Authority Quote by John M. Frame
““There is a circularity here I do not doubt. I am defending the Bible by the Bible. Circularity of a kind is unavoidable when one seeks to defend an ultimate standard of truth, for one's defense must itself be accountable to that standard.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Bible and Its Interpretation, 1995
Defending the Bible using its own standards creates unavoidable circular reasoning.
In simple terms: Biblical defense is circular.
Key Takeaway
Seek external standards for truth claims.
Themes
logic
faith
epistemology
Mood
critical
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
theological
When to use this quote
- theology debates
- philosophical inquiry
- academic writing
Key Concepts
circular reasoning
foundationalism
Questions to Reflect On
- Is circular reasoning always a flaw?
- How can faith be justified externally?
A Different Perspective
Circularity can be a legitimate method in some contexts.
![“The rationale which accompanies that imposition of male authority euphemistically referred to as 'the battle of the sexes' bears a certain resemblance to the formulas of nations at war, where any heinousness is justified on the grounds that the enemy is either an inferior [part of the] species or…” quote by Kate Millett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/895/kate-millett-7301_accompany_the-rationale-which-accompanies-that-imp_8896.jpg)