Beyond the Syllogism: Proper Contextual Interpretation–4
Weaknesses of Syllogisms: A syllogism is not inherently evil. Logic is not a vehicle for Satan. Syllogisms and logic are tools to be used by humanity. But like all tools, they can be used inappropriately. Instead of fixing the problem, the wrong tool can cause even bigger damage. A syllogism can help understand the Bible in some cases, but also can be a blinder of truth. Syllogisms have two major weaknesses.
Syllogisms assume a God of logic only. Anytime that God or the Biblical text is forced into an “only” argument, there is going to be something missing. The nature of God and His revelation is larger than a narrow category. The presumption of a syllogism concerning the nature of God is that God operates on the principles of logic only. It assumes that God makes His choices based on the logic only in all situations. This is a myopic view of God. God makes His decisions based on His nature. This nature is one that includes more than logical reasoning, but includes love, grace, compassion, mercy, and patience. The entirety of God’s knowledge is larger than logical principles of reason. A lot more goes into one of God’s choices than logic. For an example, the verse in Philippians 4:5 uses the term “forbearance.” This term comes from the mindset of the King who understands the “letter of the Law” but understands the spirit of the situations, which causes him to be merciful. God is much like this king, He understands the letter of the law, but if the spirit of the Law seems to indicate another direction, God will take all of this information into consideration. Syllogisms use logic as the only foundation in understanding. God is larger than logic only.
Related posts:
- Beyond the Syllogism: Proper Contextual Interpretation–2
- Beyond the Syllogism: Proper Contextual Interpretation–3
- Beyond the Syllogism: Proper Contextual Interpretation–5
- Beyond the Syllogism: Proper Contextual Interpretation
- Logic and the Bible
About The Author
The second problem will be given in the next post on this topic.
Hey, thanks for stopping by my blog. I’m jealous of you being in Colorado! I miss that place.
Matthew, great post! I really appreciate your helping us have a better understanding of God’s nature. He truly is larger than logic only.
In my heart I have much to say about this, as the nature of God is very important to me. I believe, due to lack of knowledge of him, that we miss him, miss knowing the fullness of his nature and true character.
I appreciate you shining a light to help us see more clearly the amazing nature of God.
You have a great blog, thanks for sharing.
Matt,
i’m pretty sure i agree with everything said here, but don’t you think the “God is larger than logic” idea can, itself, be abused? Don’t you think people can (and have) used that notion as a means to avoid very obvious conclusions or interpretations that are unfavorable or unpallettable to them?
All good points. I mean by larger than logic is that God uses more than just logic in making a choice. He will not be inconsistent. Also, man cannot judge like God, and when he thinks he can, this causes all kinds of problems.