Understanding Logical Fallacies: The Pursuit of Absolute Truth
🔍 Understanding Logical Fallacies: The Pursuit of Absolute Truth
Why Does This Matter?
If our goal is truth, we must be willing to test our reasoning, recognize biases, and avoid faulty logic when discussing scripture. Logical fallacies distort understanding, leading people to false conclusions and misinterpretations.
Avoiding these fallacies is not about winning arguments—it’s about intellectual integrity, honest engagement, and building beliefs on solid reasoning rather than assumption or tradition.
Below are some of the most common logical fallacies to be aware of as you engage with scripture and theological discussions.
🛑 Common Logical Fallacies to Watch For
1️⃣ Ad Hominem – Attacking the Person, Not the Argument
❌ Example: “Why should I listen to Jane’s argument on theology? She’s not even a pastor!”
🔎 Why It’s Wrong: Instead of addressing the actual argument, this attacks the person presenting it. Truth should be evaluated on its own merits, not on who says it.
2️⃣ Straw Man – Misrepresenting an Argument
❌ Example: "Jake believes in grace, so he obviously thinks sin doesn’t matter."
🔎 Why It’s Wrong: Instead of responding to what someone actually believes, this twists their argument into a weaker version to easily attack it.
3️⃣ Circular Reasoning – Using an Argument's Conclusion as Its Own Evidence
❌ Example: "The Bible is true because it says so."
🔎 Why It’s Wrong: This assumes the conclusion as its own proof. True reasoning requires independent evidence.
4️⃣ False Dilemma – Presenting Only Two Options When Others Exist
❌ Example: "Either we interpret the Bible literally, or we reject it completely."
🔎 Why It’s Wrong: It ignores other valid perspectives, forcing a choice between two extremes that may both be incorrect.
5️⃣ Appeal to Authority – Using Authority Alone as Evidence
❌ Example: "My pastor says this doctrine is true, so it must be."
🔎 Why It’s Wrong: Authority doesn’t equal truth. A claim must be backed by evidence and reasoning, not just a respected figure’s opinion.
6️⃣ Red Herring – Diverting the Topic
❌ Example: "Why worry about interpreting scripture correctly when we have bigger problems in the world?"
🔎 Why It’s Wrong: This distracts from the real issue, avoiding engagement with the actual argument.
7️⃣ Slippery Slope – Assuming a Chain of Events Without Proof
❌ Example: "If we question this doctrine, soon people will reject Christianity altogether!"
🔎 Why It’s Wrong: Assumes one action automatically leads to extreme consequences without demonstrating a logical link.
8️⃣ Hasty Generalization – Making a Broad Claim From Insufficient Evidence
❌ Example: "I met a rude Christian, so all Christians must be judgmental."
🔎 Why It’s Wrong: Draws conclusions from too little evidence, often leading to false stereotypes.
9️⃣ False Cause – Mistaking Correlation for Causation
❌ Example: "Every time I pray for good weather, it doesn’t rain. My prayers must control the weather."
🔎 Why It’s Wrong: Just because two things happen together doesn’t mean one caused the other.
🔟 Appeal to Emotion – Using Feelings Instead of Logic
❌ Example: "You must believe this doctrine! Imagine how much it would hurt Jesus if you didn’t!"
🔎 Why It’s Wrong: While emotions matter, they shouldn’t replace logical reasoning in forming beliefs.
1️⃣1️⃣ Non-Sequitur – A Conclusion That Doesn’t Follow From the Premises
❌ Example: "People who read the Bible are good people. Therefore, reading the Bible makes you good."
🔎 Why It’s Wrong: The conclusion does not logically follow from the statement.
1️⃣2️⃣ Assumption Fallacy – Accepting a Premise Without Evidence
❌ Example: "Since our church has always taught this, it must be true."
🔎 Why It’s Wrong: Assumes something without proving it, which can lead to deeply ingrained but false beliefs.
1️⃣3️⃣ Genetic Fallacy – Discrediting an Idea Based on Its Origin
❌ Example: "You only believe in universal salvation because you grew up in a certain denomination."
🔎 Why It’s Wrong: The source of an idea doesn’t determine whether it’s true—its reasoning and evidence do.
1️⃣4️⃣ Association Fallacy – Guilt by Association
❌ Example: "Hitler was a vegetarian, so vegetarianism must be bad."
🔎 Why It’s Wrong: Just because someone bad supports an idea doesn’t make the idea itself bad.
🔍 Why Avoiding Logical Fallacies Matters in Studying Scripture
By recognizing and avoiding these pitfalls, we can engage in truly meaningful discussions that seek truth rather than protect assumptions.
❓ Critical Thinking Questions for Reflection
- How do logical fallacies prevent honest interpretation of scripture?
- Why is critical thinking essential in distinguishing authentic teachings from misinterpretations?
- How might your own beliefs be shaped by fallacious reasoning without realizing it?
- If your theological conclusions rest on faulty logic, what does that mean for your understanding of truth?
🚀 Challenge Yourself: Apply This as You Read the Other Three Articles
Now that you are aware of these logical fallacies, apply critical thinking as you read:
🔗 1. The Eternal Word That Unlocks God's Promise for All →
🔗 2. The Hardest Questions You Will Ever Face →
🔗 3. Will You Dismiss or Will You Reason? →
Ask yourself:
✅ Am I thinking critically, or am I falling into a logical trap?
✅ Am I testing my beliefs or just defending what I already assume?
✅ Am I seeking truth, or am I afraid of being wrong?
The pursuit of truth demands courage. Will you engage with reason and integrity, or will you dismiss the challenge before you?