Rev. Dr. Matthew

Richard

Minot

Argumentum ad populum is an informal fallacy that bases its assertion (i.e., supposed truth) on what the supposed majority thinks.

Unfortunately, the recent Feb. 18th letter to the Editor, “Support legislation that reflects ND values,” goes the way of argumentum ad populum. In other words, by listing approximately 30 religious leaders from North Dakota at the beginning of the letter, the long list of names gives the reader the impression that most North Dakota religious clergy support the submitted letter.

Alas! Let us all be aware that Christian values do not depend on what most Christian leaders think, say, or do! If it did, I am confident I could garner 60 signatures from other clergy in North Dakota to submit an opposing article. Thus, would my article be ‘more valid’ if I had twice the signatures? It would be if we all fell prey to an argumentum ad populum mindset (i.e., more is better).

The fact of the matter is that Christian values and doctrine are not argumentum ad populum. Instead, Christian values and doctrine flow from Holy Scriptures. Yes, the Bible is the final authority for life and salvation — not the sentiments of an ever-changing culture or what certain clergy believe (see 2 Tim. 3:16-4:5).

And so, I challenge the writers of the article “Support legislation that reflects ND values” to ask themselves not what “they believe” but rather, “what does God’s Word say?”

Christian leaders must do better; we neither tickle ears nor are we tossed around and blown about by every wind of teaching in culture but are anchored and grounded in the Word of God.

And so, I ask again, not what do you believe but what does God’s Word say?