Y’all Gonna Make Me Lose My Mind”: Ignorance, and the American Crisis
Introduction: “You Are Out of Your Mind, Paul!”
When the Roman governor Festus interrupted Paul in Acts 26:24, accusing him of madness born of “great learning,” the moment was rich with irony. Paul’s defense of his faith was grounded in deep intellectual rigor and spiritual insight. Festus, representing the Roman Empire’s political power, dismissed this as lunacy—a stance mirrored today by those who reject education and embrace willful ignorance.
This ancient exchange resonates in America’s current struggle over education. The deliberate sidelining of knowledge—whether through banning books, discrediting teachers, or eliminating marginalized histories—echoes the same disdain for intellectualism seen in Festus’s accusation. What are the theological, social, and political consequences of rejecting learning? And what does the Bible, as well as history, teach us about the transformative power of education?
The Theology of Learning: “Study to Show Thyself Approved”
The biblical exhortation to “study to show thyself approved unto God” (2 Timothy 2:15) underscores a divine endorsement of learning. Knowledge is not just a tool for personal advancement but a means of spiritual and societal transformation. Throughout scripture, wisdom is celebrated as a divine gift (Proverbs 4:7) and ignorance is portrayed as perilous (Hosea 4:6: “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge”).
Political theology helps us connect these insights to the structures of power in society. Education challenges unjust systems because knowledge empowers individuals to recognize oppression and demand change. This is precisely why oppressive regimes historically—and presently—restrict education. As Dr. John Henrik Clarke noted, “Powerful people cannot afford to educate the people they oppress.” Education equips the oppressed with tools to dismantle the structures of their subjugation.
Pro-Ignorance Policies: The Politics of Control
In the United States, a pro-ignorance agenda has gained alarming momentum. Whether through the banning of books in schools, attacks on librarians, or attempts to whitewash history by erasing Black and Indigenous narratives, these actions are calculated attempts to suppress critical thinking and maintain ideological control.
Consider the banning of books like The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison or curricula exploring systemic racism. These acts aren’t just about shielding children from uncomfortable truths; they reflect a fear that educated citizens will question the status quo. An uneducated population is easier to control, less likely to challenge authority, and more susceptible to propaganda.
Global Perspectives: The Cost of Ignorance
The consequences of anti-education policies are not unique to America. Globally, the restriction of education, particularly for girls, has devastating impacts. In countries like Afghanistan, where girls are often denied schooling, entire communities suffer. Women’s lack of access to education correlates with higher poverty rates, increased child mortality, and diminished political participation. Families bear the brunt of this injustice, as educated women contribute to stronger, healthier communities.
The pro-ignorance stance not only deprives individuals of their potential but also creates generational cycles of poverty and oppression. In contrast, access to education has been a catalyst for social progress across cultures. Countries that prioritize education, such as Finland or Singapore, consistently lead in global development indices.
America’s Education Crisis: Falling Behind
America is already lagging behind in educational attainment compared to other developed nations. The country ranks poorly in global assessments of math, reading, and science, and disparities in access to quality education continue to widen. This educational decline exacerbates social inequalities, as underserved communities—predominantly those of color—bear the brunt of underfunded schools and limited opportunities.
The deliberate dismantling of public education infrastructure is not just shortsighted but catastrophic. A less educated workforce threatens economic stability, innovation, and global competitiveness. Furthermore, ignorance deepens political polarization, as misinformation flourishes among those lacking critical thinking skills.
Faith, Education, and Liberation
The Bible offers a compelling vision of education as liberation. Jesus, often called "Rabbi" or teacher, modeled a life of wisdom, challenging societal norms and empowering the marginalized through knowledge. His ministry demonstrated that education, rooted in truth and justice, is a sacred act.
In today’s context, embracing this theological vision means opposing the forces that perpetuate ignorance. It requires us to advocate for policies that expand access to education, protect academic freedom, and ensure that all individuals—regardless of race, gender, or economic status—can pursue learning.
This theological mandate also challenges Christians to reject the anti-intellectualism that has taken root in some corners of American politics. A faith that values learning is incompatible with the demonization of teachers or the rejection of science.
The High Cost of Ignorance: Cultural and Political Implications
The pro-ignorance ideology doesn’t just harm individuals; it holds entire societies hostage. In the U.S., this manifests as resistance to progressive policies on climate change, healthcare, and social justice. Ignorance fosters fear, and fear breeds division. By rejecting education, society forfeits its ability to make informed decisions, allowing populist rhetoric and misinformation to dominate public discourse.
Globally, this trend has dire implications. In a world increasingly interconnected by technology and global challenges, ignorance impedes collaboration and innovation. Whether it’s combating climate change or addressing global health crises, a lack of education undermines our collective capacity to solve pressing issues.
“Y’all Gonna Make Me Lose My Mind”: The Urgency of Action
In the words of the late DMX, “Y’all gonna make me lose my mind, up in here, up in here.” This cultural reference captures the frustration many feel as America seemingly devolves into an anti-education spiral. But frustration must give way to action. Combating the pro-ignorance movement requires a multifaceted approach:
Advocacy: Support policies that fund public education, expand access, and protect academic freedom.
Community Engagement: Encourage local communities to champion literacy programs and critical thinking initiatives.
Faith Leadership: Religious leaders must reclaim the biblical mandate for education and denounce anti-intellectualism.
Media Literacy: Equip individuals to discern misinformation and think critically about the information they consume.
Conclusion: Learning as a Radical Act of Hope
In a world where ignorance is weaponized, education is an act of defiance and hope. Paul’s “great learning” was not insanity but the foundation of his transformative mission. Similarly, our commitment to knowledge can reshape societies, challenge injustice, and foster a more equitable world.
As Americans grapple with the current educational crisis, we must return to the biblical call to “study to show thyself approved.” Learning is not just a personal endeavor; it is a collective responsibility with profound theological, social, and political implications.
References and Resources for Further Exploration
Dr. John Henrik Clarke on Education and Oppression
Learn more about Dr. Clarke’s views on education as a tool for liberation:
https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/clarke-john-henrik-1915-1998/
UNESCO: The Global Education Monitoring Report
Insights into global education disparities and strategies to improve access:
https://www.unesco.org/en/reports
OECD: Education Rankings and Reports
Understand how America compares in global educational performance:
https://www.oecd.org/education/
Banned Books: American Library Association
A comprehensive resource on banned books and challenges to intellectual freedom:
http://www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks
TED Talk: Malala Yousafzai on Education and Empowerment
A compelling perspective on the transformative power of education:
https://www.ted.com/talks/malala_yousafzai_my_message_of_hope_to_girls
Proverbs 4:7 and Wisdom Literature
A theological exploration of wisdom and education in scripture:
https://biblehub.com/proverbs/4-7.htm
Brookings Institution: The U.S. Education Crisis
Analysis of America’s educational decline and its implications:
https://www.brookings.edu/topic/education/
United Nations: Girls’ Education Initiative
Learn how educating girls impacts families, communities, and nations:
https://www.ungei.org/
Pew Research Center: Education, Politics, and Social Change
Explore how education influences political and social attitudes:
https://www.pewresearch.org/
Education Week: Bans, Book Challenges, and Curriculum Battles
Coverage of the ongoing attacks on education in the U.S.:
https://www.edweek.org/
Acts 26:24 and Biblical Commentary
Contextualize the encounter between Paul and Festus within political theology:
https://biblehub.com/acts/26-24.htm
PISA (Program for International Student Assessment) Reports
Detailed rankings and findings from international education assessments:
https://www.oecd.org/pisa/