How should a Christian view logic?

Logic is an important part of how Christians should think and reason about God, the Bible, and life in general. The Bible itself presents truths and arguments in a logical way, so logic is a tool given by God that Christians should use wisely. At the same time, Christians recognize that God’s ways are higher than ours, so human logic has limits compared to the infinite mind of God (Isaiah 55:8-9). Overall, Christians should value logic as a gift from God but also rely on faith and God’s revelation to understand spiritual truths that go beyond mere human reasoning.

The Bible Uses Logical Arguments

When reading through the Bible, it is clear that the authors made frequent use of logical arguments and reasoning. Jesus himself used deductive logic in his teaching, such as in the form of a fortiori arguments: “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?” (Luke 15:4). The logical structure shows that if a shepherd would go to this much trouble for one sheep, how much more would God pursue lost sinners. Jesus and the apostles appealed to prophecy and its fulfillment as an inductive logical argument to validate Jesus’ identity. Paul reasoned logically with the Jews to prove Jesus was the Christ (Acts 17:2-3). Overall, Christianity has a strong intellectual tradition that values logic and critical thinking.

The use of logic in Scripture shows that God intends for humans to think rationally and draw conclusions based on reason. Since humans are created in God’s image, our capacity for logical reasoning reflects the divine nature. Our rational faculties work properly when submitted to the truth of God’s Word. So as Christians, we should develop skills in logic and critical thinking according to biblical principles.

Logic Has Limits

However, while logic is a useful tool, Christians also recognize that logic has limits, especially when dealing with spiritual truths. As Isaiah 55:8-9 states, God’s ways are higher than human ways. There are mysteries of God that go beyond the bounds of human reason and logic. Believers must depend first on God’s revelation in Scripture, not bare logic, to understand salvation and other doctrines related to faith. Logic can help apply and better understand biblical truths, but it cannot replace faith.

In fact, overconfidence in human logic apart from Scripture can lead people astray. Paul warned about philosophy and “empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ” (Colossians 2:8). When applying logic, Christians must do so under the authority of God’s Word, or else logic could be misused to rationalize sin and unbelief. So while appreciating the divine gift of logical reasoning, Christians also recognize that some spiritual truths defy neat, rational boxes.

Different Kinds of Logic

When discussing logic from a Christian perspective, it is important to distinguish different types of logic. Deductive logic deduces conclusions from premises, while inductive logic draws probable conclusions from observation. Most formal logic is deductive, involving the strict rule-based manipulation of symbols. But inductive logic is also important, even though its conclusions are less definite. This includes inference to the best explanation, where several competing explanations are compared to the available evidence. The Bible uses both deductive and inductive logic at different times.

In addition, classical logic (the logic used most today) is not the only type. There is also fuzzy logic, modal logic, paraconsistent logic and others. Classical logic obeys the law of the excluded middle, meaning something is either true or false. But other kinds of logic have different rules. This shows that human-made logics are really a matter of invented convention, not universal laws. So Christians should feel free to question human philosophical assumptions about what “good reasoning” means.

Thinking God’s Thoughts After Him

Christians historically have prized logic and rational thinking because it reflects God’s nature and allows us to better understand God’s Word. Augustine wrote that logical thinking is “thinking God’s thoughts after Him.” Aquinas argued that logical proofs can demonstrate Christian truths. Reformed apologists today likewise value logical arguments alongside appeals to evidence. Logic gives Christians intellectual rigor and helps show unbelievers the reasonableness of the Christian faith.

So while logic has limits, Christians should receive it graciously as a gift from God, submitting it to the authority of Scripture. As the Belgic Confession states, we know God “by two means”: first, by the creation, preservation, and government of the universe; second, by his holy and divine Word. So general revelation (logic, evidence) and special revelation (Scripture) work together. With spiritually enlightened reason, logic is indispensable for seeking truth. The laws of logic are grounded ultimately in God’s unchanging rational character.

Principles for Logical Thinking

Given the blessing but also limitations of logic, here are some principles for Christians applying logic appropriately:

• Remember that spiritual truths depend first on God’s revelation, not man’s reasoning.
• Use logic to better understand and apply God’s Word, not replace it.
• Employ logic in submission to Scripture, as Scripture judges bad uses of reasoning (Col 2:8).
• Let logic serve your faith by strengthening warranted beliefs, not undermine faith in God’s Word.
• Be humble, since God’s thoughts are higher than yours (Isa 55:8-9).
• Use both deductive and inductive logic as suitable to the issue at hand.
• Learn to identify informal fallacies that can mislead even logical thinking.
• Beware rationalizing sin through human philosophy apart from Christ (Col 2:8).
• Let Spirit-empowered reason evaluate worldviews consistently to find truth (Acts 17:11).

Above all, remember that logic is a means, not an end. The ends are spiritual: the glory of God, the building up of the church, the spreading of the gospel. Logic serves as one tool among many for reaching these spiritual goals. Through believing God’s Word and employing reason to his glory, Christians gain understanding.

Key Bible Passages on Logic

While the word “logic” does not occur in most English translations of Scripture, God’s Word still gives principles for logical thinking and warns against false reasoning. Here are some key verses:

• Job 38:36 – “Who has put wisdom in the inward parts or given understanding to the mind?” God gives people rational capability.
• Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Human reason must be submitted to God.
• Isaiah 1:18 – “‘Come now, let us reason together,’ says the Lord.” God invites logical discussion.
• Isaiah 55:8-9 – “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” God transcends human logic.
• Mark 12:28-34 – Jesus affirms the use of deductive logic by an expert in the law.
• John 1:9 – “The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.” Human reasoning ability comes from the Logos.
• Acts 17:2-3 – “And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead.” Paul used logical argument.
• Romans 12:2 – “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Christians must rationally discern truth.
• Ephesians 4:14 – “…so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.” Believers should avoid logical fallacies.
• Colossians 2:8 – “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition.” Christians must logically refute unbiblical reasoning.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:21 – “Test everything; hold fast what is good.” Christians should logically examine truth claims.

