Shut Up Until...?

One of my guilty pleasures (at least, my wife doesn't get it, so I have to watch in installments) in life is watching superhero films. I'm not a connisseur, and I'm quite random in what I like. Mostly its mainstream blockbusters, but I usually end up liking things that critics or fans pan. I'm easily pleased - if there is a far-fetched plot and explosions, I enjoy it. One of my very favourite superhero films that I shouldn't like is "GI:Joe: The Rise of Cobra", an enjoyable but thoroughly silly romp that I've rewatched more times than I'd care to admit.

There is one line in the film that has been playing around in the back of my mind for a little while, and seems to be pretty relevant in the current climate. It's this;

"Now you know, and knowing is half the battle"

It struck me because, in so many ways, if people knew a little more about what they were talking about, then we could get on with things.

For example, the surprise from some Evangelical Christians when Steve Chalke put forward his 'biblical' case for same-sex relationships. Whilst I disagree with Chalke, it is not a completely unknown idea - there have been (in my view faulty) liberal understandings of Scripture on this subject floating around for a relatively long time. And this is the point I want to make. If we actually knew what was going on, many theological discussions and debates would be a lot easier - and on the flipside, we would relate to culture and media better.

Consider the evangelical Christian teenager who goes to University to study Theology - and has no idea that some people think Paul didn't write that much of the New Testament, and that Feminist Theology brings a range of challenges. Consider the biblically illiterate journalist trying to write a piece on divisions within the C of E over women bishops, without knowing what is going on. Consider the socially inclined government ministers trying to get churches to do what they want, when 75% of what the Church is doing is socially useful, but they do odd religious things too. Understanding things makes talking about them much easier.

Regarding that first person - and this could apply to any specific brand of Christian coming in to contact with new ideas - and the others, its clear that a little knowledge of a topic goes a long way. If you are aware that some Christians deny the authority of Scripture, it will be less of a surprise when a lecturer teaches that. If you understand that different Christians interpret scripture differently, then you will have a much more realistic picture of how the Church of England careers around. If you accept that Churches are not primarily social clubs or social services, then it becomes much easier to understand why they do what they do.

Francis Bacon once said that "Knowledge is Power". That often relates to reality - but an abuse (or ignorance) of knowledge often relates to an abuse of power. If power is informed, then it can be wielded well. The power in relationships to encourage and transform people. The power of the media to educate and equip people. The power of governments to provide and regulate for people. Knowing is very useful.

I admit that this has been a random set of thoughts, and I hope it makes some sense. I'd love your thoughts and comments on this topic.