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The Thomistic Mind: Episode 08
Episode 8 — Why Study Logic?
The Laws of Thought & Christian Doctrine
In this episode of The Thomistic Mind, Dr. Jason Reed continues the classical discussion of logic and Christian belief, beginning with an important review of key distinctions that are essential for understanding logic rightly.
Review: Logic and God
This episode opens by clarifying several foundational distinctions:
• Order of knowing vs. order of being — Logic is first in how we know; God is first in what is. God is not under human reason, but our knowledge about God is judged by logic.
• There is no “God’s logic” vs. “human logic” — Logic is logic. A contradiction is a contradiction for everyone. Statements about God must be logical, even though God Himself is not judged by logic.
• Logically impossible vs. humanly impossible — Logical absurdities are not things at all and therefore are not objects of divine power.
• Prescriptive vs. descriptive laws — Miracles may suspend laws of nature (descriptive laws) but never violate the laws of logic (prescriptive laws).
Do Christian Doctrines Involve Contradictions?
The episode then addresses a common objection: Are Christian teachings logically contradictory?
Dr. Reed shows that revealed mysteries are not contradictions, because contradictions require something to be and not-be at the same time and in the same sense.
• God is three in Person, one in Being
• Christ is two in nature, one in Person
• Human freedom and divine predestination are compatible when eternity and time are properly distinguished
The Three Laws of All Thought
The lecture concludes with an introduction to the three fundamental laws of logic, which govern all thinking:
1. The Law of Non-Contradiction — A thing cannot be A and not-A at the same time and in the same sense
2. The Law of Excluded Middle — A statement is either true or not true
3. The Law of Identity — What is, is; truth is truth
Through clear examples and everyday illustrations, the episode shows why difference, partial truth, or mystery are not the same as contradiction—and why these laws are unavoidable in every act of thought.
This episode lays critical groundwork for all future study in logic, philosophy, theology, and the defense of truth.
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By reedthomistEpisode 8 — Why Study Logic?
The Laws of Thought & Christian Doctrine
In this episode of The Thomistic Mind, Dr. Jason Reed continues the classical discussion of logic and Christian belief, beginning with an important review of key distinctions that are essential for understanding logic rightly.
Review: Logic and God
This episode opens by clarifying several foundational distinctions:
• Order of knowing vs. order of being — Logic is first in how we know; God is first in what is. God is not under human reason, but our knowledge about God is judged by logic.
• There is no “God’s logic” vs. “human logic” — Logic is logic. A contradiction is a contradiction for everyone. Statements about God must be logical, even though God Himself is not judged by logic.
• Logically impossible vs. humanly impossible — Logical absurdities are not things at all and therefore are not objects of divine power.
• Prescriptive vs. descriptive laws — Miracles may suspend laws of nature (descriptive laws) but never violate the laws of logic (prescriptive laws).
Do Christian Doctrines Involve Contradictions?
The episode then addresses a common objection: Are Christian teachings logically contradictory?
Dr. Reed shows that revealed mysteries are not contradictions, because contradictions require something to be and not-be at the same time and in the same sense.
• God is three in Person, one in Being
• Christ is two in nature, one in Person
• Human freedom and divine predestination are compatible when eternity and time are properly distinguished
The Three Laws of All Thought
The lecture concludes with an introduction to the three fundamental laws of logic, which govern all thinking:
1. The Law of Non-Contradiction — A thing cannot be A and not-A at the same time and in the same sense
2. The Law of Excluded Middle — A statement is either true or not true
3. The Law of Identity — What is, is; truth is truth
Through clear examples and everyday illustrations, the episode shows why difference, partial truth, or mystery are not the same as contradiction—and why these laws are unavoidable in every act of thought.
This episode lays critical groundwork for all future study in logic, philosophy, theology, and the defense of truth.