Application to the Ministry
How can an inaccurate argument come to be so widely accepted? It can happen in any of several ways. Any time people accept positions and then look for arguments to defend them, there is the danger that arguments will not be critically evaluated before being accepted. Likewise, when well - respected leaders expound arguments, there is the tendency to accept them without thorough examination. A lack of advanced training in a particular area, combined with zeal for what one perceives to be the truth, can also contribute to the acceptance of inaccurate arguments.
And, of course, there is always the danger of error when broad, sweeping generalizations are made, especially in regards to the Greek language. In the case of the present tense argument, not only is the generalized rule of the present tense concerning linear action forced into the indicative mood, but a meaning which is not even the most frequent meaning of "linear action" is generalized and forced into the linear idea. Thus it is clear that the broad, sweeping generalizations brought the error about, and perhaps the widespread acceptance can be at least partially accounted for in the above mentioned suggestions.
But whatever the reasons, the fact that an incorrect argument can be so widely accepted within churches of Christ should serve as a warning to every preacher and teacher to take his task seriously. Every responsible teacher of God's word must first be a serious and honest student of that word.
It is hoped that this study will provide a source to help the serious teacher avoid a common inaccurate argument. Jesus taught that the truth makes one free (John 8:31-32) if one continues in His word, and the New Testament throughout emphasizes the need to accept truth and not error. The writer of this paper therefore, believes that it is vitally important for preachers and teachers to use only true -not false- arguments. If one begins the practice of accepting and using false arguments to sustain even true points, how will he know the difference if he should be dealing with a conclusion he erroneously believes to be true?
It is also hoped that this study will be helpful to those who minister in the word of God by provoking them to research more carefully other arguments they may have accepted and passed on without serious question. If this inaccurate argument has been accepted, perhaps others have.
The responsible teacher of God's word must not only begin as a serious and honest student, he must remain such. Failure to do this can be dangerous to oneself as well as to others. "Take heed unto thyself, and to the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee." (I Timothy 4:16). May this study provide assistance in some small way toward that end.
