The Trouble With Knowledge

“Whenever I hear a brother Christian talk in such a way as to show that he is ignorant of these scientific matters and confuses one thing with another, I listen with patience to his theories and think it no harm to him that he does not know the true facts about material things, provided that he holds no beliefs unworthy of you, O Lord, who are the Creator of them all.  The danger lies in thinking that such knowledge is part and parcel of what he must believe to save his soul and in presuming to make obstinate declarations about things of which he knows nothing.” 

                                                                                     -Confessions, Saint Augustine

This passage stuck out to me as I continued my reading of Confessions today.  It was one of those moments when I found myself guilty of that which I intend to pin on others I have come in contact with.  Augustine keenly reminds us here that it is not necessarily what we know that is of utmost importance but the manner in which we use what we know.  Knowledge, for a Christian, is only viable insofar as it brings about true wisdom; as the Bible gives it, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of true wisdom, so a state of humility, awe, and thanksgiving are what preceed the thriving life of the mind.  What Augustine is concerned with in this passage is not so much scientific accuracy, but with the state of one’s mind and heart before Almighty God.

The last few years, I have endeavored to educate myself as thoroughly as possible on the topics of this world.  Science, psychology, sociology, philosophy, economics – and the list continues – have become exceedingly interesting to me, because becoming more informed about the world we are in lends itself readily to understaning more broadly the God we serve and the extent of the redemptive plan that he unfolded a couple millenia ago.  I have realized, however, that this, much like all things, can quickly become a snare, if my love for these subjects and the knowledge they bring outgrows the love for the Orginator of all things.

I must never forget the One who has given me the intellect to investigate this world and who created the very world I am investigating.  After all, what does it profit a man to gain the world, whether he gains its riches, its popularity, or its knowledge, and yet forfeits his soul by serving these blessings that are paultry in comparison to their Inventor? 

We as Christians should be informed about His world:  as informed as we possibly can be.  Knowledge is an incredible tool that can be thouhgtfully weilded to expand the kingdom of our Lord and Savior, because He is the Truth, and all truth proceeds from Him.  Just as great good can come from using tools for their intended purpose, however, great evil begins when good tools are used to violate the proper order of things.  Augustine is not urging us to lay down this great tool, but reminding us the cost of wielding it improperly.  If ever we find ourselves outside the threshold of humility, our knowledge shifts from virtue to vice, and our character is stained with the vile ether of pride.

The answer, however, is not to forfeit this great tool; truth is simply too precious to the cause of Christ to do that.  Instead, we must discipline our hearts to wield it well, as an expert craftsman practices to create his masterpiece.  This, I am realizing, begins within me, the hardest place for me to begin. 

O, Lord, may knowledge produce virtue in me, and virtue, kindness, and kindness compassion, and compassion, brotherly affection. 

                                                                                          -Alyosha