Thank you for the question on Acts 4:13, “Was the Bible verse Acts 4:13 instrumental in the development of an American subculture that values ignorance?”
No, I do not believe that Acts 4:13 was instrumental in the development of an American subculture that values ignorance. That is a misapplication of the text.
I am not aware of any church that advocates its members be high school drop outs nor to pursue graduate study. Most families are distraught if their son or daughter do not graduate from high school and are greatly disappointed that their son or daughter do not graduate from college.
All my friends that I know have their bachelors degree and even some have their Ph’d. My son-in-law has his doctorate degree in biology and teaches at a college. When I was serving as an Associate Pastor in New Jersey, the majority of the church members had their masters or doctorate degree. I led a Bible study at Bells Lab.
If the question relates to ignorance between science and the Bible, many Christians are aware of the debate and differences them. Everyone that I know is aware of the differences between the Biblical account of Creation and Evolution, the geological dating of the earth and the dating given by the Bible.
Churches have invited speakers to address the various viewpoints while others have view debates on You Tube between Dr. Bart Ehrman and Dr. Dan Wallace or other speakers. There is no reason for any Christian or non-Christian to be ignorant of the issues since most individuals have access to the internet.
I believe Christians ought to be the most informed and equipped to deal with contemporary scientific and social issues. Christian churches can do better and should do better. As a Christian, it is my goal to add to the voices of other Christians who seek to address the question asked about the Christian faith.
SUMMARY: The Bible does not support ignorance or illiteracy. In order for a Christian to be able to give a reason for their hope, he/she must be relevant and addressing the issues of their culture.