Recently, I listened to a recording of a sermon which was delivered from a pulpit in front of probably 150 congregants. Then the sermon was made available for anyone in the world with internet access. The message addressed a particular doctrine and was replete with logical errors in argumentation. I have had this message in mind while writing my recent posts regarding argumentation.
Today, I encountered a good explanation for a learned man committing such fallacies.
"The answer is easily given. Because it would tickle and establish those already convinced, and influence the ignorant and unthinking; and especially because [he has] nothing better to put forth in favor of [his]assumptions." - from William the Baptist by James M. Chaney.
Though with disappointment, I think it would be appropriate to accept this explanation in regard to the sermon I heard.
If you're interested in reading William the Baptist by James M. Chaney, it is a helpful story which considers the doctrine of baptism. It is available for free by reading it online at the following link (http://www.mbrem.com/). It is a long, but easy read. You may need to bookmark the page and read one section at a time when time permits.
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