[Greek] ἀγνοέω (agnoeō), [Latin] ignorare, [Latin] ignorantes, [Latin] ignoramus, [Latin] ignotus: to ignore, to not know, to be ignorant, to not pay attention, to not recognize, to fail to understand; 25 scriptural references
In our current society, this notion has often become a difficult reality to accept.
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to be mistaken, to fail to know, to not recognize, to do nothing, to fail to understand, unknown, to go wrong, and to be ignorant.
Polybius’ Histories 38.9.5: “The common people were ready to obey any order he gave, being incapable of taking thought for the future.”
Plato’s Phaedrus 22e: “I have forgotten myself.”
Herodotus’ The Histories 4.156: “They were ignorant of the cause of their misfortune.”
Plato’s Phaedrus 277d: “Ignorance of right or wrong and good and bad is in truth inevitably a disgrace.”
Plato’s Gorgias 517c: “For during all this time that we have been debating, we have never ceased circling around to the same point and misunderstanding each other.”
Old Testament: This term means to be ignorant, to not know, unknown, to be wrong, to be unsure, to trespass, and to be foolish. This term is often defined by one’s relationship with God. Not knowing can mean ignorance, error, rejection, and disobedience to God.
New Testament: This term means not understanding (ignorant), not acknowledging (recognizing), unaware, and unknown.
Noteworthy scriptures:
Mk.9:32: The disciples did not understand that the Son of Man will be handed over, killed, and later be risen (Second prediction of the Passion)
Acts 13:27: [Paul]: The inhabitants of Jerusalem and their leaders failed to recognize Him, and by condemning Him they fulfilled the prophets’ oracles that are read sabbath after sabbath
Acts 17:23: I even discovered and altar inscribed ‘To an Unknown God’ you unknowingly worship
Rom.2:4: [You] are unaware that God’s kindness would lead to repentance
Rom.11:25: In God’s design, Israel’s unbelief is being used to grant the light of faith to the Gentiles.
2Cor.2:11: [One must forgive and encourage the offender] so that we might not be taken advantage of by Satan’s purposes
2Cor.6:8-9: We [Paul and others] are treated like deceivers and yet are truthful, as recognized and yet unacknowledged
1Tim.1:13: I [Paul] have been mercifully treated because I acted out of ignorance in my unbelief
Heb.5:2: He is able to deal patiently with the ignorant and erring
2Pet.2:12: These people revile things that they do not understand, and in their destruction will also be destroyed
Ignorance: “Houston, what is this problem!” Gender Ideology
God’s creation and moral laws:
God created two distinct genders: man and wife who are complimentary (whose bodies fit together)
Marriage is a fruitful and sacred institution for procreation designed by God
God’s marriage relationship to man: Jesus (Bridegroom) and the Church (His bride)
All other forms of marriage opposing God’s order of procreation are by definition disordered (sinful)
Homosexual relations are disordered and unfruitful
Abortion is a mortal sin
What is Satan’s endgame (ultimate objective)?
To take advantage of unstable and broken families.
To become an obstacle to God
To upend, destroy, and redefine God’s creation and moral laws
To undermine (change) God’s moral institutions: marriage, procreation, and gender
To encourage pornography to undermine respect for the male and female body
To influence us: through possession, busyness, enticement, distraction, deceit (sneakiness), “pushing our buttons” and encouraging our desires.
What are many of us unaware of?
More and more reluctant transgender patients (de-transitioners) with physical and psychological problems are coming out in speaking against this.
Sweden, UK, Denmark, and France have now started to end these procedures.
Puberty blockers, and opposite sex hormone have a greater likelihood for causing sterilization.
The evidence shows that sexual abuse trauma plays an important part in gender dysphoria.
Transgenders have a 20% higher suicide rate.
Puberty actually generally clears up and corrects gender dysphoria. 🤯 (Mind blown!)
More and more people seem to be unable or refuse to answer the question “What is a woman?” (It is perhaps out fear of being called a ‘transphobe’).
Some even claim that a man become pregnant. (This borders on the refusal to accept objective reality and the fear of being called a ‘transphobe’).
“For around 80% of children who meet the criteria for gender dysphoria in childhood, the gender dysphoria recedes with puberty.” National Institutes of Health March 2018
Etymology: The Latin verb form ignoramus literally meant “we do not know”. This term originally meant just of lack of knowledge. Now this term is an insult.
Conclusion:
Agnostic, ignore, ignorance, ignoramus
These meanings could be applicable in any point in history in terms of human behavior. These references include all our collective time-honored failures of being short-sighted, misunderstanding each other, not knowing right from wrong, and misunderstanding what we stand for.
The disciples are ‘perfect’ examples of what it means to lack understanding and to be clueless. The disciples did not understand Jesus’ mission to redeem humanity.
Paul mentions that the Jews were unaware of the true nature of Christ. The Jews were clouded by their prejudices, pride, and preconceived notions.
Even Paul recognized the Athenians’ religiosity (desire to believe in the divinity). The desire to find God is a universal human behavior.
Many are often unware of God’s forbearance (being slow to anger).
In spite of Israel’s unbelief, Israel still remains dear to God.
Paul reminds each and everyone one of us that we need to show forgiveness and encouragement for those who find themselves in sinful situations.
Paul was mercifully treated by God because he acted of ignorance in his unbelief.
Paul points out the Christian’s inner reality and outward perception.
Update: In our society, Satan can influence each one of us in such ways we may not even realize.
Many of us are unaware that Satan can even use seemingly “reasonable” motivations to ultimately attain what he wants: to destroy and undermine God’s relationship with man. (Just look at Peter!)
In our society academic gender studies has transformed into a widespread gender theology changing and redefining God’s plan for creating gender.
Our society has now blurred male/female distinctions, can identify with any gender one wants, and can surgically change one’s body. It is also as if we are becoming like God.
Many of us are unaware that these actions are actually undermining (changing) one’s relationship (male/female) with God.
Our society has now allowed and permitted gay marriage, essentially and undermining and redefining God and man’s marriage relationship.
For some, one’s inner reality (becoming any gender one wants to be) may often conflict with objective reality
Our society now allows and permit abortion (killing the child in the womb) because “it is my right”, “it is my body, and “I can do whatever I want”.
In our current culture, the devil has encouraged a culture of homosexuality and sexual proclivities among the priesthood. (What better way for Satan to ruin priests who are spiritual fathers and spouses to their congregation.)
“The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it.” Oscar Wilde
Obedience: “Houston, how can we solve the problem!”