Sunday, May 12, 2013

Affirming the Consequent fallacies in Anchoretic Apologetics

Affirming the consequent is a logical fallacy that takes the following form:

If p, then q;
q
Therefore, p. 

When asking anchorites to establish the biblical or normative roots of certain "tradition-practices," they will employ the above fallacious reasoning.

Magisterial Protestant:  How can you prove that said practice is binding on Christians today?
Anchorite:  It is part of tradition.
Mag. Prot.: How do I know it is biblical tradition?
Anchorite:  We have apostolic succession.
Mag. Prot:  How do I know the apostles taught that certain practice?
Anchorite:  Paul told the churches to hold to the traditions.
Mag. Prot:  Can you define the content of those traditions?
Anchorite:  It is the practices you see today.

Did you see the sleight of hand?

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