{"id":2659,"date":"2022-08-15T05:00:19","date_gmt":"2022-08-15T09:00:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.namb.net\/apologetics\/?post_type=resource&p=2659"},"modified":"2022-08-18T12:00:10","modified_gmt":"2022-08-18T16:00:10","slug":"does-love-exclude-logic","status":"publish","type":"resource","link":"https:\/\/www.namb.net\/apologetics\/resource\/does-love-exclude-logic\/","title":{"rendered":"Does Love Exclude Logic?"},"content":{"rendered":"

In an earlier article<\/a>, I\u2019ve touched upon necessary apologetics skills, both soft and hard. Soft skills are those interpersonal and character traits that foster relationships between Christians and non-Christians in genuine dialogue. These should be cultivated by all believers not only those who consider themselves apologists. Hard skills are those unique to the field of apologetics: such as a knowledge of theology, philosophy, science, world religions, history, and logic.<\/p>\n

There remains a wariness of apologetics by many who are concerned that a focus on logical maturation will starve the development of loving relationships. On one hand, many non-Christians present their attacks on the faith as founded on intellectually superior ground. \u201cLogic,\u201d is their tool. On the other hand, there is the fear that logic will kill our love. \u00a0The picture presented of love and logic is often one of opposition. Love is warm, embracing, and personal. Logical analysis is cold, distancing, and impersonal. Sadly, there are those whose approach and demeanor in Christian apologetics only strengthens this caricature. But biblically<\/em> speaking, it is a caricature nonetheless. Developing one\u2019s analytical abilities is simply the discipline of clear thinking, while being mindful to avoid mistakes in reasoning. It can, and must, be used in evangelism and apologetics.<\/p>\n

Doesn\u2019t the Bible Warn us about Hollow Philosophy?<\/h2>\n

A few biblical passages frequently are commonly cited to dismiss the importance of logical analysis. Logic, after all, is a branch of philosophy, and aren\u2019t we warned to avoid \u201chollow and deceptive philosophy\u201d (Colossians 2:8, NIV) and the \u201cwisdom of the world\u201d (1 Corinthians 1:20-25, NIV)? The short answer is yes, but this can be misleading. Looking closer at Colossians, Paul warns the church, \u201cSee to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ\u201d (Colossians 2:8, ESV). This verse specifies that philosophy that is not according to Christ <\/em>is what is forbidden. Allowance for a Christ-honoring pursuit of logical development is therefore implied. Turning to 1 Corinthians, Paul\u2019s words can be summarized by two simple points. First, the truth and power of the gospel cannot be reduced by the effects of \u201cworldly wisdom.\u201d\u00a0 Second, non-Christians reveal their hostility to God by taking His gift to humanity (higher cognitive faculties) and trying to use it against Him. We must appreciate Paul\u2019s point and avoid falling into that trap. The gospel is divinely revealed. It reflects the wisdom of God, not humanity. Nothing about this censors the development of our reasoning ability. As we\u2019ll see below, Paul\u2019s own writings and example are a testament to a heart on fire and a training mind for God.<\/p>\n

A Biblical View of Logic<\/h2>\n

Biblical examples.<\/em> Biblical examples of logical reasoning abound, and it\u2019s difficult to offer a faithful biblical presentation without potentially overwhelming one\u2019s audience due to the wealth of biblical data. For example, much has been written on the specific ways in which Jesus himself modeled sharp critical thinking.[1]<\/sup><\/a> While our Christlikeness may mean more than developing our cognitive sharpness, it certainly does not mean less. The Gospels also often present logical reasons for their portraits of Jesus. Consider the numerous passages in Matthew that underscore Christ\u2019s messianic identity with the phrase, \u201cthis was done in fulfillment of\u2026\u201d The logic of these passages is clear: \u201cJesus is the Jewish Messiah [conclusion], and this is why you should believe it [support].\u201d<\/p>\n

The apostle Paul is an excellent role model in the reasoned articulation of the faith. In Acts we learn that it was his regular practice to reason <\/em>and persuade others from the Scriptures in commending the message of faith in Jesus (Acts 17:3,17; 18:4; cf. 26:28; 28:24). This is also clearly seen in his letter. Each epistle is an extended argument, with each chapter moving forth to establish his points. In Galatians, Paul argues we cannot add our good works to the atonement of Christ (2:21), with each illustration, OT citation, analogy, and argument aimed at bolstering and supporting that message.<\/p>\n

