[Greek] παραλογίζομαι (paralogizomai), [Latin] decipere, [Latin] fallere: to miscalculate, to delude, to deceive, to reason falsely, to lead astray, to reckon wrong; Col.2:4, Jas.1:22
Another “mostly peaceful protest” in Kenosha, Wisconsin
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to defraud, to cheat, to reason falsely, and to mislead with a fallacy. Isocrates’ Ad Filios Jasonis 6.12 states “For they do not examine from all sides the real nature of the question, but in many ways deceive themselves.” Demosthenes’ Against Aphobus 1 41.30 states “And yet I have set forth to you clearly, all my charges, while my opponent evaded coming before those acquainted with the facts. “Aristotle’s Poetics 1460a states “Homer has taught the others the proper way of telling lies, that is, by using a fallacy. What is convincing though impossible should always be preferred to what is possible and unconvincing.”
Old Testament: This term means to change, to come against, to transgress, to cover, to delude, to be betray, to carry, and to throw. Yet your father has cheated me and changed my wages ten times (Gen.31:7). He shall not replace it or exchange it, a good for a bad (Lev.27:10). He built it, covered it and hung its door with its bolts (Neh.3:15). Why have you deceived me like this and let my enemy go (1Sam.19:17). But if to betray me to my adversaries, since there is not wrong in my hands, may the God of our fathers look on it and decide (1Chr.12:17).
New Testament: This term means to delude and to deceive. Paul is concerned that the Colossians are being influenced by false teachers who are emphasizing Christ’s relationship with the universe (cosmos). The false teachers stress angels, principalities and powers, astral powers, and cultic practices. These teachings detract from the person and work of Christ for salvation. James states that one must both be a hearer and a doer of the gospel message. Listening but not practicing the gospel message does not allow one to conform oneself to the gospel. This conformity of life to the gospel brings true freedom and happiness.
Scripture:
“I say this so that no one may deceive you by specious arguments.” Col.2:4
Paul has concerns about the false teachers who have been deceptive about Christ’s true nature. The Colossians must reject and adhere to the gospel teachings.
“Be doers of the Word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves.” Jas.1:22
One must both hear and follow (do) the Word in order to be conformed to the gospel message.
Paralogism: A piece of illogical or fallacious reasoning, especially one which appears superficially logical or which the reasoner believes to be logical. This is related to the Greek paralogos, meaning unreasonable.
Conclusion:
Deceive, deception, fall, paralogism
In contrast to my previous post (logizomai), this term paralogizomai conveys the sense of deceiving and miscalculating. We all can relate to being defrauded by a merchant (business person). Demosthenes points out that those who do not face the facts themselves mistakenly think they can persuade others. Homer points out that a false narrative can be laid out based on a fallacy. Isocrates points that some easily deceive themselves, being close-minded and being unable to see the problem from other sides.
In the Old Testament, this term conveys the sense of going against, covering, and throwing. Perhaps this develops the notion of casting doubt and covering up.
In the New Testament, Paul warns that the false teachers in Colossae are creating false narratives about Jesus’ true nature. James states one must be hearers and doers of the gospel. To do otherwise, you are deluding yourself.
Current events: So much time and effort went into the impeachment narrative. In fact, it is very curious that there was no mention at all of impeachment at the DNC. It is because impeachment failed to resonate with the American people (so close to the election). For a long time, the mainstream media, Democratic Party, and the left had been promoting the narrative that protests, rioting, and looting have been “mostly peaceful”. Now the American people are seeing that there seems to be no end in sight to this violence. This violence is moving into other cities. The mainstream media are deluding themselves in thinking that the President is inciting this violence. This violence is being caused by BLM, Antifa, and other left wing individuals. The Democratic Party, media and the left are deluding themselves in thinking that they can win over moderates when they see businesses being destroyed by these mobs. The left is deluding themselves in thinking that they can reason with these mobs. These local leaders (mayors and governors) are deluding themselves in thinking that these mobs will just stop by themselves.
I have no delusions that the American people will ultimately make their feelings known in this election!