How should a Christian view logic?
Logic is the scientific process by which we develop sound reasoning. Logic is a mathematical way of thinking about ideas, a way to figure out whether they make good sense. Saying that something is logical indicates that it has been well thought out or designed in a way that makes sense. Saying that something is illogical indicates that an idea is poorly thought out; it is lacking in sound reasoning to back it up.Logic includes logical formulae and facts. Formulae function as a framework to test the durability of ideas and facts. Logic is a path to determine whether something is sound or credible. Sometimes people argue an idea based on emotion, which can hinder an arrival at the truth. There are also well-established logical fallacies, on which some people will try to base arguments. Logical fallacy-based arguments are conducive to bullying, and these discussions generally don't lead to a productive outcome because the initial premise is flawed.
Logic is essentially a natural law; it's scientific. God is logical and He created the universe in a logical way. God also created us humans with the ability to reason. Logic is a useful tool that can greatly aid us throughout our lives and our Christian walks. We are encouraged to study to learn truth, including truths about God, life, relationships, and the Bible. Paul told Titus, "in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us" (Titus 2:7–8). Having integrity and sound interpretation of the Word of God is crucial to our Christian witness.
We should seek wisdom from God to be logical in our teaching and understanding of the Word (James 1:5). Sometimes, people manipulate the Bible to make it say things they want it to say, things that may be more emotionally driven; beware of logical fallacies in your biblical interpretation. Biblical teaching should be well-researched. We need to employ solid principles of interpretation and be careful to faithfully exegete the biblical text. Paul exhorted Timothy to study: "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15).
There are elements of life, God, and faith that will never be able to be explained by logic. Even when such things can be clearly explained with logic, logical arguments on their own generally will not convince people to change their minds about God. Most people are more compelled by personal conviction and empirical evidence than they are by logical facts. Some apologists may be able to present an incredible logical pathway to confirm the existence of God, for instance, but what is generally a more fruitful path to someone coming to salvation is another's personal story of how Jesus Christ changed their life. This seems to be what the apostle Peter had in mind when he wrote, "in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect" (1 Peter 3:15). The way we live our lives and the way we share about our own relationship with God are compelling witnesses to the truth of the gospel.
Jesus commissioned us to go and make disciples (Matthew 28:19—20); He said that we are "the light of the world" (Matthew 5:14). The darkness may not like the light, but it cannot deny its existence. What does this tell us? There is power in the witness of our lives. And, in times where logic alone is not enough, we have the Holy Spirit who indwells us and empowers us to be lights through the testimony of our stories of walking with Christ.
What is Christian apologetics and why is it important?
Faith vs. science. Is there a contradiction between faith in God and science?
Is it beneficial for Christians to study philosophy?
What is truth?
Christian worldview - What is it?
Truth about Worldview and Apologetics
