Ludicrous Logic

I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with senses, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their use.
-Galileo Galilei

These words were uttered by a Godly scientist who was ahead of his time. God Himself is a God of order and reason. He created things in a logical order. Creation itself was an organized process. Heaven is organized, as are the Laws of God. If we are to follow God, we must do it according to the understanding He gives us both in His Word and our reason (as far as it is in accord with His). Christianity is not a religion that is for those who want to stop reasoning. In fact, God is the author of reason. He created it. We cannot make choices without reason. In fact, that is what separates us from animals. It is our ability to reason. This is an important part of being made in the image of God.

Using reasoning properly is where we seem to fail. We no longer teach reason in most schools. We teach memorization. We memorize multiplication, division, rules, and quotes. We are not taught to think logically anymore. Therefore we fall for many logical errors. Examine these examples.

All living humans need air.

I am alive.

Therefore, I need air.

All cows eat grass.
My dog eats grass.
Therefore, my dog is a cow.

These are examples of deductive/inductive reasoning. Deductive reasoning can only be used if at least one point is absolutely true. The first example shown is always true of living people. The second example shows that even though all cows eat grass, not all things that eat grass are cows. Instead we could/should have said.

All cows eat grass.
Betsy is a cow.
Therefore, Betsy eats grass.

We can only apply this form of reasoning when proving the absolute (the all). In other words, we must have an absolute that applies, then work from there. This form of reason is called deductive reasoning. It is the most accepted form of reason. All though things can go both ways at times, (e.g. All cows eat grass. Betsy eats grass. Therefore Betsy is a cow) they cannot go the other way at all times. That is called inductive reasoning, and it is much more complex to prove. Even though Betsy ate grass, that fact does not prove her to be a cow. Too often, we see these types of reasonings used in Theology as well. Here is a prime example.

All Reformed Doctrine uses the word elect.
Paul used the word elect.
Therefore, Paul is a Reformed Theologian.

See the flaw? Although all Reformers use the word elect, not all who use the word elect are Reformed Theologians. The point of reasoning is not always reversible. (in fact it is often not.) We cannot use a single point that has variable values to prove a constant for an entire group. It cannot work. Here's a more whimsical example.

All Amish grow beards.
Mr. T has a beard.
Therefore, Mr. T is Amish.

Makes sense right?

Here is another example of interesting logic.

Now we know that we should always check to make sure our reasoning is accurate. We always check multiplication with addition. So here is how to check the problem.

Tada! The checking gave us the same answer as the multiplication. So its the correct answer, right?

Not even close. The flaw in the first problem is not in any one step but in the entire method. The checking is also complete hogwash, but it comes out to the same number. What's the point? Never check your own solution with your own idea. If you were wrong the first time, likely you will be wrong when you check it as well.

Now, with math its easy to check this out. We whip out a calculator (if you don't trust your mental math) and punch the buttons. Whoops! Turns out 14x5=70. Who knew? Math has absolute correct answers that cannot be argued with or changed. Many of our moral and Theological problems are also the same thing. They do have absolute right answers. Just like 14x5 doesn't ever really equal 25, stealing is never really justified either. Just because I can do it on paper and "check" it to be correct does not make it so.

In the end, this type of 'math' only works on those who don't practice Math in daily use. If they did, they would see the error instantly. In the same way, heresy can be found out by checking the Bible, not the heresy. Often the heretic can "check his work" as well as I can check the answer of 14x5=25. Trust the Bible, not the problem.

Conclusion

How do we check our Theology? We whip out our Bible. Does Jesus say anything about it? Do we have exact commands? Does the Bible mean what it says? Was there an underlying point to this? Are we obeying it? Are we taking things and twisting them to make them 'make sense' (dogs and cows)?
Let us make sure we are follow the commands of God, not the doctrines of man.