Slides: Fallacies of Relevance (Dr. Feddes)

 

Appeal to force

“Let’s just see whether you still have a job in the church when people find out you hold those views.”

“If you disagree with the professor, you will get a bad grade or fail the class.”

“You’d better bring your views up to date, or people will think you’re crazy.”

Genetic

Discrediting person or idea based on origin.

“You got your Christian beliefs from your parents. Now that you’ve grown up, those ideas aren’t believable anymore.”

“Six-day creationism is favored by Seventh Day Adventists. We’re not SDA. Therefore, six-day creationism is false.”

Amaziah said to Amos, “Get out, you seer! Go back to the land of Judah. Earn your bread there and do your prophesying there. Don’t prophesy anymore at Bethel, because this is the king's sanctuary and the temple of the kingdom.” (Amos 7:12-13)

“Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked. (John 1:46)

Personal attack

“I think a case can be made that faith is one of the world's great evils, comparable to the smallpox virus but harder to eradicate.”

“It is absolutely safe to say that if you meet somebody who claims not to believe in evolution, that person is ignorant, stupid or insane (or wicked, but I'd rather not consider that).” (Richard Dawkins)

“This author does not accept creation in six 24-hour days because he’s an old-earth compromiser and does not believe the Bible as written.”

“This author accepts creation in six 24-hour days because she’s ignorant of modern science and ancient culture and literature.”

You too!

“You people who say same-sex marriage is unbiblical aren’t sexually perfect, so stop judging others when you’re no better.”

“You say the church must fight racism, but you’re just as racist as anyone else.”

“You say I’ve misused church finances, but you’re as bad or worse than I am.”

Crowd appeal

• Bandwagon: “Everybody is doing it.”
• Progress: “Join the right side of history.”
• Patriotism: Draping self in flag.
• Piety: Using Christianese and God-talk
• Snobbery: “The finest folks are doing it.”

Snobbery

“Has any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed in him? No! But this mob that knows nothing of the law—there is a curse on them.” (John 7:47-48)

“Christianity is more popular among people with less education and lower income than among educated, affluent people. Faith is a crutch for needy people who won’t think.”

Tradition

Something must be right because people have believed it or done it for a long time.

“An innkeeper turned away Mary even when she was about to give birth. Three wise men came to see baby Jesus. Christians have believed these things for centuries, so they must be somewhere in the Bible.”

Improper authority

Appeal to someone who is an authority in one area but not the area being discussed.

“97 percent of scientists say that climate change is real and that humans are the main cause.”

• Most scientists are not climate experts.
• Real science cites evidence, not polls.

Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” With that verse on his shoes, Steph Curry makes three pointers and win NBA titles. So the verse means I can achieve anything I want with Jesus’ help.

Appeal to emotion

• Pity: “Trans people suffer depression and cruelty. Sex change is normal and healthy.”
• Affection: “My dear daughter is lesbian. Surely my God affirms and approves her.”
• Anger: “Priests have molested many boys. Surely God hates homosexuality.”

Adverse consequences

“The Bible can’t possibly teach that God does miracles. That would violate all our assumptions about the laws of nature.”

“The Bible cannot possibly teach that people go to hell without Christ. Think of how many would perish if that were true!”

Personal incredulity

“I’ve never seen a miracle or sensed God, so I don’t believe in God or miracles.”

“I can’t figure out the doctrine of the Trinity, so it can’t possibly be true.”

“I’ve always believed in a pre-tribulation rapture, and I can’t imagine how anybody can’t see it plainly taught in the Bible.”