Let every man be quick to listen but slow to use his tongue, and slow to lose his temper. For man’s temper is never the means of achieving God’s true goodness.  ––James 1:19, esv

A binary fallacy is the idea or precept that there are only two options in any given argument or situation. For example, let’s say you’ve been going to a certain church for several years and have observed a solid track record of biblically sound preaching from your pastor. However, on one particular Sunday he kind of “misses it” on a couple of points. (Everyone has an off day, right?) As you are leaving church you overhear someone say, “This is my first time here, and I will never come back because that guy is a terrible preacher.” Well, he’s not a terrible preacher, and neither is he perfect. But those aren’t the only options.

Or, let’s say you are in a political discussion with a friend whose political views are the opposite of yours. And he says, “They (the party you belong to) only cares about retaining power, and will lie to keep it.”

Is it possible that every single politician in the party to which you do not belong is a dishonest, power-greedy person? Before you answer, think about this: some folks on the other side of the aisle think that about the politicians in your party. But both views can’t be wrong, can they? Yes, they can! That’s an example of a binary fallacy. Statistically speaking (and taking emotion out of the equation), what are the odds that 100% of all the elected officials from the opposite party are bad eggs? (Hint: zero.)

God’s men don’t buy into binary fallacies. Does it mean that when you hear falsehoods or unbiblical points of view, you shouldn’t challenge them? No, you should. But as our moms used to say, “It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it.” Disagreeing respectfully with someone is not “caving in” to their point of view. But we enter dangerous waters when we assume that everything coming out of a person’s mouth is false just because they aren’t part of our tribe (or party, or denomination, or region, etc.).

Man of God, we need to be both thoughtful and bold when confronting fallacies. We find that balance by studying the deeds and words of Jesus, and getting to know the Bible. And we need to keep in mind that only the Holy Spirit has a corner on the truth. Our challenge is to put on the mind of Christ before we type that response on Facebook (1 Corinthians 2:16), or (literally) count to 10 before responding to someone who says something that triggers us.

We can be confident in the fact that we worship a God of light—in Him there is no shifting shadow (James 1:17). How reassuring to know that when we ask for His wisdom, He is generous in giving it!

Father, help me always seek Your truth, especially when it comes to judging situations and circumstances.

 

 

Every Man Ministries