“To the Man” in Latin is ad hominem which is a type of fallacious argument where one attacks an opponent’s character rather than addressing the merits of their position.
Today with the polarization of political and worldview perspectives people more readily use ad hominem attacks. Rarely do you hear positions debated on their merits. Instead name calling is utilized to villainize people on the other side of an issue. Christians seem to face this logical fallacy regularly especially if they have a more literal understanding of God’s Word. With the constantly morphing morality and views regarding sexuality and marriage, the debate has deteriorated many times to name calling and character assassination.
We teach students logical fallacies so that we can become a community that does not use them and recognize the powerlessness of those who do. Ultimately it is Christ who breaks down strongholds that Satan sets up.
For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. (2 Cor. 10:4-5)
Let us “love the man” while speaking to the issues directly from the firm foundation of the Bible.
