I believe that in days of low literacy rates and when lives were ruled by the religious elite the answer was yes. I doubt that this sort of thinking still holds much traction. ----------- Whereu, Why is it that people can be intelligent, even brilliant, in so many things and yet be in spiritual darkness? At 2 Corinthians 4:4, Paul gave us the answer: “The god of this system of things has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, that the illumination of the glorious good news about the Christ, who is the image of God, might not shine through.” What a precious blessing it is that those who embrace the glorious good news have become transformed in mind and enlightened in heart! Low literacy rates are just one factor. Prejudice continues widespread today fueled by false religious teachings. Jesus said to his followers: “The hour is coming when everyone that kills you will imagine he has rendered a sacred service to God. But they will do these things because they have not come to know either the Father or me.” (John 16:2, 3) To be sure, many persecutors professed to serve the same God Jesus served, but they were influenced by false religious beliefs and traditions. Yes, they had “a zeal for God; but not according to accurate knowledge.” (Romans 10:2) One such opposer was Saul of Tarsus, who later became the Christian apostle Paul. Saul belonged to a group known as the Pharisees, a politically powerful and influential Jewish sect that opposed Christianity. “I was a blasphemer and a persecutor and an insolent man,” Saul later acknowledged. He also said: “I was ignorant and acted with a lack of faith.” (1 Timothy 1:12, 13) However, once he learned the truth about God and His Son, he immediately changed his ways. Not everyone is prepared to change however.