These and other passages give biblical precedent for logical thinking paired with faith in God’s Word. Christians have a rational faith that integrates revelation and reason without displacing either.

Historical Christian Views on Logic

Throughout church history, Christian theologians and philosophers have valued logic for gaining wisdom and defending the faith while recognizing reason’s limits. A few examples:

• Augustine – Called logic “thinking God’s thoughts after Him.” Valued reason to understand faith.
• Anselm – Famous for his ontological argument for God’s existence using deductive logic and definition of terms.
• Thomas Aquinas – Believed logical proofs could demonstrate Christian doctrines but theology requires revelation.
• John Calvin – Endorsed the use of logic and reason, believing the human mind contains God-given intuitive knowledge.
• Blaise Pascal – Distinguished the “spirit of geometry” from the “spirit of finesse.” Reason has limits so faith is needed.
• Jonathan Edwards – Combined rigorous logic with deep spirituality. Developed theological determinism via logical reasoning.
• Soren Kierkegaard – Argued against Hegel’s philosophical system. Believed logic reaches conclusions but cannot make life-choices.
• Alvin Plantinga – Contemporary Reformed philosopher famous for logically defending free will theism and arguments for God.

This shows how Christians throughout history have valued logic while also pointing out its limitations compared to faith. Following this tradition, Christians today can think logically under God’s authority.

Dangers of Illogical Thinking

Since God created people as rational creatures, it is dangerous to disregard logic or use it carelessly. Here are some potential dangers:

• Making logical fallacies that undermine the truth
• Being persuaded by irrational, false worldviews
• Interpreting Scripture in an illogical, contradictory way
• Rationalizing sin through human philosophy apart from Christ
• Rejecting Christian doctrines that seem illogical but are revealed by God
• Trusting subjective experience while rejecting logical analysis
• Being unable to give a reasoned defense for one’s faith
• Thinking in a foolish, uncritically accepting way
• Allowing emotions, desires, or sin to override good judgment

Avoiding these dangers requires using logic under God’s direction. With Spirit-guided reason, Christians can avoid destructive falsehoods and live wisely in God’s truth.

Benefits of Logical Thinking

While logic has potential dangers, it also has great benefits when used properly:

• Gaining wisdom and knowledge about God, self, and the world
• Processing information to reach true conclusions
• Convincing nonbelievers through evidence and arguments
• Exposing flawed reasoning and illogical claims
• Systematically organizing thoughts and ideas
• Understanding concepts more completely
• Applying Scripture more accurately
• Making careful inferences from available information
• Testing competing truth claims for consistency
• Uncovering assumptions and evaluating premises

Developing skills in logic aids believers personally in living wisely and aids the church in defending true doctrine. All truth is God’s truth, so reasoning carefully pleases God.

How to Improve Logical Thinking

Since logical reasoning is a gift from God, Christians should aim to grow in using it faithfully. Here are some tips:

• Study the rules of deductive logic and logical fallacies to avoid errors.
• Practice critical thinking skills on a regular basis.
• Use logic tools like if-then statements, syllogisms, truth tables, etc.
• Study examples of logical arguments in the Bible.
• Take a class in logic, philosophy, or apologetics to develop rational skills.
• Debate respectfully with others to sharpen your reasoning abilities.
• Write out your logical thought process to identify gaps.
• Pray for clarity of mind and for God’s wisdom.
• Submit your logic to the teaching of Scripture to keep it sanctified.

With the Holy Spirit’s guidance, Christians can use logic to better understand God’s truth and share it with the world.

Logic in Apologetics and Evangelism

In defending the Christian faith and persuading unbelievers, logical reasoning is indispensable alongside dependence on God. Some ways logic serves apologetics and evangelism:

• Presenting logical proofs for God’s existence (cosmological, moral arguments, etc).
• Showing logical consistency between science and Christianity.
• Exposing logical contradictions and irrational claims of other worldviews.
• Constructing positive inductive cases for Christianity’s truth based on evidence.
• Using logic to explain and justify key Christian doctrines.
• Answering objections and critiques aimed at Christianity.
• Use logic to persuade hearers without browbeating them. (1 Pet 3:15)
• Employ logic to evaluate arguments without accepting false assumptions.

When contending for the faith, Christian apologists should combine the truths of Scripture with sound logical reasoning to persuade the lost. This follows the example of Paul preaching before philosophers in Athens (Acts 17:16-34).

Trusting God Above Logic

As helpful as logic is, Christians know that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Psalm 111:10). Human reason alone cannot lead to salvation or grasp all spiritual truth. Logical thinking functions properly only when yielded to God’s Word in humble faith. Believers accept Scripture’s authority through the inner witness of the Holy Spirit, not just logic. Saving faith is God’s gracious gift, not the result of human deduction (Ephesians 2:8-9). God’s ways surpass human understanding. So Christians embrace logic as a gift from God, while recognizing that God’s truth stands above fallible human reasoning.

In summary, logic is an indispensable tool for gaining wisdom, building faith, and defending Christianity. As a reflection of God’s rational nature, logic helps us understand His Word when submitted to Scripture’s authority. Christians embrace logic as part of God’s general revelation, while also relying on God’s special revelation and avoiding logic’s misuse apart from Christ. By thinking God’s thoughts after Him, Christians can love the Lord with all their mind (Luke 10:27) and glorify God through spirit-guided reason.