Discerning Truth

by Jason Lisle

Every day Christians are faced with an increasing onslaught of criticism from evolutionists for their belief in God and His glorious creation. What do you say when your faith is challenged by those claiming to speak in the name of science or reason? Discerning Truth provides a practical and engaging resource on the use of logic in this critical debate. Lisle believes that creationists need to be able to recognize and refute evolutionist arguments, and to do so in a way that both honors God and lines up with the truth of His Word (Eph. 5:1). The role of logic, the study of correct reasoning, is becoming a vanishing skill in our society. Yet it is a vital tool in assisting Christians in assessing the weaknesses in evolutionary thought. Here is the clear and concise guide for every believer in defending your faith in the face of adversity.

Genres: Science, Christianity, Religion, Nonfiction, Faith, Philosophy, Theology

137 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2010

About the author

Dr. Jason Lisle is an astrophysicist who formerly worked for the creationist organization Answers in Genesis as both a speaker and researcher, but is now Director of Research at the Institute for Creation Research.

Dr. Lisle is a creationist who has a PhD in Astrophysics, which he obtained through the University of Colorado in Boulder. His postgraduate research concentrated on solar dynamics, utilizing NASA's Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) to monitor the surface of the sun. His PhD dissertation "Probing the Dynamics of Solar Supergranulation and its Interaction with Magnetism." is available from the University of Colorado and he has also published numerous papers in scientific literature concerning convection cells in the sun.

Although some creationists claim, as in the film Expelled, that holding to creationist beliefs while pursing a degree at an accredited University will get you kicked out, Dr. Jason Lisle recieved his undergraduate degree from Ohio Wesleyan University summa cum laude with a double-major in physics and astronomy and a minor in mathematics. For his thesis and dissertation, (Master's and Ph.D accordingly,) though members of his Peer-Review Panel might have been aware of his young Earth beliefs - their evaluation of his work was based on his actual research and not his personal beliefs.

Reviews

[Cheyenne Langevelde · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a good resource, especially for a logic studies student. However, I felt that Lisle was just showing fallacies in evolutionary arguments rather than showing with factual information that evolutionary argument was wrong, which was probably a mistake on my part in assuming it would be about that. I found it very dry; I felt that I understood the brief definitions of the fallacies more so than his lengthy descriptions of them. Would be useful as an additional resource to someone studying logic, or if one plans on debating evolutionists, but I didn't get much out of it.

[Glen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, Jason uses the laws of logic and logical fallacies to disprove evolution.

[Sirius Knott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book would have been more apply named “Discerning Lies.” This is an excellent resource, one I strongly encourage every Biblical Christian apologist to buy.

Written as a supplement to the information contained in Lisle’s other book, The Ultimate Proof of Creation, it is nonetheless as a stand-alone resource. Based on a web series at Answers in Genesis’ site on the subject logical fallacies (which was provoked by popular response to a couple of chapters on the subject in Ultimate Proof), Discerning Truth covers the most common such fallacies used in evolutionary arguments.

Specifically, this book covers:

*Reification
*Equivocation
*Begging the Question
*The Question-Begging Epithet
*Complex Questions
*Bifurcation
*Ad Hominem attacks
*Faulty Appeal to Authority
*The Strawman Fallacy
*Affirming the Consequent
*Denying the Antecedent
*The Genetic Fallacy
*The Fallacy of Composition
*The Fallacy of Division
*The Hasty Generalization
*The Sweeping Generalization
*The “No True Scottsman” Fallacy
*Special Pleading
*False Analogy
*The Fallacy of False Cause
*The Slippery Slope Fallacy
*The Fallacy of Irrelevant Thesis
*Appeal to Force/Fear
*Appeal to Emotion
*Appeal to Pity
*Appeal to Ignorance
*The Naturalistic Fallacy
*The Moralistic Fallacy
*Agumentum ad logicum

As you can see, the book is pretty comprehensive, though its coverage of some of the lesser utilized tactics is pragmatically shorter. I’d recommend it based purely on its merit as a handy resource on logical fallacies

Discerning Truth has the added benefit of identifying those fallacies in evolutionary arguments, providing actual examples of each. These examples aren’t just academic or hypothetical. They’re taken from the mouths of evolutionist themselves. Better yet, Lisle provides a few chapters of such statements and asks us to self-test ourselves to see if we can spot the logical fallacies being utilized! (Don’t worry. The answers are provided in te following chapter.)

The funny thing is: Once I beagn to train myself to discern logical fallacies with the information in this book, I began to see how they’ve been prevalently but subtlely saturated into the culture. You’ll see them everywhere!

And that makes you think: Is every evolutionary argument based on logical fallacy?

