Arming Ourselves With Truth and Reason Against the Cult of Ignorance

By Rev. Dr. Amos C. Brown

Isaac Asimov once wrote, “There is a cult of ignorance in the United States, and there has always been. The strain of anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that 'my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.’”

These words, though written decades ago, are as urgent and relevant today as they have ever been. We find ourselves in a moment where a dangerous strain of religious extremism has taken root in our nation, emboldened by a new leader in the Oval Office who seeks to divide rather than unite, to sow hatred rather than compassion. These forces of ignorance do not just threaten democracy; they threaten the moral fabric of our society.

This cult of ignorance, as Asimov so rightly called it, is not just a philosophical failing. It is an active weapon in the hands of those who spread lies, hatred, and fear under the guise of religion. They distort faith to justify bigotry and oppress the most vulnerable among us. As people of conscience, as people of God, we cannot remain silent in the face of such danger.

To fight this battle, we must rally together as a community of believers, activists, and truth-seekers. We must arm ourselves—not with hatred or violence—but with facts and reason, love and compassion. Ignorance cannot stand when exposed to the light of truth. Lies cannot endure when challenged with knowledge. And hatred cannot prosper when confronted with unrelenting love.

Let us remember that democracy thrives not when every opinion is given equal weight, but when the truth is upheld and defended against the tides of deception. We are called to be stewards of justice, warriors for truth, and defenders of compassion. This is not just our moral responsibility; it is our divine calling.

As we face the challenges ahead, let us stand firmly in the spirit of unity. Let us reject the cult of ignorance and commit ourselves to building a society rooted in truth and justice. Together, we can overcome the forces of hatred and create a future where knowledge and love prevail.

The time is now. Let us rise to this moment with courage and faith. Let us be the redwood trees whose roots are deeply connected, supporting one another to reach towering heights. And let us never forget that the arc of the moral universe bends toward justice—but only when we put our hands to the plow.

Amen.