6/24/06 updated 6/27/06
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.]
Crusades for “Morality”, Political Action, Social Activism
Return to: Loving the Truth