The Highway Forums Announcements What's New on The Highway website? "Induction and Deduction . . ." by Roger Nicol

This month's Article of the Month is on the topic of "Induction and Reduction with Reference to Inspiration". Dr. Nicole offers the following definition of the terms:

Deductive reasoning starts with a principle and/or statement, and analyses its implications (in these terms, to ascertain the meaning of a statement involves primarily deductive activity).

Induction starts with a number of concrete facts or data of observation, and seeks to correlate them in terms of a common principle.

There is a popular notion that "Inductive Reasoning" is the preferred method of studying the Scriptures, which also reflects upon one's view of inspiration. Dr. Nicole effectively argues that it isn't an either/or choice between deduction and induction but rather both are necessary.

The relevancy of this subject should be more than obvious given the great number of Bible Study curriculum that are currently in vogue. If the foundation of the method used in a particular study program is incorrect, then logically, the result of one's study will produce error.

Do read this one carefully since one's view concerning this matter will determine what finds in Scripture and embraces it as "truth".

Read the article here: Induction and Deduction with Reference to Inspiration.

For later reading, simply go to the home page and click on the "Article of the Month" image-link.

In His service and grace,