By the time you “finish” Discerning Truth (I keep picking it up to test and train myself to pick out and refute thse logical fallacies), you’ll agree with Dr. Lisle himself:

“I am convinced that evolution is without any intellectual merit whatsoever, and that all arguments for evolution are eitherlogically fallacious, or based on a false premise” (Lisle 8).
-Rev Tony Breeden

From the Bookwyrm’s Lair*
http://bookwyrmslair.wordpress.com

[Anna Molder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Dr. Lisle and this book is no exception. It is one of the easiest reads on recognizing fallacies that I have read. The chapters are short and precise and have examples of both evolutionists committing fallacies and creationists committing fallacies. If we are going to love God with all of our minds it is vitally important to know how to reason well and think logically. It also has practice pages that help the reader look for fallacies. Great beginner book.

[Jeff Randleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished reading Jason Lisle's book, Discerning Truth, last night. I have to admit, it was pretty enlightening, even though logic and reasoning aren't topics I find highly interesting to read about.

Lisle's purpose for Discerning Truth is simple. Explain the logical fallacies that are used frequently in the creation/evolution debate.

In order for an argument to be effective, it needs to be logically sound. Using illogical arguments, called fallacies, can invalidate the entire premise that one is trying to prove.

And so, Jason Lisle address many of the more common fallacies found within the creation/evolution discussion. Most of these are used by evolutionists who are trying to defend their position; however, creationists are not free from faulty logic either.

Lisle digs deeply into ten major fallacies, examining them closely, so that the reader will be able to recognize them in the context of discussions. Another chapter highlights briefly a few more fallacies. Lisle wraps it up with a couple of "quizzes", allowing the reader to test whet he has learned.

All in all, this is very useful information, and necessary for much more than just the origins debate.

I had the opportunity to discuss creation/evolution with a business owner in my town the other day. She was firmly planted in the evolution camp; while I am very strongly vocal about my young earth creation viewpoint. I wish I had read Discerning Truth before that conversation, because looking back on it, I now recognize several logical fallacies that this shop owner used in her discussion with me. Had I been more aware of logic, I could have possibly been more effective in my answers to her.

I recommend that you pick up this resource, not just for use in discussions concerning origins, but so that you can use logic and reason in all of your discussions. Such thinking is definitely needed within our culture today.


Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received this book free from New Leaf Press/Master Books as part of their Blogger Review Program . I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising .

[Rodger Carty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Useful companion book to Dr. Jason Lisle's book The Ultimate Proof of Creation. This one goes into further detail on fallacies one commonly encounters while debating the creation vs. evolution controversy.

[Arne Erickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't say enough good things about this book! One of the best books I have read in my life. Our government education system is failing students because it is telling them what to think (indoctrination) rather than teaching them how to think (education). This book teaches you how to think, how to construct logical arguments and spot illogical arguments. The enemy knows truth is not on his side, so to be successful in pushing his agenda he needs to deceive. How does he do this? By using logical fallacies. Logical fallacies have the appearance of reason without actually being reasonable. Learning to analyze and dissect arguments and spot logical fallacies makes you a better thinker, a better communicator, and a better person because you don't need to resort to emotion and anger in a discussion (question begging epithet fallacy) to forward your point. If truth is on your side you can be calm and stand against the many fallacies put forth on hot button issues by the enemy of truth and goodness.

[Katja Labonté · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars & 3/10 hearts. Very useful book for anyone wanting to show the logical problems with evolution. It was clear and concise and I understood each fallacy as he presented it. I also appreciated how Dr. Lisle kept reminding us that we need to be polite & Christlike. A good book for any Christian. 

[Ayden Tilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was basically a condensed version of “The Ultimate Proof of Creation.” It was just a handbook of all of the fallacies that can be committed in debates, and then a few sections at the end giving you real world scenarios and examples and why they are whichever fallacy. It is a very easy to comprehend book, as well as one you can whip out at any time and use.

[Randy Wade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good quick read about logical fallacies with a focus on the creation/evolution debate

Really enjoyed this book. The author does a good job explaining the major logical fallacies and identifying them in debate

[Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent overview of different types of logical fallacies. Each fallacy is explained in sufficient detail without going too deep into the weeds, and is followed by examples of how this fallacy appears in debates over creation vs. evolution.

[Jaymie De Frain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this for a graduate-level class. I appreciated that each type of fallacy was explained clearly and concisely.

[Malachi Stidd]

loved this book, very informative.

[Neh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent introduction to and compilation of the common arguments on origins. It is remarkable how Lisle has gone such a length to dissect commonly used arguments. Sad it was too short. 4.5/5.

