Personal Incredulity and The Spirit: Why Experience Matters in Discernment
Merrill Greene Merrill Greene

Personal Incredulity and The Spirit: Why Experience Matters in Discernment

Have you ever been in an argument with someone about an interpretation of Scripture or a miraculous claim only to be greeted with any of these counterpoints:

“That seems farfetched to me.”

“I’m not convinced.”

“I’ve never heard that before.”

These are examples of a logical fallacy known as “personal incredulity.” Personal incredulity is an a priori judgment on the inherent value of an argument or position based on what seems rational to one’s own sensibilities. In the context of interpreting the Bible, personal incredulity can be as obvious as one disagreeing with certain practices because they’ve seen abuse in the Church or claiming that no “reputable” or “meaningful” scholar could agree with the argument you are presenting.

Read More
Miracle & Magic: Money, Ministry, and Missionaries
Merrill Greene Merrill Greene

Miracle & Magic: Money, Ministry, and Missionaries

Magic is everywhere. In fact, the demand for magic is high.

According to one source, between 2016 and 2021, revenue for the psychic industry totaled $2.2 billion with “a projected 2.6% growth in 2021 alone.” A quick search on the popular website Fiverr reveals that ordering various spells, curses, and counter-curses is just a click away (and ranges in cost from $20- $6500)!

It is not only magic, however, that has been marketed. Exorcism too has been monetized…

Read More