Either/Or Fallacy

I found this great cartoon from Answers in Genesis that illustrates the logical fallacy of bifurcation, otherwise known as the either-or fallacy, that suggests one can be a Christian or a scientist but not both.  A bifurcation fallacy forms a false dilemma by implying there are only two possibilities when, in fact, more are available.  Let's learn to spot these unreasonable arguments and either politely set them straight and/or don't waste our time.

We've all heard this one?

"You can't live by faith and be rational."  This excludes that fact that faith AND rationality are not contrary and get along just fine.   Put them together and you have a third choice that is real, attainable and more desirable.  Why should we sell ourselves short?? 

 "The traffic light is either red or green."  This statement ignores the fact that the light could be YELLOW.  Okay, so this is a ridiculous example, but hopefully it helps us get the point 

We've heard debates encased bifurcately before: Scientist vs. Christians; Bible vs. science

Ummm... Is it possible one could be a scientist AND a Christian or believe the Bible AND science!!

Bifurcation is a sign one either CANNOT or, more likely, WILL NOT think with depth and possibility.  Isn't is ironic that Christians are often called closed-minded when their debater has limited  his/her rationale and will to reject any option that could include rationality, science, faith, religion and God?? Now that, my friends, is bifurcation.

Science makes most sense when viewed from a biblical worldvew.  Scientific laws are orderly, constant and predictable which conflicts with the popular theoretical pattern of a haphazardly formed universe.  The steadiness of scientific laws point to a Creator who upholds the universe in an orderly, constant and predictable manner.

Evolutionary arguments  use an assortment of logical fallacies.  Learning to spot them and to avoid making fallacious mistakes are a useful skills.

See Can Creationist be Real Scientist?