Question:
Why study logic? Isn’t that just the wisdom of man?
Answer: (by Melissa DiLernia)
In order to answer this question in the best way possible, I’d like to begin by defining the term “logic.” The word “logic” can be used in a number of different ways. On one hand, it is just correct reasoning. On the other hand, “logic” is a way of describing reasoning, whether it is good or bad. Even though we may not realize it, we use logic continually. Whether it be good logic or bad logic, it is what we use to acquire our beliefs and understandings of God, the world, our relationships — basically everything. And it is unfortunate, but truth be told, people don’t always use good logic.
Logic is a necessary process for each and every one of us. Ironically, even if you attempted to prove that you don’t need logic, you would have to actually use logic to make your point. It is simply unavoidable.
Now that we see how prevalent and important logic truly is, how important is it that we study it? Well, it may come as a surprise to you, as it did to me, but God, through Ellen White, gives us this counsel:
God desires his workers to gain daily a better understanding of how to reason logically from cause to effect, arriving at wise, safe conclusions. {RH January 28, 1904, par. 17}
Close reasoners and logical thinkers are few; for the reason that false influences have checked [stop or slowed down the process of] the development of the intellect. {HR November 1, 1872, par. 13}
It’s very eye-opening to read Ellen White’s statement that few are actually logical thinkers. She definitely encourages us to gain a better understanding of the process, and goes so far as to specify gaining it “daily!”
Once we can recognize what logic really is, we can see that it is not something we need to be apprehensive about. It is not something that undermines the word of God. And in fact, it’s really cool to see that God (through Ellen White) actually promotes our increasing knowledge and understanding of it! We definitely need the word of God. There’s no denying that. But in order to comprehend it, there is no escaping our use of logic.
While we don’t really get the choice of whether or not we use logic, we do get the choice of how we use it — in ignorance, or with understanding. We would be wise to take Ellen White’s counsel and strive to become better at reasoning logically. In actuality, the principles of logic are not the wisdom of man, but more accurately, they are the methods by which to make a man (or woman! 
) wise.
