The Chains of Hell

I don't want to ever be ignorant; I imagine being ignorant would be the greatest tragedy ever.

I am not talking about stupidity, although I think we've all had our moments where we haven't been the smartest; I have "blonde moments" every day. No, ignorance is entirely different battle. President Hartman Rector, Jr., said of ignorance, "Ignorance is expensive; in fact, it is the most expensive commodity we know anything about" (Ignorance is Expensive).

Ignorance is willful rebellion against truth. Alma, a Book of Mormon prophet, councils,

And they that will harden their hearts, to them is given a lesser portion of the word until they know nothing concerning his mysteries; and then they are taken captive by the devil, and led by his will down to destruction. Now this is what is meant by the chains of hell (Alma 12:11; emphasis added).

The chains of Hell (Satan's biggest tool) is ignorance. Why would it be such a terrible thing? Because it is the opposite of God. We learn that the "glory of God is intelligence," that God "is more intelligent" than all, and that it is "impossible for man to be saved in ignorance" (D&C 93:36; Abraham 3:19; D&C 131:6).

This sets up two opposites: the chains of Hell and the glory of God; ignorance versus intelligence. Thus, I can happily conclude that the easiest way to overcome Satan is to learn more--because I have a testimony that light will always overcome the darkness.