When I was in college, there was a saying in the philosophy department: “You cannot not use logic.” If that’s true, do you suppose the New Testament writers used logic? Let’s see.
There is a clear example of Paul using deductive (if-then) reasoning in 1 Cor. 15:13 where he is arguing with a portion of the Corinthian church who believed there was no resurrection from the dead: (ESV) But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. Actually, his argument continues through verse 19, repeatedly using deductive logic to make his point.
A logical tactic called reductio ad absurbdum (reducing the opponent’s argument to show it is absurd) is used by Jesus Himself in Matt. 12:25-26 (ESV) Knowing their thoughts, he said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. 26 And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand?
In philosophy, one logical argument used to show the universe was created is called the teleological argument, which says that because the universe has many design features. These things are too complex to have occurred accidentally or at random; therefore, there must be a designer. Paul uses this argument in Romans 1:19-20 (ESV) For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. Just as a side note, the chances of the DNA molecule forming randomly is 10601. For reference, the number of atoms in the universe is only 1080.
Another logical form of argumentation is called the a fortiori form (“how much more”). It argues that because something is true in a smaller sense, it must be true in the greater sense. Matt. 6:26 is a good example of this, where Jesus says, (ESV) Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
James, the Lord’s half brother, uses analogies (argument by comparison) to make a point for the danger of the tongue in his book: James 3:3-5 (ESV) If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. 4 Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.
In Romans 2:14-16, Paul uses an argument called “an appeal to conscience” to make his point: (ESV) For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them 16 on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.
Last of all comes the dilemma argument, the either/or argument. Jesus uses this in Matt. 6:24 (ESV) “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”
Why is this important
The New Testament is not a collection of fairy tails, it is a solid, well argued, both philosophical and theological work that stands proudly in the marketplace of ideas.
In John chapter 1, Jesus is identified as the Word four times. The English word “logic” is derived directly from the Greek word logos and means the rational principle governing the universe, reasoning, intelligibility, speech, or explanation. In the New Testament, it means the rational self-expression of God, the ordering principle of creation, and the one through whom all things were made.
For the Evangelical, the connection between logos and logic is not accidental. Christianity affirms that ultimate reality is rational, not chaotic. Because Christ is the Logos, reason itself reflects God’s nature. This is why Scripture can use arguments, reasoning, and persuasion without contradiction.
Unlike other world religions, Christianity has a powerful apologetic feature. Because Christianity is true, it is logically defensible. It makes truth claims that can be tested and proven.
Believers Armed and Dangerous 