Sometimes I wish there was a symbolic language (a la higher math) in which concepts could be expressed and reasoned about algebraically. Would make a lot of the discussions on here easier, I think!
Mathematical debating
Discussion in 'Other Discussions' started by Steve Allen, Jan 8, 2019.
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Steve Allen Member
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I believe the important part about knowledge is making sure it travels 18 inches south from your head into your heart.
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You can use truth trees and the such but what is more often in disagreement are the postulates. People constantly arguing that the other's postulate comes out of silence.
Then you have the problem of a large number of people relying on "mystery" when logic fails.
For example, I know that lots of the numbers in the old testament are simply wrong. However, some people would appeal to the mystery of God to explain clear problems with the numbers. Once they do that, there is really nothing I can do to convince them otherwise. It's a waste of time to argue. -
tyndale1946 Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
1 John 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
5:8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.
Higher math?... Algebra?... Sounds like basic Arithmetic to me... Brother Glen:) -
Yea....then we'd get to Trinitarian concepts and have a crisis of faith :Biggrin
That said, sometimes I get the feeling...:)..... God doesn't restrict Himself to human logic. -
How logical is it to suffer willingly, needlessly at the hands of those who hate you? Love is illogical. :) (by human standards)
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If you do believe in Jesus, then it is logical. If you don't believe in Jesus, then it is illogical.
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Amen! That's why i said "by human standards"
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Yeah, 5 witnesses counted as 6.
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Actually, what I am wondering is about communication in general. I can see how God can be viewed as communicating to the Western mindset a set of truths via human reasoning. But I can also see how God can be viewed as communicating via a more abstract method (e.g., via images, example, or situations expressed through the biblical narrative).
Sometimes I wonder just how much we rely on human logic absent the other aspects of experience. I'm not saying this is wrong, but perhaps a case should be made for the superiority of one method over another.
For an example of an alternate way of thinking, consider ANE thought regarding how deity is expressed; or Greek mythology of the gods; or even more contemporary ideas of abstract communication through poetry or music.
Again, I'm not saying we all sit around smoking pot and singing kumbaya Confused .... But I am wondering if logic is truly the "king" of sciences when it comes to theology. -
Bro, do you even De Morgan's Law? :Biggrin
Logic (Philosophy 201) was one of my favorite courses, though it was very difficult. I can't say that it's come in much use in everyday discussion, though.
Oh, and :
not (A or B) = not A and not B; and
not (A and B) = not A or not B
:eek: -
I love logic. And it's opposite....philosophy :Laugh
I was thinking about a thread involving Reformed philosophy. But at the same time I was listening to Ravel's pavane. We communicate in so many different ways I can't help but wonder if God is not at least as capable as man. If so, then the deficit is not God but man who cannot understand except in his own genre.
EDIT lest I forget....GO TIGERS!!!!! -
I think that @MartyF knocked it out of the park in post #3.
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I've been having trouble with my postulates as well. Not sure about the math, but they seem to be getting larger, or so my doctor says.
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Yes,
All dogs are animals.
All cats are animals.
ergo
All dogs are cats.