RUNNING HEAD: Harvesting 1
Harvesting Rational Thought: An Analysis of the Harvest Crusade
Jeffrey I. Chang
B.A. Psychology, California State University, Fullerton
A.A. with emphasis Biology and Psychology, Orange Coast College
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1430: The Harvest Crusade event takes place in Angels Stadium in the city of Anaheim,
California. There are approximately 30,000 participants of differing ages, genders, sexes, and ethnicities.
Seating for the participants is mixed. Located in the middle of the baseball field is a large, technologically
sophisticated stage drab in red, white, blue, stars, stripes and the messages of Christian faith tradition.
Musing: I found the stage ostentatious for several reasons. First, I object to the mixture of patriotism
and religion. I feel that it sends the message that to be good American one must be religious,
specifically Christian. My second objection is this display provokes a sense of emotion, while eliciting
emotion is not objectionable; it is used to strengthen faith and weaken logic in this instance. A third
objection is the pageantry that is used for this event. While it is understandable that a stadium would
be a rational choice; does one need a state of the art lighting system and special effects? If Mr. Laurie
church is doing “God’s work” are they so insecure that they need to rely on glitz and glamour? Do they
doubt in the ability of “God” to work through their words alone? Closing my thoughts, could not the
money for the effect have been better used helping the poor?
1436: In addition to the patriotic nature of the stage, there are several religious symbols and a
message. The most prominent is a sign that reads, “Jesus said: I am the way, the truth and the life.”
Musing: While I do not disagree that the Bible does indeed mention this statement in John 14:6;
several questions are raised to the authenticity of this statement. A problem challenging the
authenticity of the statement is that the author of the Book of John is highly disputed. One would
think that who the book was named after would be the author. However, it is surprising that many
scholars reject that the apostle John wrote these works (Harris 355). Another challenge to the
authenticity of the quote concerns the elapsed time between the death of Jesus* and the completion
of the “Book of John”. Utilizing internet resources, I found a Christian apologetic site that reviewed
various scholarly materials to determine when the “Book of John” could have been written. The
earliest date is 60 C.E. with the death of Jesus* occurring between 30 – 36 C.E. At minimum there is a
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14 year gap between the death of a possible religious icon and a book that contains a statement he
could have said. Taking a holistic approach, an average of 86.5 years elapsed between Jesus and the
“Book of John” being written (Butner). An examination of secular sources seems to verify this estimate
putting the writing of the “Book of John” near the turn of the century (Bruce 7). If authorship and the
time elapsed were not problems, than the reliability of eyewitness testimony would present a
challenge if the historical figure of Jesus* existed. Studies in the field of legal psychology may provide
clues to how accurate eyewitness testimony is. What research into this area shows, strikes at the
reliability of eyewitness testimony (Wells, and Olson 277-295). When eyewitness testimony is coupled
with temporal variables, namely longer lengths of time, the accuracy of eyewitness testimony
deteriorates drastically (Gerrie, Brewer, and Williams). Furthermore, the accuracy of the “Book of
John” is brought into question by its relation to the other Biblical texts and Gospels. When an
examination is done of events in the non- Johannine Biblical texts and Gospels and compared with the
Book of John significant differences become apparent (Throckmorton), (Funk), (Nicholoson) and
(Edwards). With the aforementioned problems with the “Book of John” and as such the quote found
within, doubt is not unwarranted. Concluding this musing, the doubt that the “Book of John” as a
historically accurate text is shared by a large number of Biblical scholars (Sanders) and as the use of
materials from it as accurate is irresponsible.
1440: An examination is conducted on the pamphlet that was given out at the beginning of the
event. The document contains several messages about Christianity, the Harvest Crusade, Mr. Laurie, his
church, and a large promotional for a book, “Hope for America”, written by Mr. Laurie. Initial analysis on
the book reviles that one of the main messages it that only with a return to “the God of our founding
fathers” will the survival of the United States be assured.
