Logic is a way to think so we can come to correct conclusions by understanding implications and the mistakes people often make in thinking. Logic is also the study of the methods and principles used to distinguish good (correct) from bad (incorrect) reasoning. For example, there are three principles of logic.
- Principle of identity: for any statement A, A is identical to A.
(A is A)
- Principle of noncontradiction: for any A, it is not the case that both A and not A.
(A is not non-A)
- Principle of the excluded middle: for any A, A or not A.
(either A or non-A)
Logos is a Greek term which can mean “word” or “reason,” and logos is also the term for the etymology of the English word logic. Theology is the study and discussion of God. Christian theology is the study and discussion of God from a Christian perspective. The Greek term theos means “god.” The suffix, –ology, comes from the Greek term logos. Therefore, theology can also be understood as the logic of God.
Theology begins with God. “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters” (Genesis 1:1-2). Christian theology begins with Jesus. “In the beginning was the Logos/Word, and the Logos/Word was with God, and the Logos/Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made” (John 1:1-3).
Although Jesus does not formally teach logic to his disciples, Jesus does use logic with astonishing authority (Matt. 7:28-29) and astounding subtlety (Matt. 13:54-56) to teach his disciples. And when an expert in Mosaic Law asks which is the greatest of the commandments, Jesus says to love God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind (Matt. 22:34-40). Therefore, God is worthy of being loved with every aspect of our humanity. But perhaps more importantly, Jesus includes an intellectual love for God with the mind.
~ Boethius ~