Christian Worldview Today

Tony Beam

If we are going to debate ideas in the marketplace, we must have a standard by which ideas can be measured, because all ideas are not equally valid or worthy of consideration. R.C. Sproul says there are “four essential principles of knowledge” that must not be violated in public debate.

The first principle is the law of non-contradiction. Defined by Aristotle, the law says simply that “it is impossible that contrary attributes should belong at the same time to the same subject.” For example, “‘A’ cannot be ‘A’ and ‘non-A’ at the same time and in the same sense.” 

The second principle is the law of causality. It states “every effect must have a cause.” It does not say everything must have a cause, but that every effect must have a cause.   

The third principle is the law of the basic reliability of sense perception. Every day we make decisions based on our five senses — sight, touch, taste, hearing, and smell — and while we acknowledge that our senses can be deceived, we also acknowledge they are the only avenue available to make outside information from the world we live in available to our minds. God then enlightens us further through His word and the voice of the Holy Spirit.

The fourth principle is the law of the “analogical use of language.” Words mean things, and a proper, shared understanding of the meaning of language is necessary if we are going to communicate. 

So what does all of this have to do with a judge’s ruling in Maryland and the need for an amendment to the constitution to protect traditional marriage?

In commenting on the effect of same-sex marriage and the state’s interest, Maryland Judge Brooke Murdock said he could not find a “relation between same-sex marriage and the state’s interest in promoting procreation, child-rearing, and the best interest of children.” If procreation is indeed a legitimate concern of the state, how can he fail to see a relationship between homosexuality becoming the standard and a drop in procreation?

When professional jurists begin to deny the basics of logical perception, we should be shocked and appalled.

Beam is director of the Christian Worldview Center at North Greenville College.