In the 1980s when I was an activist, I would speak to
Churches and groups. I would often start by saying that if we took a poll
of Evangelical Christian church-goers, "Which is worse: Ignorance or
Apathy?", the majority would probably say:
"I don't know and I don't care!"
Back then I saw professing Christians as being divided
into two groups: 1) The ignorant and apathetic, and 2) Those with Zeal.
Now days I see that there are really three groups.
The largest group I still think are the ignorant and apathetic. The second
group is those with zeal, but they have a zeal without knowledge. The
third group is what I advocate: those having a zeal WITH knowledge.
"Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for
Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that
they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they
being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish
their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the
righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness
to every one that believeth."
Romans 10:1-4
Ignorant & Apathetic
"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate,
and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be
which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate , and narrow is the way,
which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." Matthew 7:13-14
"Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove
your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is
in you, except ye be reprobates?" 2 Corinthians 13:5
"I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert
cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm , and neither cold nor
hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth." Revelation 3:15-16
Zealous without Knowledge
Gospel of Works
Religious Systems
Love of Money
Political Action
Tower of Babel
Pride
Crusades
Techniques
Spirituality
Zealous with Knowledge
"To the intent that now unto the principalities and
powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold
wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in
Christ Jesus our Lord..." Ephesians 3:10-11
More to come...
[I first heard the "I don't know and I don't care" quote
in about 1981 from a former co-worker of mine, the late Ralph Seeley. I
recently became aware that it originated with the singer, Jimmy Buffet.]
