What is circular reasoning with examples?

Understanding Circular Reasoning

Circular reasoning is a logical fallacy that occurs when a conclusion is assumed in the premises meant to prove it. In other words, someone using circular reasoning might say, “This claim is true because it says it is true,” without providing any independent evidence. This cycle of assuming the conclusion within the argument itself renders the logic unconvincing to those who do not already accept the argument’s initial assumptions.

In scriptural discussions, it is sometimes claimed that using the Bible to prove the Bible exemplifies circular reasoning; however, there are ways to approach the reliability of Scripture without solely relying on internal claims. Examining external historical, archaeological, and philosophical evidence allows us to discuss the nature of God’s Word in a fuller context.

Biblical Insights on Truth and Authority

Scripture presents itself as the Word of God:

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).

Those who question whether this is circular reasoning may note that it appears the Bible asserts its own reliability. Yet the biblical writers also point readers beyond the text, pointing to historical events, fulfilled prophecy, eyewitness accounts, and lived experience. As an example, the Apostle Paul references hundreds of living witnesses who saw the resurrected Christ (1 Corinthians 15:3–8)—an appeal to verifiable testimony at the time.

Examples of Circular Reasoning

1. “I know Scripture is true because it says it is true.”

This is the classic example often cited. If a skeptic does not already accept the authority of the Bible, simply repeating that it claims to be true is not typically persuasive.

2. “Nature is purely materialistic because all scientific data must be explained without God.”

This statement assumes from the start what it is trying to prove—that supernatural explanations are impossible. A thorough exploration of scientific data, however, can allow for consideration of both natural and supernatural causes, particularly when discussing origins, the complexity of life, and events that appear historical in Scripture (e.g., the global Flood narrative in Genesis).

3. “A historical document is reliable solely because it is written.”

Historical reliability is typically supported by corroboration: multiple sources, dating and authorship analysis, archaeological evidence, and other lines of inquiry. To claim a document carries authority simply because of its own statements is another form of circular reasoning.

Avoiding Circular Reasoning

1. Reference External Evidence

Archaeological discoveries such as the Dead Sea Scrolls confirm that the Old Testament texts have been transmitted with remarkable fidelity over centuries. Inscriptions like the Tel Dan Stele contain references to the “House of David,” providing extra-biblical attestation of biblical figures. These sources show alignment between the biblical record and historical findings.

2. Fulfilled Prophecy

The predictive prophecies in Scripture that have demonstrably come to pass—such as specific details about Israel’s history—offer evidence difficult to explain purely through naturalistic means. This goes beyond simply asserting that the Bible is true because it says so, underscoring phenomena that independently verify its message.

3. Eyewitness and Documentary Support

The eyewitness testimonies surrounding central biblical events—especially the resurrection of Christ—are echoed in extra-biblical references from writers like the Jewish historian Flavius Josephus and the Roman historian Tacitus. Though they do not endorse Scripture as a whole, these sources acknowledge the existence and impact of Jesus and His early followers, thus providing important historical context.

4. Logical Consistency and Coherence

Scripture covers numerous authors, languages, and centuries. Yet it aligns on central doctrinal truths, including the nature of God and the narrative of salvation. The coherence of the overall biblical record supports its trustworthiness beyond a mere “because it says so” position.

Scriptural Examples Commonly Called Circular

Some passages in Scripture (e.g., Psalm 19:7: “The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul…”) directly assert the perfection and trustworthiness of God’s Word. Critics might label such verses as circular. However, biblical writers did not rely on only these statements when proclaiming truth. They referenced creation as evidence (Psalm 19:1–4), called upon witness testimony and miracles (John 11:43–45), and appealed to reasoned arguments (cf. Acts 17:2–3) to ground these declarations in events, testimonies, and realities outside their own claims.

Practical Applications

1. Apologetics and Evangelism

When sharing with individuals who do not accept the authority of the Bible, avoiding circular reasoning is vital to genuine dialogue. Pointing to manuscript evidence (e.g., the thousands of early New Testament copies), archaeological finds (e.g., evidence for biblical cities like Jericho), and fulfilled prophecy demonstrates support beyond a closed loop of self-affirmation.

2. Personal Faith and Study

Believers are encouraged to study Scripture diligently (Acts 17:11). Engaging with external corroborations (history, science, etc.) can strengthen a person’s conviction that the biblical accounts stand firmly under scrutiny. This does not replace faith but complements it by revealing consistency between God’s Word and observable truth.

3. The Importance of Context

Contextual study prevents misunderstanding. For instance, the genealogies in Genesis have led to long-standing discussions on a younger-earth timeline. Researchers cite geological records and anomalies such as the rapid formation of rock layers near Mount St. Helens as suggestive of catastrophic models, strengthening the case for certain reading frameworks that take Scripture literally—including the account of a global Flood in Genesis.

Conclusion

Circular reasoning assumes the conclusion within the argument and thus fails to build a persuasive case for those who do not already embrace the initial premise. While passages in Scripture affirm its own trustworthiness, thorough study shows that biblical authors and subsequent Christian testimony have repeatedly pointed to external realities—historical events, miraculous healing accounts, archaeological findings, eyewitness reports, scientific observations, and fulfilled prophecies—to demonstrate Scripture’s reliability and God’s sovereign hand in creation.

These lines of evidence aim to avoid circularity and invite those investigating the Bible to see how God has revealed Himself in verifiable history and in the world around us. As Romans 1:20 states, “…His invisible qualities, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood from His workmanship, so that men are without excuse.” Thus, the faithful study of God’s Word, corroborated by consistent external confirmation, forms a framework that can lead any seeker to a place of confident conviction rather than circular assumption.