Avoiding "It's Not In The Bible" Fallacies

[Michael37]

The claim "it's not in the Bible" is often used to dismiss certain ideas, practices, or beliefs, but it can involve a few logical fallacies or flawed reasoning. Here are some common pitfalls in relying on this statement as an argument:

1. Argument from Silence

• Just because something isn't explicitly mentioned in the Bible doesn't mean it's invalid or wrong. The absence of evidence is not necessarily evidence of absence. Many concepts (e.g., modern technology or terminology) are not directly addressed in the Bible but aren't inherently unbiblical.

2. Overgeneralization

• The Bible doesn't explicitly cover every single aspect of life or provide specific guidance for modern issues (e.g., internet use, stem cell research). Assuming that if it's "not in the Bible," it's invalid ignores the principle of deriving general principles to apply to contemporary situations.

3. Misunderstanding Biblical Context

• Some argue "it's not in the Bible" by failing to interpret the Bible in its proper context. For example, cultural and historical aspects of the biblical text may influence what is explicitly stated, while underlying principles remain applicable.

4. Limiting God's Wisdom

• The Bible is a sufficient and complete guide for faith and practice, but God's wisdom is not confined to the pages of the Bible. Dismissing knowledge or ideas that align with biblical principles simply because they're not directly mentioned limits God's ability to work through reason, experience, and other forms of revelation.

5. Cherry-Picking

• Sometimes, the argument is selective. People may dismiss certain ideas because they're "not in the Bible" while accepting others that are also not explicitly mentioned, based on convenience or personal bias.

6. Overlooking Biblical Principles

• While a specific issue may not be mentioned verbatim in Scripture, the Bible often provides overarching principles (e.g., love, justice, stewardship) that can be applied to situations beyond its explicit text.

2Ti 3:16-17  All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,  (17)  that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Implied Truth from the Bible

The concept of "implied truth" in the Bible refers to truths or principles that are not explicitly stated but can be inferred from its teachings, narratives, and context. These implied truths often emerge from interpreting the spirit of the text, rather than just the literal words. Here are a few key examples:

1. The Trinity:

   • The Bible does not explicitly use the term "Trinity," but the concept is implied through various passages. For example:

     • In Matthew 28:19, Jesus commands His disciples to baptize "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

     • Other verses like John 10:30 ("I and the Father are one") suggest the unity and distinctiveness of the three Persons of the Godhead.

2. Sanctity of Life:

   • While not explicitly stated as a singular doctrine, the Bible implies the sanctity of life through verses like:

     • Genesis 1:27: "God created mankind in His own image."

     • Exodus 20:13: "You shall not murder." These passages together imply the inherent value and dignity of human life.

3. Caring for the Environment:

   • The Bible doesn't use modern environmentalist terms, but the principle of stewardship is implied in:

     • Genesis 2:15: Adam is placed in the Garden of Eden "to work it and take care of it."

     • This conveys humanity's responsibility to care for God's creation.

4. Equality of All People:

   • While societal structures varied in biblical times, the idea of equality is implied in verses like:

     • Galatians 3:28: "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." This passage suggests the spiritual equality of all believers.

5. God’s Sovereignty Over Time:

   • The Bible implies that God exists beyond time and is sovereign over all events through passages like:

     • Psalm 90:4: "A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by."

By carefully interpreting the context and themes of Scripture, many deeper truths can be understood, even if they are not overtly declared.

Psa 119:104-105  Through Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way.  (105)  Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.
 

[Sparks]

21 hours ago, Michael37 said:

The claim "it's not in the Bible" is often used to dismiss certain ideas, practices, or beliefs, but it can involve a few logical fallacies or flawed reasoning. Here are some common pitfalls in relying on this statement as an argument:

1. Argument from Silence

• Just because something isn't explicitly mentioned in the Bible doesn't mean it's invalid or wrong. The absence of evidence is not necessarily evidence of absence. Many concepts (e.g., modern technology or terminology) are not directly addressed in the Bible but aren't inherently unbiblical.

2. Overgeneralization

• The Bible doesn't explicitly cover every single aspect of life or provide specific guidance for modern issues (e.g., internet use, stem cell research). Assuming that if it's "not in the Bible," it's invalid ignores the principle of deriving general principles to apply to contemporary situations.

3. Misunderstanding Biblical Context

• Some argue "it's not in the Bible" by failing to interpret the Bible in its proper context. For example, cultural and historical aspects of the biblical text may influence what is explicitly stated, while underlying principles remain applicable.

4. Limiting God's Wisdom

• The Bible is a sufficient and complete guide for faith and practice, but God's wisdom is not confined to the pages of the Bible. Dismissing knowledge or ideas that align with biblical principles simply because they're not directly mentioned limits God's ability to work through reason, experience, and other forms of revelation.

5. Cherry-Picking

• Sometimes, the argument is selective. People may dismiss certain ideas because they're "not in the Bible" while accepting others that are also not explicitly mentioned, based on convenience or personal bias.

6. Overlooking Biblical Principles

• While a specific issue may not be mentioned verbatim in Scripture, the Bible often provides overarching principles (e.g., love, justice, stewardship) that can be applied to situations beyond its explicit text.

2Ti 3:16-17  All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,  (17)  that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Implied Truth from the Bible

The concept of "implied truth" in the Bible refers to truths or principles that are not explicitly stated but can be inferred from its teachings, narratives, and context. These implied truths often emerge from interpreting the spirit of the text, rather than just the literal words. Here are a few key examples:

1. The Trinity:

   • The Bible does not explicitly use the term "Trinity," but the concept is implied through various passages. For example:

     • In Matthew 28:19, Jesus commands His disciples to baptize "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

     • Other verses like John 10:30 ("I and the Father are one") suggest the unity and distinctiveness of the three Persons of the Godhead.

2. Sanctity of Life:

   • While not explicitly stated as a singular doctrine, the Bible implies the sanctity of life through verses like:

     • Genesis 1:27: "God created mankind in His own image."

     • Exodus 20:13: "You shall not murder." These passages together imply the inherent value and dignity of human life.

3. Caring for the Environment:

   • The Bible doesn't use modern environmentalist terms, but the principle of stewardship is implied in:

     • Genesis 2:15: Adam is placed in the Garden of Eden "to work it and take care of it."

     • This conveys humanity's responsibility to care for God's creation.

4. Equality of All People:

   • While societal structures varied in biblical times, the idea of equality is implied in verses like:

     • Galatians 3:28: "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." This passage suggests the spiritual equality of all believers.

5. God’s Sovereignty Over Time:

   • The Bible implies that God exists beyond time and is sovereign over all events through passages like:

     • Psalm 90:4: "A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by."

By carefully interpreting the context and themes of Scripture, many deeper truths can be understood, even if they are not overtly declared.

Psa 119:104-105  Through Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way.  (105)  Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.
 

What was the original question that you asked the AI that wrote this?

[Michael37]

40 minutes ago, Sparks said:

What was the original question that you asked the AI that wrote this?

Discuss claims that because something is not in the Bible it cannot be true.

[angels4u]

Would any of you be up to get that chip so you don't have to look anything up and you only have to think about it and it all can be done with your mind?

 

[Michael37]

8 hours ago, angels4u said:

Would any of you be up to get that chip so you don't have to look anything up and you only have to think about it and it all can be done with your mind?

 

Miracles happen.

I wonder if our assemblies will have chipped citizens attending.