(August 8, 2014 at 1:51 pm)orangebox21 Wrote: The dialog often goes as follows:
O.P. Christian p did q.
O.P. q is horrible.
O.P. Therefore Christian p and/or Christianity is horrible.
Response: No Christian would do q.
O.P. That's the no true Christian Fallacy.
To begin the discussion, start here. (at least read the initial post)
To add to the above post:
First, the burden of proof is with the OP to prove p is a Christian. This qualifier of p has been assumed in the premise but not argued for. How do we know p is a Christian? If p is in fact not a Christian, then there is no fallacy in the response.
Secondly, we must further differentiate a given Christian action from an action that is a valid expression of Christianity. For the sake of argument let's assume the following premises are true, and arrive at our conclusion:
1. Person p did q
2. Person p is a Christian
3. q is horrible
.:/ Christianity is horrible
Is this argument valid? Is it sound? No to both. Why not?
What about:
1. Person p did q
2. Person p is a Christian
3. q is horrible
.:/ Christians are horrible
Is this argument valid? Is it sound? No to both again. Why not?
And:
1. Person p did q
2. Person p is a Christian
3. q is horrible
.:/ p is horrible
Is this argument valid? Is it sound?
We must differentiate between a Christian's individual action and an individual action as a valid expression of Christianity to draw proper conclusions.
Lastly, I agree that too often the 'knee jerk' reaction to anything that shows a Christian in a bad light is to assert the person involved isn't a Christian. There are certainly times this assertion is a fallacy.
It is my hope in the future we can all do a better job pulling our argumentative weight. For the OP, defending the assertion that a person is a Christian and that a given action is a valid expression of the Christian faith. For the responder, not hiding behind a fallacy when a Christian does err, but rather admitting a wrongdoing. After all, if we claim to have no sin we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us, but if we confess our sins, God who is faithful and just will cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
I guess that is why we are to mind our P & Q's.
