The Bible does not explicitly use the philosophical terms “a priori,” “a posteriori,” and “a fortiori” when making arguments. However, we can examine several biblical texts and extract arguments that fit these categories.
A Priori Arguments
An a priori argument relies on reasoning from logically necessary premises to reach a conclusion. These arguments do not depend on empirical evidence but rather on deductive logic. While the Bible does not lay out formal arguments in the way philosophers do, we can find instances where certain premises are taken as necessarily true, leading to logical conclusions.
For example, in Romans 1:19-20, Paul argues that God’s existence can be known through human reasoning alone: “For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.” Here, Paul is claiming that it is self-evidently true that God’s divine nature and power can be deductively reasoned from observing creation.
Likewise, the moral argument that human beings have an objective moral law written on their hearts (Romans 2:14-15) uses an a priori form of reasoning. The premise is taken as necessarily true – humans have innate knowledge of morality. Therefore, the conclusion follows that there must be a divine moral lawgiver.
A Posteriori Arguments
Unlike a priori arguments, a posteriori arguments rely on empirical evidence from the senses or experiences to draw a conclusion. These types of arguments move from evidence to the conclusion rather than logical premises to a conclusion.
In Acts 17:22-31, Paul makes an appeal to the Athenians based on their observable religious practices and even references an altar “to the unknown god.” From this empirical evidence, Paul reasons that the Athenians actually do have some awareness of the one true God but do not know him fully. Paul then argues from the a posteriori evidence he has cited to the logical conclusion that the Athenians should now repent and turn to the living God who created all things.
Likewise, in Romans 1:18-32, Paul points to observable evidence of humanity’s rebellion against God – evil desires, sinful actions, suppression of truth. He then concludes based on this empirical evidence that all people are guilty before God and deserve condemnation. The conclusion follows logically from the experiential and observational premises.
A Fortiori Arguments
An a fortiori argument reasons from a weaker premise to a stronger conclusion. If the weaker point is true, then the stronger point must also be true. The Latin term means “from the stronger.”
In Romans 5:8-10, Paul uses a type of a fortiori logic: “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.” Paul is arguing that if God loved us enough to save us while we were still sinners, how much more can we be assured of his love and salvation now that we have been cleansed of sin and reconciled to him.
Similarly, in Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus uses a fortiori reasoning to argue from lesser to greater: If God feeds birds and clothes lilies, how much more will he provide for his children? The underlying premise assumes God cares for all creation, so surely he will care for humans made in his image. This weaker truth leads necessarily to the stronger conclusion of God’s provision.
While not always laid out formally, various types of reasoning can be found throughout Scripture. Identifying the premises and logic behind biblical arguments can help us better understand their force and rhetorical power.
Key Points on A Priori, A Posteriori, and A Fortiori Arguments
- A priori arguments rely on deductive logic from necessary premises, not empirical evidence.
- A posteriori arguments move from empirical evidence and observations to a logical conclusion.
- A fortiori arguments reason from a weaker premise to a stronger conclusion – if the lesser is true, the greater must also be true.
- Though not formal philosophy, biblical texts employ these types of reasoning to make their case.
- Analyzing the arguments can help explain biblical persuasion and rhetoric.
While not exhaustive, the above examples demonstrate how the Bible contains persuasive reasoning that parallels philosophical argumentation forms. Though not always formally structured, identifying the premises and logic of biblical claims can provide greater insight into their meaning and power. The Word of God proves meaningful and authoritative across cultures and time, aided by solid arguments from divine inspiration.
Further exploration of biblical texts through the lenses of philosophy and rhetoric can unlock deeper appreciate for God’s Word. As Isaiah 1:18 states, “Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD.” Just as human philosophical reasoning has merit, so too does scriptural reasoning when submitted to God’s truth and revelation.
Searching the scriptures with an eye toward logical flow and persuasive technique manifests how God communicates his truth to humanity. His arguments prove convincing not merely through assertion, but through rational explanation and careful reasoning. While balancing faith and intellect can prove difficult, God’s truth endures the most rigorous tests.
As the Bible says in Hebrews 4:12, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” God’s holy scriptures cut to the core of the human condition, revealing our inner motives and calling us to respond. The reasoned arguments throughout Scripture aim not just to persuade mentally, but to convert the very heart.
In summary, analyzing biblical arguments according to standards of philosophy provides insight into the meaning and rhetorical strategy of the text. However, the power of Scripture ultimately flows from the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, not just logical cogency. 1 Corinthians 2:13 affirms this, saying, “And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.” May we read and reason through the Bible with minds yielded to the Spirit’s illumination.