[James Neidhardt · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's an overview of logical fallacies with a focus on atheistic and evolutionary arguments.

[Maddie Settle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Dr. Lisle. This is an excellent crash course on recognizing logical fallacies with an emphasis on the creation vs. evolution debate. I saw these logical fallacies in play first hand in my biology class, and although I didn’t understand these fallacies as I do know, they were so obvious then. This book is a must have for someone who wants to be able to think critically about truth claims. An excellent tool in the Christian and budding apologist’s tool belt.

[Adam Lewis · Rating 1 out of 5]

The tu quoque fallacy utilized at book length.



Jason Lisle is a rare specimen among creationists: he actually has a grasp on logic and reasoning. Most of his fellow pseudo-scientists would fail a basic logic test (read a book by Ray Comfort for some great examples of fail) so I can empathize with the monumental task he has before him on informing his audience about logic. Unfortunately for him, being aware of logical principles and applying them in a critical manner are two very different things as is demonstrated by this book.



Tu quoque literally means "you too." When committing this fallacy, the arguer attempts to dodge a counterargument by shifting the argument back to the opponent.



E.g. person A might say: "Since there are countless origin myths in existence, there is no reason to take Genesis any more seriously as a scientific account than the others."



Person B might retort: "Yeah, but evolutionary biology is just an atheist myth." Person B did not address the argument; he simply tried to turn the argument around by attempting to put person A on the defensive with another claim.



This is a perfect example of the tu quoque fallacy and characterizes the overall structure of this book's rhetorical aims.



Creationism has failed as a plausible scientific explanation of origins. It has thoroughly flopped from biological, geological, historical, archaeological, and astronomical perspectives. It has been exposed as pseudo-scientific ideology in the legal system. With these failures in mind, there aren't too many avenues of argument left for authors like Lisle. That's why we get books such as this one - after your arguments have been thoroughly discredited from so many different sources, trying to turn it back around to your opponent is a tactic of last resort.



The book's focus also makes a case for the lameness of creationist pseudo-science. Lisle has shifted topics from science (or rather pseudo-science) to rhetoric.



Now, as a grad student of rhetoric I agree this is a very important topic. However, when someone who supposes to make a scientific case writes books instead that focus on "worldview issues", you know there is a scientific void where the "case" should be.



The book gets two stars because it does explicate fallacies fairly well, even if it does end up committing many of them in an egregious manner.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Discerning Truth" is a Christian apologetics book about the use of logic in evaluating arguments for and against the Christian faith. It specifically focused on the arguments made in the Biblical creation versus evolution debate. While most of the examples were of faulty arguments for evolution, the author also pointed out faulty arguments that Christians sometimes use.

The author mainly focused on deductive arguments, but he also covered inductive arguments. He spent a chapter on each of the most frequent logic fallacies committed in the creation/evolution debate and then quickly covered some lesser used ones in another chapter. He explained what the fallacy was then gave some examples (both made up and common real ones) and explained why the argument didn't work. The explanations were very easy to follow and used everyday language with a sprinkling of logic terminology.

I think even just memorizing the examples would give a person the confidence to speak up in many situations. At the end, there were two practice sessions: four chapters with questions in one chapter and the answers (identifying the logic fallacy and giving the explanation of why it doesn't work) in the next. The first set was one-sentence theoretical arguments and the second used short paragraphs taken from actual pro-evolution articles.

I'd recommend reading "Discerning Truth" before "The Ultimate Proof." I felt like I didn't have to think as hard with "Discerning Truth" to remember and apply the logic lessons. So, if you read this first, you won't be quite as overwhelmed by all the material covered in "The Ultimate Proof." If you've read "The Ultimate Proof," this book will help reinforce the logic lessons given there.

I'd highly recommend this book to high schoolers and adults. Since this book had a respectful tone, I'd also feel comfortable handing this book to someone whose confidence in evolution is based on the faulty arguments covered in this book.


I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.

[Frank Peters · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in a series of young earth creation books that I was given. It is a follow up from a previous book (that I have already reviewed) called “The Ultimate Proof of Creation”. While I was not impressed with the beginning of his previous book, the middle section was quite good, and this book: “Discerning Truth” is simply a re-packaging of that central portion. Actually, it seemed to be all but identical – I wonder how much new text was actually added!

Nevertheless, I really like this book, even though I do not agree with all of the author’s premises (and therefore conclusions). The book is an introduction to logic, and a description of various logical fallacies that are committed in arguments and debates. What was especially useful for me about the book was that I am now able to articulate criticisms to the authors view in a language that perhaps he would be willing to accept. Using the language from the book, the author makes two fallacies of his own: 1) True Scotsman: he suggests that anyone who does not interpret the bible the way he does, does not actual believe in the bible. 2) Bifurcation: he believes that one cannot be rational without interpreting the bible the way he does. Both of these seem to me to be a bit silly, but this summarises our difference of opinion.