Biblical motives<\/h2>\n

The Bible presents us with several interconnected reasons to develop our minds. The first is what can be called the theocentric motive<\/em>. This motive puts God front and center. Investing in the development of our minds is something that is done as worship to God. We are to love Him with all of our heart, soul, strength, and mind (Mark 12:30). The fear of the Lord is not a reason to reject the study of logic and persuade. It is His very motivation (2 Corinthians 5:11). God has graciously equipped humanity with higher cognitive capabilities than all other sentient life. We reason because God reasons. \u201cOur experience of thinking, reasoning, and forming arguments imitates God and reflects the mind of God. Our logic reflects God\u2019s logic. Logic, then, is an aspect of God\u2019s mind. Logic is universal among all human beings in all cultures, because there is only one God, and we are all made in the image of God.\u201d[2]<\/sup><\/a>With thanksgiving, we should turn this gift back to the Giver, using it to learn more about His word, His nature, and His creation.<\/p>\n

A second motive the Bible provides to us is the evangelistic\/apologetic motive<\/em>. The Scripture teaches us that Christians have been transferred from the dominion of darkness to the kingdom of Christ (Colossians 1:13).\u00a0 As such we are given the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16). In obedience to King Jesus we take captive all thoughts which oppose our Lord (2 Corinthians 10:3-6). Paul specifically teaches that the Christian manner of combating enemies doesn\u2019t follow the tactics presented by the world. We target thoughts<\/em>. We oppose false claims<\/em>. And in doing so, we follow our Lord, who set the pattern for us (1 John 2:6; 1 Peter 2:21).<\/p>\n

The third biblical motive we\u2019ll discuss here is the philanthropic motive.<\/em> We develop our reasoning ability to speak the truth in love persuasively to others who have not tasted the goodness of God. Is trying to persuade people that Christianity is true a bad thing? Not if we take our cue from the Bible. Jude tells us to \u201ccontend for the faith that was delivered to the saints once for all\u201d (Jude 3, CSB), Paul instructs Timothy to \u201ccorrect his opponents\u201d (2 Timothy 2:25, ESV), that Scripture is profitable for \u201cfor reproof, for correction\u201d (2 Timothy 3:16, ESV), as well as to \u201creprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching\u201d (2 Timothy 4:2, ESV). Like to Titus, Paul teaches that Elders must \u201chold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it (Titus 1:9, ESV),\u201d and that false teachers \u201cmust be silenced\u201d (Titus 1:11, ESV). The motive for correction is love, a love stemming from an active faith (Galatians 5:6). Apologists should pray to be divinely-used instruments in God\u2019s purpose to draw people to himself (Matthew 9:38).<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n

In conclusion, we need more apologists with sharp critical thinking skills to hear and evaluate the truth claims of the world around us. The same Paul that commanded that we \u201cspeak the truth in love\u201d (Ephesians 4:15) also said, \u201cWe destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ\u201d (2 Corinthians 10:5, ESV). Both are needed: A loving heart devoted to God and neighbor, and a mind passionate for truth. Let us never divide what God has brought together.<\/p>\n

Notes<\/strong><\/p>\n

[1]<\/sup><\/a> Articles on how Jesus modeled critical thinking include the works of Dallas Willard<\/a>, J. P. Moreland<\/a>, and Dave Miller<\/a>. Books addressing the subject would include On Jesus<\/em> by Douglas Groothius, (Cengage Learning, 2002), Logic and the Way of Jesus<\/em> by Travis Dickinson (Nashville, TN: B&H Academic, 2022), and Jesus Christ and the Life of the Mind <\/em>by Mark Noll (Eerdmans, 2013). General works on a Christian view of intellectual development include Love God with All Your Mind: The Role of Reason in the Life of the <\/em>Soul by J. P. Moreland, (Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 1997), and Think: The Life of the Mind and the Love of God by<\/em> John Piper, (Wheaton IL: Crossway, 2011).<\/p>\n

[2]<\/sup><\/a> Vern S. Poythress, Logic: A God-Centered Approach to the Foundation of Western Thought<\/em> Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2013), 64.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

In an earlier article, I\u2019ve touched upon necessary apologetics skills, both soft and hard. Soft skills …<\/p>\n

Does Love Exclude Logic?<\/span> Read More »<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":2660,"template":"","meta":{"_oasis_is_in_workflow":0,"_oasis_original":0,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"default","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}}},"tags":[],"channels":[],"topics":[9],"languages":[],"class_list":["post-2659","resource","type-resource","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","resource_type-article","topics-apologetics"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nDoes Love Exclude Logic? - Apologetics<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.namb.net\/apologetics\/resource\/does-love-exclude-logic\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Does Love Exclude Logic?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"In an earlier article, I\u2019ve touched upon necessary apologetics skills, both soft and hard. 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