Issue 53: Weaponising Knowledge

It's not what you know.

Photo: partnersinexcellenceblog.com

The pursuit of knowledge is at the heart of human existence. Insights from one generation are passed to the next, who then build on what they are given, in turn passing that on. We now take for granted the key scientific knowledge that generation after generation lived without, such as the potency of penicillin for overcoming infections or the value of aerobic exercise for general health and well-being. Humans have also made discoveries in other areas, such as the realm of morality and ethics. Slavery, once regarded as an acceptable construct of society, is now widely rejected in light of the development of ideas about individual human rights.

While knowledge has had a material benefit to humanity, in both the quantity (length) and the quality of life, it remains an incredibly dangerous commodity. Knowledge, like any commodity, must be handled correctly. Take, if you will, the example of boiling water. I can brew my tea with it, cook vegetables, or even sterilize contaminated food items. But boiling water must be handled with care. If it touches my skin, then I have a big problem. There will be damage.

So it is with knowledge. If I know something and have gained a particular insight, that insight might serve me well—but if I do not handle it correctly, I might do some real damage. Let me use a topical issue as an example. Some have come into the knowledge that certain indigenous groups were abused in the past during the English colonial movement. This is a well-established fact, many have learned plenty about this topic and have built up considerable knowledge in this area. But many can’t handle this knowledge for what it is—people who are long dead were oppressed by people who are long dead. Instead, the knowledge is used to condemn the descendants of colonisers, and it is used independently of other relevant facts on the topic. Instead of holding this knowledge in a way that might inform a better future for all people, some (from a variety of ethnic backgrounds) manipulate this knowledge so they can condemn, criticise, and label others.

Once we have knowledge, we must face the fact that how we handle it is important. The Bible teaches that, “Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.” That term “puffs up” literally means to make proud, which is to build up oneself or to glorify oneself. Without love, the accumulation of knowledge will lead to a puffed-up person. The more knowledge, the more puff. The world is full of people trying to “out-puff” the next person, and the continual flexing of moral superiority is combined with an effort to tear down others.

What is needed in this time of abundant knowledge is a capacity to hold knowledge in humility—recognising that the pursuit of knowledge is a God-given endeavour, with the potential to be deeply satisfying with enduring benefits. But if someone has as their goal in life to elevate themselves, the use and abuse of knowledge to this end becomes a juicy temptation. That is why each person—before they inquire into the world—needs to acknowledge that God is God and all things come from Him, and that all humanity pales in comparison to His majesty. This Godward orientation is the beginning of all humility and the way to ending the misuse of knowledge.