Is ignorance a sin? Often, it’s. But to debate ignorance, we must begin with ignorance’s opposite— knowledge.
The biblical idea of data is sort of at all times a positive one. In fact, we follow a God of data who calls us to be like Him.
In Hannah’s prayer recorded in 1 Samuel, she says,
“There is none holy just like the Lord:
for there may be none besides you;
there isn’t a rock like our God.
Talk no more so very proudly,
let not arrogance come out of your mouth;
for the Lord is a God of data,
and by him actions are weighed (vs 2-3).”
The Psalmist proclaims this about God in Psalm 147:4-5,
“He determines the variety of the celebs;
he gives to all of them their names.
Great is our Lord, and abundant in power;
his understanding is beyond measure.”
If we’re to be like our God then, logically, we should always embrace, even pursue knowledge—specifically knowledge of Him. Peter encourages this in 2 Peter chapter 1:3, “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence.”
Peter lists qualities, knowledge amongst them (2 Peter 1:5) that if we’ve got them in increasing measure will prevent us from “being ineffective or unfruitful within the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 8). These qualities, faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love aren’t stand-a-lone characteristics but more just like the ingredients of an individual growing in Christ.
Faith needs virtue (or goodness) and brotherly affection needs self-control. Knowledge is particularly in need of affection because the Bible warns us that knowledge without love can puff us up or make us smug (1 Corinthians 8:1). To grow in knowledge that pleases God and makes us like God, then, is to grow in knowledge of Him as we increase also in godliness and love.
People have various capacities for knowledge, but Peter doesn’t tell us we have to be “smart,” he tells us to be ever increasing in knowledge. In fact, unlike Paul, Peter was not highly educated but was a fisherman when Jesus called him as a disciple. He calls us to grow in knowledge of God and that could be a knowledge we are able to grow in irrespective of what our academic background or our mental capability. Each of us just starts where we’re and dedicates ourselves to growing. We grow at our own pace and in our own way, but we grow. Knowledge of God comes through studying the Bible, praying, being in fellowship with other believers, worshipping, serving, and even through suffering.
The author of Proverbs tells us that “The fear of the Lord is the start of data; fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:7). He details on this chapter that those that reject knowledge, those that decide to remain unaware of God and His ways can pay a steep price.
“Because they hated knowledge
and didn’t select the fear of the Lord,
would have none of my counsel
and despised all my reproof,
subsequently they shall eat the fruit of their way,
and have their fill of their very own devices.
For the straightforward are killed by their turning away,
and the complacency of fools destroys them;
but whoever listens to me will dwell secure
and shall be relaxed, without dread of disaster,” (Proverbs 1:29-33)
So, is ignorance a sin? It’s not hard, with these passages and others, to discern that ignorance can, indeed, be sinful. In fact, when those passersby are interviewed and fail to reply basic questions on either their very own country or the Bible, it seems particularly mistaken after they don’t appear to care in regards to the ignorance they reveal. The excellent news is that ignorance has a treatment— the pursuit of data.
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