In our first Logic class yesterday, I explained to our students the various ways in which we can define terms. One way is to define terms persuasively in order to influence attitudes, emotions, and even thoughts about a term. For example, those advocating abortion will often define it as “a woman’s right to choose.” Here a persuasive definition is being used in a sinister fashion. Unfortunately, it is quite effective in deceiving and abusing pregnant women who will later learn how much guilt accrues from choosing the wrong thing. On the other side, those standing against abortion often define it as “the murder of unborn children.” This, of course, is also a persuasive definition and it is effective in preserving life and restraining sin. Furthermore, it is a better persuasive definition than the Pro-Murder position on a number of levels. But why is that? Furthermore, can this teach us how to come up with better persuasive definitions for other terms?
We could simply say the Pro-Life definition is biblical, right? End of story. But actually, there’s more going on here than just having the perfect proof-text from the Bible. Consider:
- The Pro-Life definition is not in rebellion against God
- The Pro-Life definition accords with real justice and peace
- The Pro-Life definition begets an inheritance (children)
- The Pro-Life definition also begets blessing (children again)
- The Pro-Life definition promotes true responsibility in our world (fathers must be fathers)
- The Pro-Life definition is good, not evil
- The Pro-Life definition is telling the truth, not lying
- The Pro-Life definition acknowledges the deep truth that the serpent has always wanted to destroy children
- The Pro-Life definition does not pander to popular opinion
- The Pro-Life definition does not abuse women
- The Pro-Life definition requires the pregnant woman not to hate her child and provides a life in which she can love her little one
This is just the tip of the iceberg, and if someone wants to pretend otherwise they’ll end up strewn upon the floor of the North Atlantic. Or worse. If the Pro-Murder folks were to construct a similar list, we’d find all sorts of hollow claims that ultimately appeal to their gods: individualism, freedumb, democracy, and the pantheon of lesser American idols. These gods neither see, hear, nor save, though they have grown fat on the sacrifices of the unborn.
If we tease this thinking out a little more, we discover that persuasive definitions that accord with the Word of God have real authority not only because they have a “proof-text” but because they also are in accordance with how God has actually defined the world. And the way God has defined the world is not only good and right but it is also deeply persuasive. Take, for instance, a family that loves God, knows what it means to walk in repentance and forgiveness through the blood of Jesus, and fulfills all of God’s commands by loving Him and their neighbors. Now think about the woman living next door who had an abortion and doesn’t know this life of walking with God. Which house knows faith, hope, and love? Which one is at peace? Which one has the more persuasive life: the one that defined terms outside of God or the one that found God’s definitions persuasive and fulfilling? (Of course, the Good News is that this poor woman can find the peace she needs by turning to Christ.)
Our Triune God spoke the universe into existence, called it good, named a curse and consequences for sin, spoke laws and precepts that lead to real freedom, and declared forgiveness to be found only in His Son’s death on the Cross. All of God’s definitions are persuasive, and should move us to think and speak like Him. If our persuasive definitions imitate His, they will be more thoughtful, powerful, joy-laden, honest, and full of peace than what we can come up with in our own wisdom.
