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Angus is not a counterexample to the claim that no (true) scotsman puts sugar on his porridge. This argument is used by skeptics who claim that we can't accuse somebody like Mormons or Jehovah Witnesses as being non-Christians. If one is a scotsman, he must fit the basic criteria as a Scot by simply filling up to what the name applies.
Angus is not a counterexample to the claim that no (true) scotsman puts sugar on his porridge. This argument is used by skeptics who claim that we can't accuse somebody like Mormons or Jehovah Witnesses as being non-Christians. If one is a scotsman, he must fit the basic criteria as a Scot by simply filling up to what the name applies.
Angus is not a counterexample to the claim that no (true) scotsman puts sugar on his porridge. This argument is used by skeptics who claim that we can't accuse somebody like Mormons or Jehovah Witnesses as being non-Christians. If one is a scotsman, he must fit the basic criteria as a Scot by simply filling up to what the name applies.
objection to when Christians call out when false gospel preaching Christians preach about another gospel: P1: Angus (Scotsman) puts sugar on his porridge. P2: No (true) Scotsman puts sugar on his porridge. Therefore: Angus is not a (true) Scotsman. Conclusion: Angus is not a counterexample to the claim that no Scotsman puts sugar on his porridge.
This argument is used by skeptics who claim
that we cant accuse somebody like Mormons or Jehovah Witnesses as being non-Christians for the same reason we cant call Angus a true Scotsman. While this can be a good argument in certain situations, it cannot be applied in this particular situation. Now why do I find this argument to be fallacious against the perspective of a Christian and what it means to be one? Simply put that there are perspectives to identifying what a Christian is in the same way we can identify what perspectives make and doesnt make a patriot or scotsman. If one is a Scotsman, he must fit the basic criteria as a Scotsman by simply filling up to what the name applies. A Scotsman being somebody who is born in Scotland. He would not be a Scotsman if he was Italian or German. How do we simply define a patriot? A patriot is somebody who loves and has great respect for his country. He isnt a patriot if he wishes to do harm to his country and fellow countrymen. This can also apply to a Christian when we examine what makes up a Christian.
One definition from Merriam-Websters
Dictionary is cited as the following: one who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ (1). However, this is way too simple and doesnt explain what it means for one who believes in Christianity. So what is Christianity when it comes to the Christian? A definition I would agree with is something I found on CARM.org where it explains the main basic beliefs of the Christian and its importance. The article states: Christianity teaches the following: there is only one God in all existence, God is a Trinity, Jesus Christ is God in flesh, salvation is by grace alone through faith alone, Jesus died on the cross, and Jesus rose from the dead in a glorified, physical body. The religion that contradicts any of these teachings is not Christian (2). I find this interesting with the clarifications and qualities laid out. Now what would disqualify certain groups from this basic set of beliefs? Well Modalists, Jehovah Witnesses and Unitarians are examples of supposed Christian groups that deny the trinity and focus on a false view of
how God is represented as a being throughout
the Old and New Testament. What about salvation being by grace alone through faith alone? Well some Roman Catholics will believe that it is by grace alone through faith and works that we are saved. Mormons would even be in this list according to 2 Nephi 25:23 in their scriptures which state: For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do. Emphasis is mine of course concerning the passage, but I think you get the point. So what about Christians who go around killing or spreading the message of hate? Well to reference the Merriam-Websters definition, A Christian would have to follow the teachings of Jesus. When it comes to a message of no killing, not only does the Old Testament give out the Ten Commandments including thou shall not kill, but Jesus mentions this teaching in Matthew 19:18. In 1 John 3:15, we have a phrase from John, a follower of Christ,
explaining something interesting about hate
and murder: Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. So already we have a bit of Christian scriptures that reveal early characteristics of peace and love. So that is it when it comes to a Christian. It is simple and easy to understand when we look at the biblical teachings of both New and Old Testament wise. Plus, if one disregards the essential teachings of Jesus, yet claim to be a Christian, then you may as well be a Russian trying to claim that hes a Scotsman. I can guarantee you that rather youre Christian, Non-Christian, and Russian or Scottish, you should still be able to eat sugar on your porridge. Sources and Citations 1. "Christian." Merriam-Webster. MerriamWebster. Web. 01 Apr. 2016.