Instructing the ignorant

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lack of knowledge doesn’t mean ignoring the knowledge, it’s just a lack of it. I think if you scroll up, you claimed the definition of ignorant was opposite what it is. And your example only tries to prove that there’s a correlation between the word ignore and ignorant, which is untrue.

Your example cited only proves your point that there’s relevance between the word ignore and ignorant, and there’s no direct connection between the two words other than the derivative of “not knowing” from latin form of same word.
 
EssentialBeing said:
these days it seems more important to show instead of say.
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On the other hand, sharing the Good News through conversation can show our commitment to those whom we seek to convert and our confidence in the beauty of God’s message of salvation.
I recall Saint Paul, preaching throughout his travels, sometimes imprisoned for sharing the faith. His speech was a from of action, as were his letters and God used Paul to bring people to Him.
 
I’m unfavorable in general. I’m okay with that.

ETA: since I’m so unfavorable, I’ve muted the thread. Sorry to bother. Carry on.
 
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TheIttyBitty said:
lack of knowledge doesn’t mean ignoring the knowledge, it’s just a lack of it. I think if you scroll up, you claimed the definition of ignorant was opposite what it is.
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Only that ignorance is ignoring known knowledge. Not educated or never taught could be the better word. They would be ignorant of not wanting to learn

Is a smoker or a drinker ignorant of knowing the damage but not acting upon it? Ignorant of not acting upon known knowledge or ignorant by ignoring certain truths?

I think if one is without the knowledge then it is hard to call them ignorant. If a baby drank from the poison bottle are they ignorant of not knowing the dangers? NO they are simply not knowing yet.
 
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EssentialBeing said:
Only that ignorance is ignoring known knowledge.
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Perhaps the word unaware might work well as a synonym for ignorant. There are many things of which each of us is unaware and these things will vary from person to person. I am unaware of the latest treatments for diabetes or of new discoveries on Mars.
Instructing the ignorant might be likened to helping them to become aware (or more fully aware) of the presence of God in their lives.
We might develop this awareness through exploring His creation, through art which points us towards higher realities, through texts or words or deeds or, indeed, through a combination of these things.
 
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In the case of the smoker or drinker, that could be “negligence” more than ignorance as they could have knowledge of the potential for harm but ignore that knowledge.
 
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truthseeker said:
“negligence” more than ignorance as they could have knowledge of the potential for harm but ignore that knowledge.
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A good way to look at it. They are ignorant of the truth therefore choose to neglect their care or are being negligible with their care because they are ignorant of the truth. Without the knowledge we are hardly ignorant, we become ignorant when we refuse to accept or see the truth.
jeannetherese said:
Perhaps the word unaware might work well as a synonym for ignorant.
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Yes we are getting stuck on semantics & I agree that ignorance may not be the right word.
 
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EssentialBeing said:
If a baby drank from the poison bottle are they ignorant of not knowing the dangers? NO they are simply not knowing yet.
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In the case of the baby, the word ignorant can be perceived as negative, however, generally speaking it is an adjective to describe someone who is uninformed or without knowledge of a topic. So being ignorant is not necessarily the fault of the individual, that only becomes the case when the individual refuses to accept a certain truth.

The baby is unable to accept or reject the danger of the poison bottle, but when they are older the parent can instruct them of the dangers and they will no longer be ignorant, but will have knowledge of the potential for harm.
 
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truthseeker said:
the word ignorant can be perceived as negative, however, generally speaking it is an adjective to describe someone who is uninformed or without knowledge of a topic.
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Yes it can be both positive & negative, & yes it is relevant to ignoring. As teachers we should not see our students as ignorant, merely lacking knowledge. As @jeannetherese put it

“Instructing the Unaware”
 
Ever wonder why so many people don’t believe or don’t want to listen or turn away all together? Could the view of supremacy be one of them? Could it be because as teachers we think we are right & they are wrong? Or is it simply because of our own ignorance to recognize them all as students that are themselves ignorant?

For a teacher to call their students ignorant is a reflection of the teachers own misunderstanding of them.
 
EssentialBeing said:
For a teacher to call their students ignorant is a reflection of the teachers own misunderstanding of them.
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I don’t think this is accurate, based upon my own experience. There are teachers of many subjects who could describe me as ignorant, when it comes to their field of expertise. it is impossible to be knowledgeable in all subjects.
I wonder if, in a roundabout way, we might be discussing things which might inhibit learning, and thus keep us in a state of ignorance. Pride comes to mind.
Sharing the faith with others is offering a wonderful gift to them. We are blessed to have it, but we would be selfish not to share this blessing. In God’s eyes we are not superior to those we teach, and indeed, we may grow in humility recognizing our own unworthiness, before to our Lord.
Having said this, if the faith was not a great gift, why would we bother to share it? One doesn’t take a failed recipe over to the neighbors. We want to share our best!
 
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jeannetherese said:
it is impossible to be knowledgeable in all subjects.
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That’s right we are all, both teacher & student at the same time & if teachers consider their students to be ignorant then the teacher is also being ignorant as they are ignoring the fact that they are also students.

For a teacher to call their students ignorant comes across as lazy & a lack of understanding. The teacher must also realize that truth lies within the eye of the beholder. It is up to all of us to teach what is true & it is up to all of us to also listen & adjust our methods when the message is not being received or delivered properly. To simply claim ignorance is not being knowledgeable enough to adjust the method.
 
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We just tell people the truths they need to hear, as they’re ready to receive it. We can usually discern that, tailoring the information to their specific needs, age, background, etc.
 
jeannetherese said:
I wonder if, in a roundabout way, we might be discussing things which might inhibit learning, and thus keep us in a state of ignorance. Pride comes to mind.
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Absolutely correct, with pride only one of them.
jeannetherese said:
Sharing the faith with others is offering a wonderful gift to them
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We perceive it as a gift, where others may perceive it as an uncomfortable truth.
jeannetherese said:
In God’s eyes we are not superior to those we teach,
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Correct, but how do the words “Instructing The Ignorant” come across to someone without that knowledge?
 
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I don’t mean to come across as negative & I certainly don’t want to offend or insult anyone. The study of apologetic’s is a narrowing view & far too often, quickly becomes a dismissal of anything that is contrary. We find the answer to their truth’s, within our very own knowledge, seems to do no justice for our cause.

I am sure we have all heard it before but maybe just maybe we are not the only one to be right. This doesn’t come from a place of no faith, simply inquisitive minds that seek knowledge of truth through lived experience, not just words.
 
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What I find neglected and most satisfying and charitable to “instruct the ignorant”, is to actually develop relationships with those you seek to instruct. Your instruction does not have to come in the form of correcting a false fact, rather for example, you can show your understanding through patience. You can show your faith by simply loving the person across from you and nurture their conversion over an extended period of time. I think we get caught up in converting someone on the spot as to how right we are. But we can convert the heart over time by dedicating ourselves as a caring and watchful brother or sister.

Jesus didn’t truly convince the disciples over night. St. Peter denied him three times after all the wonders he had seen. So you see how Christ chases after the heart by being in love with the father rather than loving to instruct.

So love God and live that love for all to see and you will be a light of mercy and compassion to the ignorant. What more is truly demanded?
 
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A teacher needs to be humble & to instruct the ignorant does not show humility, It is arrogant to those that are learning.
 
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