read many stories about conversion to Catholicism. They usually fall into two categories – those whose faith mirrors the parable of the sower or those who had some level of invincible ignorance of Catholicism and were open to the movement of the Holy Spirit.
Instructing the ignorant is one of our spiritual works of mercy. (CCC 2447) St. Paul says, “But we would not have you ignorant, brethren, concerning those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have not hope.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13)
Experience has shown instructing the ignorant is not a one shape or size fits all. What it boils down to in our modern language is “evangelization.” This term has been batted around more times than a tennis ball, yet it seems people want to hold it at arm’s length.
“Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who calls you to account for the hope that is in you yet do it with gentleness and reverence.” (1 Peter 3:15)
Another term that is equally applicable (and more appropriate in many instances) yet is even more radioactive to Catholics is “apologetics.” Catholics will sometimes confuse this with “proselytize,” which is frowned upon.
Apologetics is more akin to explaining the office of pope to a Protestant as opposed to citing John 3:16 to somebody who doesn’t know much about Jesus Christ. The adept homilist will combine catechesis with apologetics.
Like most things in life, you need practice and patience. To share the Good News (instruct the ignorant), you must dust off the spiritual gifts you’ve received with your baptism. (While you are at it, dust off your Holy Bible and Catechism.) If you haven’t been confirmed, you are seriously handicapped in what God wants you to do.
Truth. Lies. Ignorance. Where this all comes together is the conscience.
“Conscience is man’s most secret core, and his sanctuary. There he is alone with God whose voice echoes in his depths.” (Gaudium et spes 16).
“A well-formed conscience is upright and truthful. It formulates its judgments according to reason, in conformity with the true good willed by the wisdom of the Creator. Everyone must avail himself of the means to form his conscience.” (CCC 1798)