The phrase “ignorance is bliss” is commonly used to refer to the situations in life where some things are better left not known. For instance, knowing the process by which food is processed and handled at a fast food restaurant might leave one with little appetite. Witnessing a surgical operation is not as important as knowing a surgeon that can perform one.
The dystopian novel Nineteen Eighty-Four, written by George Orwell, is a troubling piece of fiction, focused upon the horrors and evils of an overpowering totalitarian state. The novel is troubling as many concepts explored by its author mirror to some degree the actions of some very real totalitarian regimes in recent history.
It is a somewhat distressing, yet very real problem that people make active choices to embrace lies although being perfectly aware of the truth. One such example would be a person who makes excuses for an abusive or unfaithful spouse. The truth of this situation should be obvious, many times to those outside of the situation, yet the person continues to embrace a lie anyway.
Although it might surprise those who understand the seriousness of man’s sin problem, there are those in the world who may ask why God is so concerned with the condemnation of sin in the world. Without understanding the tragic impact of sin, some assume God is seeking simply to be “controlling” or that God is simply a “downer” not wanting them to have any fun.
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you.
Matthew 7:7 (NASU)
This verse describes a great promise of Jesus Christ that, if taken at face value as He intended, means that those who are honestly seeking out the truth will indeed find it. This should be a source of comfort for those who worry about the fairness of judgment, the question of ignorance, etc.