Logic and the Garden

Does the Bible Speak?

Why is it that when someone outside of AiG says “the evidence shows” or something like it, you call it the ‘fallacy of reification’ but it’s not a fallacy to say “the Bible teaches”?

How can an inanimate object composed of paper and ink and perhaps leather teach anything?

—M.C., UK

An important distinction is that evidence (e.g., specific fossils, DNA patterns, rocks, etc) is not propositional truth and, thus, does not stem from a mind. As such, it cannot speak, lead, or show.

Conversely, the Bible does stem from a mind (books, in general, do). The authors of the Bible—inspired by the Holy Spirit—do have something to teach us through the Bible. So, “this book teaches” is generally linguistically acceptable as a metonymic way of saying, “The author of this book teaches . . . .” So, there is no fallacy of reification here.

Dr. Jason Lisle

Why a Garden of Eden?

If God created a perfect world before Adam and Eve, why was there a Garden of Eden? The phrase ‘Garden of Eden’ has traditionally implied a special place of perfection. The bible implies it had boundaries—hence the need for an Angel to block re-entry by the fallen Adam and Eve. So, why boundaries between perfection (inside Eden) and perfection (outside Eden) before the fall? I’ve read AIG for many years and admire your work. I searched my question on AIG, but found only answers about ‘where’—not ‘why’ The Garden of Eden. If you choose to respond, thank you sincerely.

—P. Y., US

The Garden of Eden was a special place prepared by the Lord to present to Adam (the Lord planted it Genesis 2:8)—like icing on the cake—both were perfect and complementary. But recall the entire earth was given to Adam, not just the Garden (Genesis 1:28). And keep in mind while they were ejected from the garden, it was the path to the Tree of Life that the cherub guarded (Genesis 3:24).

Bodie

Wanting More

Dear Dr. Lisle,

I’m enjoying your series of articles on logical fallacies. In your introduction article you wrote, “Sadly, I often see creationists committing logical fallacies as well.” In some of your articles, you give examples of logical fallacies that creationists have used (such as “have you repented of your sins?”), but most of your articles do not have creationist examples. In addition to being able to identify anti-creation fallacies, I would like to guard my own reasoning from fallacious logic. I find creationist examples of logical fallacies very instructive and politely request more.

Thank you for your time and knowledge!

—E. S., US

Thank you for your kind remarks. We’re glad you’re using this series as a chance to refine your own logical abilities and hope that you will confidently declare the faith that you have.

Unfortunately, next week wraps up this popular series. The good news? All the articles are still on our website for further study.