PARALOGISMS

From My Perspective - - - 

Paralogism is the most recent Word Of The Day on The O’Reilly Factor. The word means: “An argument that is illogical and fallacious.” The broader question pertains to how one responds to a whole array of things one encounters on a daily basis. The response can be anything from passiveness, indifference, shrugging of one’s shoulders all the way to a trite expression of “everything always works out in the end.”  Usually, the things we understand least or with which there may be several possible interpretations, brings one to a paralogism result. 

There are several discussion groups on Facebook that are supposed to champion Discussion and Debate in a meaningful and helpful way. It is amazing how the highly educated and intellectual types can stumble into the paralogism approach - and then - argue or criticize anyone who may differ with them. It is understandable that there is an innate drive to defend oneself and to treat one’s views as though they are infallible. However, Discussion and Debate should mean laying out a postulate and/or subject for which there is a desire for greater and better understanding. Too often it can become: How dare you offer an alternative possibility? If one attempts to “poke” at the position or view being espoused, it can lead to derision and/or a negative judgment (not based upon knowledge but upon an individual’s subjectivism).

To “weigh” something, especially one’s words, has a two-pronged meaning: (a) to consider carefully what someone says (or writes), and (b)  to consider one's own words carefully when speaking (or writing). In terms of Christian Discourse, should one’s comments be weighted with negatives, rants or diatribe? Paul concluded his list of disciplines in and for life in I Thessalonians 5 with these words in verse 21, “but test everything; hold fast what is good.” The MSG paraphrase of verses 19-22 is: “Don't suppress the Spirit, and don't stifle those who have a word from the Master. On the other hand, don't be gullible. Check out everything, and keep only what's good. Throw out anything tainted with evil.” There is no room for indifference in these words, neither is there room for intransigence. 

How does the Word of God assess the use (or misuse) of one’s words. One of the more sobering verses are in the words of Jesus Christ. In Matthew 12:36, we read: “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak…” The key phrase is: “give account for every careless word they speak.” This is something totally other than group approval or someone’s censorship. In Paul’s reference to that which grieves the Spirit of God, he writes in Ephesians 4:29, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” The emphasis is on the place for edifying words (“building up” words) that gives grace to those who hear. 

The bottom line measure for one’s words thought, expressed or written is Psalm 19:14, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”  Proverbs 16:23-24 are encouraging words: “The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips. Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” One last verse about which there should be no paralogism, and certainly no debate, are in Ephesians 5:3-4, “But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let be words of thanksgiving.” Without the use of paralogisms, consider these things with me.