There were also a few areas that will require more thought on my part. Dr. Lisle states that only his group is permitted to use induction rationally. While, I don’t accept this at all, there are some interesting parts to his argument. Finally, Dr. Lisle basically rejects the use of the scientific method on logical ground since the scientific method is based on the logical fallacy of Affirming the Consequent. He recognises that his has been a philosophical problem for a while, but glosses over his (non) solution. This also requires more thought on my part. I think this is a good book to be read by Christians on all sides of the argument as it at very least prepares the potential for a common ground for discussion.

[(Jen) The Artist Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Less than 150 pages long, “Discerning Truth” gives you a crash course in logic (described in the introduction as “the study of correct and incorrect reasoning”), focusing on logical fallacies in arguments regarding evolution. If you don't know what “logical fallacies” are, have no fear. This short book is written in a conversational, reader-friendly way. Each brief chapter covers one fallacy (e.g. “begging the question”, “Ad Hominem”, “the Strawman”, etc.) and in the back of the book Dr. Lisle provides a glossary and two bonus chapters where you can test yourself by reading statements and identifying the type of fallacy.

Having taken a college level introductory logic course a couple of years ago, many of the terms were familiar to me (in fact, our course used the textbook Dr. Lisle mentions in the preface), but even if you had no experience with logic (or perhaps especially), this could be a good place to start. I liked how Dr. Lisle notes in the introduction that these fallacies can be found on both sides of the debate or discussion (in a later chapter, he also includes some examples of “Creationist fallacies”). Once you learn about and become aware of logical fallacies, you'd be surprised (or maybe not) of how many you can identify while watching t.v. or reading articles online. It's also interesting to watch for during an election season …

Disclaimer: I received this book through Goodread's FirstReads program, so I'd like to thank them and Master Books (New Leaf Publishing) for my copy. No compensation was received and the opinions expressed are my own.

[Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading Dr. Lisle's book and found it a very well thought out apologetic read. He has explained how to unravel and expose logic, fact, myth and fallacy in arguments behind Evolutionism and its adherents. I will be re-reading it soon to make sure I get the reasoning down pat, since it is a short book (135 pgs) and very compelling. I have read many books like this, but the concise nature and personable approach he takes make it seem more like you are sitting down with a coffee with him, rather than reading a dry book. Some got it and some don't. He's got it. Good use of Scripture to prove the Creation worldview of God's facts. Pulls the rug out from under the fallacies of Evolutionism and what they purport to be facts. What is on the surface is usually misrepresented by Evolutionists. Get this book and read it if you are a Creation or Evolution person. It makes for more factual debates from both sides, with less slander, slanted rhetoric, presuppositions, etc. You will come away more intelligent in your presentation.

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a truly thought-provoking book. The author has some good lessons on how to discern valid various statements, primarily regarding evolutionary beliefs and Christianity. Main focus is against evolution theories. However the concepts he teaches can also be used in other aspects of life. Great for apologetics and those who like to debate and debunk.

The chapters are of good length so as not to overwhelm the reader. Each chapter is filled with information. There are also several examples within the book so you can practice what you learn. There is a lot of knowledge in this book and I will be turning to it as a future resource/reference book.


*Per FTC Guidelines-I received this book as a Free copy from the Goodreads First Reads.

[Cortney Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Goodreads First Read Winner!! Thank you - very anxious to read this book!

This book was very detailed in concerning studies and talking to those who debate the concept of putting God first in your life and/or believing God exists at all. Good examples were given, excellent scripture reference, and polite, tactful ways of getting your point across. There were some parts of the book that were hard for me to understand, but I know if I studied further, it would make sense. A great book for any Christian to read who has a hard time explaining some challenging questions about God and topics of Him. I'm pretty confident this will be a book I read out of often.

[Bekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book from Answers in Genesis was very informative and interesting. Dr.Jason Lisle did a wonderful job with this book. I really enjoyed reading it and learning to detect fallacies and errors in the evolutionist worldview. Definitely a must read!

I recommend this book to ages 14+

[Mark Weller · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting read although not an easy read by any means. There are numerous examples of fallacious arguments used by evolutionists to deny God's existence, and a few used by Creationists as well.

[Reagan Bon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars! A fascinating book by a brilliant author. Short and readable, but worth taking some extra time to study. I've never heard the creation vs. evolution argument discussed from the standpoint of the rules of logic. I borrowed this book, but I think I might have to buy it...