Musing: While I found most of the information presented in the pamphlet relatively innocuous relative to
fundamentalist Christianity, I have concern with Mr. Laurie’s book, “Hope for America”. My main
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objection to the work is of its overarching message of needing to bring America back to “the God of our
founding fathers” to ensure its continued survival (Laurie). In doing so, the book attempts to push the
fallacious idea that America is and needs to be a Christian nation, in so much as this specific religion
playing a key role in government decisions. However, the message is antithetical to wills of our founding
fathers. In the Article 11 of the Treaty of Tripoli, it is openly declared that “the United States is in no
sense founded on the Christian religion”. While some may point to translation errors or differing
interpretations of this phrase; when this text is considered along with discussions concerning the writing
of the Constitution, where proposals to include God were debated and dismissed, a certain conclusion is
reached. This conclusion is that, while Christianity played a part in the founding of America, the founding
fathers sought to establish a nation of pluralism, not a Christian republic (American-Statesman). Despite
the desire of the founding fathers not wanting religion to dictate U.S. law, the religious beliefs of “the
God of our founding fathers” has broken through and was responsible for one of the most shameful
event of this nation. Prior to me addressing the event(s), I will examine the story of Jericho found in the
“Book of Joshua”. A review of scholarly literature and the “Book of Joshua” 6:1-27 makes apparent that
land was central to the story, as well as the idea that Jews had a rightful claim to it, with “God’s”
permission (McConville and Williams 11-50). Exploring the story of the Battle of Jericho further, it is
learned that the Jews considered the people of Jericho “wicked” (Vos 108-110). In conjunction with the
belief that the “God” had granted them to take Jericho and the concept that the cities inhabitants were
“wicked”, the Jews committed genocide of the entire city, killing even babies, the infirm, elderly, and
possibly pregnant mothers (Vos 108-110). When one takes the themes from the “Battle of Jericho” and
applies them United States history a similar concept emerges. The concept is the idea of manifest
destiny, which can be defined as “America had a divine obligation to stretch the boundaries of their
noble republic to the Pacific Ocean” (ushistory.org). This view led to the stripping of the first Americans
of their native lands through theft, questionable treaties, and other elicits means, resulting in the Trail of
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Tears (ushistory.org). Again the motivation for these acts was based on “the God of our founding
fathers” and its involvement in the affairs of the United States, namely the Monroe Doctrine
(ushistory.org).
1445: Video message beings with an introduction by Scott and if followed by a video message
about the main speaker, Greg Laurie. The video is a brief biography of Mr. Laurie, his journey to
adulthood and the role religion played. The video covers his childhood being raised by an alcoholic
mother, how he failed basic educational matriculation, involvement in the counter culture movement,
his disillusionment with the counter culture movement, a quest for answers, his discovery of Christianity
as the best religion to his philosophical answers, and his involvement in the religious revival of the
1970’s.
Musing: Mr. Laurie has my deepest sympathies for his less than ideal childhood. In addition, I am glad
that he has found a belief system that personally gives him comfort. However, the video excerpt has not
proposed substantive evidence for the existence of the supernatural, much less the Christian mythology
as being true. Furthermore, Mr. Laurie’s claim of finding the Christian mythology is the most comforting
is a personal claim. As such, this claim cannot be applied to anyone except Mr. Laurie. If indeed this was
an attempt to convince persons to give their lives to Christ’s it is rejected for the aforementioned
reasons.
1500: No significant events are occurring.
1510: Another video is being played. This video interviews three different people and explores
how they lost someone special in their lives. One of the persons is the main speaker of the event. The
segment details how he lost his son in an automobile accident and hope that his son went to the
Christian afterlife got him through the tragedy. The next segment concerns a man that lost his wife,
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possible to a fatal disease. He explains how hope in the Christian mythology assisted him in his most
trying time. The last video deals with Nick Vujicic, who was born without limbs. The final segment
explains that how only with hope Mr. Vujicic was able to overcome the challenges and despair that he
faced in life due to his condition.
