One of the most persistent errors in logic, IMO, is that of the false dilemma; where two alternatives are presented as incompatible, whereas in reality they are not. They have some nasty side effects in our lives.
For example, parents often discuss whether they're being too strict/disciplinarian, or too loving. Lost in the rhetoric is Scripture, which notes that every father who loves his son is careful to discipline him. It's not "or," it's "and." Or we might discuss whether unity or theology are more important--not realizing that unity in anything besides the Gospel is meaningless as far as the church is concerned.
The cost can be huge. We know quickly when we've met a child whose parents "loved" him too much to spank him, or when we enter a church where the Gospel is subordinated to an imagined "unity." Let's never forget to ask ourselves "and, or or" when presented with dilemmas like this.
Podcast #1047: The Roman Caesars’ Guide to Ruling
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The Roman caesars were the rulers of the Roman Empire, beginning in 27 BC
with Julius Caesar’s heir Augustus, from whom subsequent caesars took their
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11 hours ago
4 comments:
Good post. We need to remember, there is love in disciplne, and discipline in love. The two may be distinguished but they should be seperated.
The same holds true for unity and purity in the church. Whenever we over emphasize one, we always do it at the cost of the other.
they should NOT* be seperated...
Bert, you've forgotten your Logic. OR can be inclusive. XOR is not.
As David said.
But the use of "or" in the false dilemma is in practice the exclusive "or". :^)
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