Willful Ignorance
–By Ben Gilmore
We don’t know that we don’t know, what we MUST know.
“Willful ignorance.” – Rush Limbaugh reports 3 million fewer Republicans voted this year than voted for McCain / Palin. Franklin Graham (Billy Graham’s son) reports that a great portion of evangelical Christians failed to vote in either 2008 or 2012.
The result – Registered Republicans, or evangelical Christians (the two groups overlap some), either group, of those who chose NOT to vote, could have changed the Presidential outcome.
There is a culture war against “conservatism” (dealing in proven principle and letting results take care themselves) and “Christianity”. These are the only groups that stand in the way of a humanistic police state. They come from the same root, “The laws of Nature and of Nature’s God.”
Is “willful ignorance” too strong a term? No it is not. Test for yourself at the next Republican meeting, or church next Sunday — Ask 5 people, “Would you like to learn about history and government?” Answers will, I predict, range from “I’d love to, but …”
1. “… I have taken a Constitution course.” (i.e. I already know all I need to know.)
2. “… I’m just too busy.” (i.e. I am free to do what I want – and I don’t want.)
3. “… Evangelicals should not get involved in politics.” (i.e. I don’t love my neighbor!)
4. “… I am focused upon Bible study and evangelism – not history and government.”
Regarding #4 – The Bible is a major history book! It is overflowing with principles of governing: self; family; church; and state.
Regarding #3 – The greatest law – “Love the Lord … and thy neighbor …” If you want the best for (i.e. love) your neighbor, you will help protect his “life, liberty, and property.”
Regarding #2 – I have discovered we are usually able to do what we really want to do. It is a case of priorities. Everything of value, has a price.
Regarding #1 – Our Constitution is the fruit of Biblical Principles of Government. If one is to defend the Constitution, one must learn and apply the principles upon which it rests.
No – We don’t know that we don’t know, what we MUST know – If we are to help restore what the hand of God has revealed about governing
All that to say this — Things are changing rapidly. It may soon be illegal to teach true American history and Biblical principles of government. We need to plant and preserve these precious “seeds” in the heart of every patriot. — And most especially — in the heart of every willing teen.
Fran and I have been shouting from the housetops for over three decades. Our “ACH Study Groups” events have earned enthusiastic responses from alums, like, “I have discovered a whole world of understanding, I did not know existed.” Yet, in 3 decades, we can count only a thousand alums.
The alums, like ourselves, have seen eyes glaze over at the mention of history and government.
ACH currently offers three events: (see letterhead for our web site)
- A 4-day 30-hour seminar, taught by three master teachers of History & Government.
- A 3-month 30-hour online course (The 4-day seminar on steroids!).
- A Friday-Saturday introduction to History & Government.
The 4-day seminar in June or July, 2013 needs a sponsoring organization that will do its best to produce at least 40 students. That represents a major change in our 30 year-old tradition. For three decades, we have asked these outstanding teachers to give up most of a week, travel from their homes, and face 4 X 12-hour days, while the tuition honoraria from small turnouts did not meet their expenses.
In recent years, ACH has enjoyed outstanding host facilities, for which we are most grateful. The turnout however, has been from other than the host groups, and too small to cover expenses. If there is no market, there is no need to offer the product.
The next 3-month online course begins on . Students may choose 9AM or 6PM 75-minute classes (miss one, catch the other) on Monday and Wednesday. Students commit to 5 X 1-hour personal study times per week. Classes usually include both adults and teens.
The Introduction to History and Government event is scheduled upon request.
Ben Gilmore
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