Instructing the ignorant

[Beryllos]

Sorry to tell you, but you are “ignorant” of the real origin of this prayer. A lot of people THINK it’s by St. Francis, and it is promoted that way by many Catholic publishers who ought not to, but here is the origin, if you care to be knowledgeable (instead of ignorant):

FYI, I knew all of that, but chose to refer to the prayer by its popular name.

I assume that you are joking about me being ignorant.

 

[truthseeker]

God bless you,

The title of the Spiritual work of Mercy “Instructing the Ignorant”, does not separate the imperfect human instructor from also being ignorant, that’s why we should study the Bible and teachings of the Church to ensure we are not ignorant of any truth that Christ wills for us to know.

“but in your hearts reverence Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to make a defense to any one who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence” 1 Peter 3:15

 

[EssentialBeing]

Thank you @truthseeker God bless you. Me as an ordinary ignorant human, feel truly blessed with your wisdom & guidance. Your acknowledgement of the meaning to “Instructing the Ignorant” & the Spiritual Work Of Mercy, shares the human instructors imperfections with all of us as students.

Indeed my ignorance of the meaning is well on the path to being less ignorant, as I now see more clearly & better understand the importance of the work. The title is not so important, it is the work that extends from the tittle that is ever so needed. It certainly sheds light on Ephesians 4:11-13 & 1Peter 5:2-5

May Christ always be with you, brethren.

 

[27lw]

Sure and that’s what the smiley face is for.
I don’t know why people keep insisting it’s by St. Francis, is all.
Maybe we can call it “La Clochette” prayer.

 

[Beryllos]

Give it a try.

 

[truthseeker]

Thanks for your kind words @EssentialBeing, lets pray this discussion may be helpful for others.

 

[otjm]

Generally speaking, can this be done without coming across as judgmental?

I participate in it every year for the last 25 years or so, both as my participation in the RCIA team, and as a team member of Catholics Returning Home.

 

[jeannetherese]

The only point I am trying to make is that we are all equal in regard to ignorance. And if we persist with the idea that the “Ignorant need Instructing” then it is easily seen as the “Ignorance Instructing the Ignorant”

However, people do not share the same degree of ignorance in all areas of study. Those who have knowledge of the faith are positioned to instruct those ignorant in the faith.
those who have knowledge concerning essay writing or car repair or gardening are positioned to instruct those ignorant in these areas.

 

[jeannetherese]

the view of “truth in the eye of the beholder” is factual & only makes indoctrination more difficult.

Can you prove that this view (truth is in the eye of the beholder) is factual?
I think the argument is an example of relativism.

 

[EssentialBeing]

Can you prove that this view (truth is in the eye of the beholder) is factual?
I think the argument is an example of relativism.

Of course its relative to the eye in which it is being seen & factual because the truth lies in our heart & everybody’s heart sees & experiences life differently. We already see this in the many Christian divisions such as Baptists, Anglican, Protestant etc

An example would be, I saw the miracle but you where not with me to witness it, so it is relative to me not to you, it is in the eye of the beholder.

However, people do not share the same degree of ignorance in all areas of study. Those who have knowledge of the faith are positioned to instruct those ignorant in the faith.

Yes not the same degree of ignorance, but just because someone has knowledge in any particular area doesn’t exclude them from being ignorant. Sure we listen & we respect, all those that have great knowledge to teach, but even the best teachers, lecturers & instructors are not all knowing, making them also ignorant, possibly to a lesser degree.

The term “Instructing The Ignorant” sounds like lording over the flock, however it is not the words but the work that extends from the tittle that is so much more important.

 

[jeannetherese]

Of course its relative to the eye in which it is being seen & factual because the truth lies in our heart & everybody’s heart sees & experiences life differently.
An example would be, I saw the miracle but you where not with me to witness it, so it is relative to me not to you, it is in the eye of the beholder.

The fact that you did not witness the miracle does not render said miracle non-existent.
You exist, even though I have never seen you. There are absolute truths and the fact of your existence might be considered one such truth.
If I were ignorant of your existence, that would not render you non-existent.

 

[EssentialBeing]

The fact that you did not witness the miracle does not render said miracle non-existent.

Yes that is right, it is only the truth to the person that saw it, the other may believe but may not be convinced enough to be their truth. The point is our truth is through our eyes & heart & that is only possible to the ones that see with the same eyes.

If I were ignorant of your existence, that would not render you non-existent.

To many it would, as any denial would create a different truth. If you look out your window its a fine sunny day (your truth) but I look out of mine & its raining (my truth) it all depends on the view of the beholder, our truths are different.

How do we explain why there are so many different religions, is it because their truths are different to others, or they see in their heart something that is not the same as our truth? I can not deny somebody else’s truth, I can only share with them my own truth

 

[jeannetherese]

I can not deny somebody else’s truth, I can only share with them my own truth

Sure you can. Not all “truths” are equal. My kids truth that they won’t be burned when they touch that hot stove burner is not equal to my truth that they will. They will discover which version is really true in time and be less likely to argue about it after their experience. But the truth will remain the truth even before they prove it to themselves.

 

[TK421]

In a sense every individual is both student & teacher, therefore ignorance exists in all of us. The thought that we have something to teach must be consolidated to include, we also have something to learn.

Of course. Both giving and receiving are implicit in all of the works of mercy.

This is why a valuable lesson to learn in life is the ability to receive a gift gracefully and to give that person an authentic “Thank you”.

 

[EssentialBeing]

Not all “truths” are equal

Absolutely correct, I like the example you gave with the kids & the hot stove burner When it comes to the tactile, visible & scientific fact, it is much easier to share truth & to deny false ones. It is not so clear cut when it comes to religion as not even among Catholics is the truth shared equally or in common, as their are slight variations between certain aspect of our own faith. Yes the key basic principals are the same however they vary in particular areas giving rise to a separation from one another, such as Baptists, Anglican, Protestant etc.

Much harder again is between the different religions altogether. To not deny somebody else’s truth because it is in their view, through the eyes of the beholder, makes it difficult for us to impose our own truths on anyone else, in particular with religion because the Catholic truth is different to the Islamic truth for example.

 

[c4csp]

You are to instruct those ignorant of Catholic truth. It is not that they are an “ignorant” person, but rather ignorant of Catholic doctrine. Many Catholics are ignorant of Catholic doctrine. We want to do it with charity and out of love for their soul but even then you are going run into sensitive teaching that will not be accepted Kindly no matter how charitable you try to be. That is not your problem though. Your problem is instruct the ignorant, not guarantee they accept it with a smile. Wait til you instruct other Catholics who are ok or indifferent to homosexual marriage, abortion, divorce/remarriage, etc.; you may be met with insults, etc. Again, not your problem. Your instruction was charitable and the recipient may not recognize that charity for years later. Be bold and speak Catholic truth!

 

[ThomasMT]

What are some ways you have been able perform this spiritual work of mercy with charity within your lives?

I recall a quote (or paraphrase) from a t-shirt… teach the Gospel always and when necessary use words.