Series on Logic Part 13 – Begging the Question

This week is, sadly, the last week we’re going to discuss logical fallacies. There are so many I want to bring up, I was tempted to dump several on you all at once. I don’t think thats helpful, yet I do need to move on to discuss some other very important, culturally relevant, subjects, namely feminism which we’ll begin a series on next Friday. For today I’m going to end this series in style, with my very least favorite fallacy, begging the question.

The very best explanation I’ve heard for this logical fallacy is done by Dr. Jason Lisle in this lecture below starting at about the 23 minute mark, although I highly recommend the entire lecture.

There is something about Dr. Lisles calm demeanor which makes his lectures so enjoyable. If you haven’t had the opportunity to be blessed by his lectures, friends, this one HERE is my favorite. It doesn’t have anything to do with logic, but it is so fascinating! As you saw, beloved brethren, in the lecture above begging the question is a fallacious way to argue any point. Anytime we attempt to manipulate those around us by sticking the conclusion we want them to come to within our argument, we are arguing foolishly. God’s Word does not need our help, so lets speak openly and honestly with the lost, and avoid begging the question.

When you give the Law to the proud their natural inclination will be to go on the offense, often times with this fallacy. This is why it’s my least favorite fallacy, I see it come up so often when sharing the Gospel. It’s painful to see the lost harden their hearts even further, then to see them pridefully proclaim falsehood as if it were true by begging the question. Twitter, in particular, is a begging the question fallacy making machine! When this happens take a deep breath and remember, friends, that God is sovereign. We have been called to share the Good News, but we were never called to save anyone. Thankfully, that is in the capable hands of God, not the vastly incapable hands of wretched man. If you have time, and the person seems reasonable, try to show them their error with gentleness, and love.

This concludes our series through logic, and the many fallacies. Although this was the longest series I’ve done, I really just scratched the surface. I hope you were all blessed by these posts, and will continue to study logic. Remember, dear ones, we do this in love, without a haughty attitude, to tear down every high and lofty thing that sets itself up against the Truth. As always, beloved brethren, be good Berean’s and study to show yourselves approved!