Have you ever heard someone make a statement or make a conclusion that you know is wrong, but you can’t figure out why it wrong? There are a few reasons why this may be so, but most of the time it stems from a faulty question or statement that leads to a faulty conclusion.
Begging The Question – using the conclusion as one of the premises (or reasons) to reach the conclusion. When you already claim the conclusion as fact. This is also called circular reasoning or arguing in a circle. For example, saying Tom is the most honest guy I know, why because Tom told me, and honest people don’t lie.
One of the most popular ways that Christians use Begging The Question is by quoting 2 Timothy 3:16. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,” While we know from other evidence that we can trust the Bible, using the Bible to prove itself is circular reasoning.
For example saying that evolution is reason that life evolves is also circular reasoning. Science must be able to show some physical mechanism of why it does evolve in the first place. Evolution just is… is not a valid reason or proof.
As always, questions, comments, and discussions welcome.
DId God Really Say... 