I enjoy watching the TV show the Brain Game. One episode dealt with the illusion of
knowledge. The illusion of knowledge is
the tendency to think we have a better understanding of a subject than we
actually do. Most often people will
mistake a surface understanding of a subject with a deeper understanding. Some
will go so far as explain a subject without even a surface knowledge just to
keep from saying “I don’t know.” It has been my experience as a teacher that
most people given a little access to the web think they have a greater
understanding of a subject matter because information is given in surface-bites
which are short and to the point without the depth of thought.
The foundation of any subject must first be established before one can
build the structure of understanding. I
don’t think this is an original statement but I have stated this to my students
for years.
I attempt to teach basic guitar to young students who have a desire to play. Almost always they have this thought that
they will pick up the guitar and start playing songs. They always assume that it will be easy. The problem comes when they find their
fingers are sore, the strings sound dead, and they cannot move from one cord to
another without messing up. The
complications were not part of their knowledge of the guitar. The ease in which the experienced player
exhibits his or her skill makes the young student think that they too can play
with the same ease of playing. The
problem is in the underestimation of how long it is going to take to learn how
to play. The proficient player did not gain their ability by reading a few
books and buying an expensive guitar.
They spent years of practice improving their skills.
Many students have started and quit when the realized it is not as easy
as they first thought. They practiced a
few hours, their finger become sore and they now realize they will not be
successful without hours of practice.
They have knowledge of the guitar, they can name all the components,
they know the names of each string and its placement on the fret board, they
can even form the basic cords but they cannot play. What I have found is those who have a
foundation in music are more successful in learning than those who think it is
just a matter of pushing down some strings and strumming. Understanding the theory of music is more
than a surface understanding of playing the guitar. The illusion of knowledge fooled them into
thinking they understood how to play a guitar.
As a student of the Bible for over forty-five years I have tried to
avoid giving the illusion of knowledge. The more I study the more I understand I do
not have a depth of understanding that makes me an expert. Every book, chapter and verse is filled with
information that shows I have only a surface understanding of much of what is
contained in the Scriptures. That is not
to say I am lacking in knowledge of the subject, I do have a greater depth than
most. What I realize is that the depth
of understanding the Word of God is far greater than I have reached in my over
forty-five years of studying. God reveals His Truth to us as needed.
The knowledge that we should have is not based on what I “imagine” or on
my personal experience of life but rather upon the Scripture. The Psalmist has warned of the imagination of
the heart, “The heart is deceitful above
all things. Every imagination of the thoughts of the heart is evil
continually.” The knowledge of
Christ is not based on how I interpret the Scriptures or my own subjectivity
but as revealed by the Holy Spirit. 2
Peter 1:20-21 “20 Knowing
this first that no prophecy of the
scripture is of any private interpretation.
21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of
man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”
The Apostle Paul experienced individuals who had an illusion of
knowledge when he confronted those who seemed to be experts in what you could
or could not eat. Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that “all of
us possess knowledge.” This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up. 2 If
anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to
know. 3 But if anyone loves God, he is
known by God.
The illusion of knowledge will “puff up” those who imagine they know
something when in reality they lack an understanding of the subject. The warning that is given by acting like you
know something in depth but only have a surface knowledge is dangerous. , “. .
. so by your knowledge this weak person is destroyed, the
brother for whom Christ died. 12 Thus,
sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it
is weak, you sin against Christ.” We should be careful in giving “opinions and
preferences” when speaking about what God has said.
Those who have been in the church and
have gained a little knowledge can experience the “puffing up of knowledge” and
be very proud in their ability to expound on their surface knowledge. Most of these people have sense of
self-importance and are admired by their followers who have only a surface
knowledge and are unwilling to search the scriptures and discover the depths of
truth for themselves. The real discovery
of truth has been sacrificed for a surface understanding on the altar of an
illusion of knowledge.
Don’t give the false impression that
you understand the subject when all you have is an illusion of knowledge.
2 Tim. 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that
needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
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