Musing: As I have lost persons that I have loved I can empathize with to pain of most of the persons in
the video. I am glad that they were able to overcome theirs significant difficulties using the Christian
mythology. However, just because hope was sufficient to assist persons in their darkest hour does not
offer any tangible evidence for the claims of the Christian mythology being true. If one were to use this
model to determine truth than I propose the following example:
A child of a couple is kidnapped and the police have no idea of the whereabouts. A psychic
presents themselves to the family and tells them if they only pay him 10% of their net worth he will use
his powers to locate the child. The family pays the money and the psychic makes a prediction that the
child will be found near water of some sort.
Now, because the family paid does that mean the persons should believe that psychics have supernatural
powers? Of course not! In a time of need they reached out to something that gave them comfort and
reassuring thoughts, none of this deals with the actual truth of the matter. More concerning to me is
propensity of the religion to approach a person in a time of need. In my opinion, religions use a traumatic
event and the resulting emotional instability of person to circumvent normal logic thought. My final
problem of this video is that it is based on personal experiences and personal experience is only valid for
the person that experiences them. In conclusion, hope no matter how comforting is not a reason to
believe any claim without supporting evidence.
1526: Video of events that will occur during the main presentation is shown.
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1536: A video promoting Harvest Crusade Los Angeles is shown. Video asks attendees to turn
America back to God.
Musing: This video calling for Christians to “turn America back to God” is a point of concern especially in
conjunction with Mr. Laurie’s book. It seems the statement is advocating that the United States should
by based on Christian morality. While this type of Christian influence, known as dominionism, on U.S.
policy is not a threat as of yet, it is antithetical to the values of this country.
1558: Participants become more active in anticipation of the start of the event.
1600: Event begins with a video starring several famous athletes. These athletes attest that
without trusting in the Christian deity, they themselves would not have been able to achieve their
success.
Musing: I am happy with the success these athletes accomplished. However, I have several problems
with this claim. First, it is a personal experience so it cannot be demonstrated to anyone else. Therefore,
is useless for any truth claim for others. Second, is the notion the video is trying to push that one needs
God to succeed, which is false. My third problem, conceding God exists, is that though God has blessed
them with wealth and a superb body; millions of other Christians are starving and under the threat of
death. What loving and just god would allow such a thing to happen? Finally, if such claims could be
used to justify God would that not permit a Hindu athlete to justify Lord Vishnu’s existence if they felt
they could not have succeeded without?
1608: Harvest Worship Band begins to play.
Musing: While I enjoyed that music that was being performed, it was aware that music can elicit strong
emotions (Peretz 1-32). These emotions cause physiological responses in the body that can effect
emotion (Gangrade 40-43). In such states, persons are less likely to make rational observations and more
likely to make irrational choices (Shiv, Loewenstein, and et al 435-439). This coupled with a person
pushing an unsupported religious belief may lead persons to accept claims that are not true.
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1626: Harvest Worship Band stops playing. Pastor Chuck takes the stage and leads the
Christians in prayer. His prayers specifically ask that Mr. Laurie will be able to bring non-believers to
Christ.
1628: Pastor Chuck exits. A person named Jeremy Camp takes the stage and performs a speech.
In his speech Mr. Camp preaches on how converting people to Christianity can “hasten the coming of
Christ”.
Musing: The claim that it is possible to “hasten the coming of Christ” is problematic. This is established
by understanding the Christian God. First, the “Book of Jeremiah” 29:11 states that “For I know the
plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you
hope and a future.” Based on this passage, it can be understood that God has a plan for us.
Furthermore, not only does God have a plan for us, but God knows the future (Johnson). So how is it
possible to hasten the will of a God that is has a plan for our life and knows the future? The other
point of contention is raised by holding the mindset to “hasten the coming of Christ” is its effect on the
peace process in the Middle East. This is because Christian fundamentalism teaches that the second
coming of Christ is going to be preceded by war in the Middle East (Kirkpatrick). Now when a group of
people adopt the belief that conflict MUST occur between Israel and her enemies, many of whom are
nuclear armed, there commitment to a lasting peace process must be questioned.
1634: Begins to talk about how Jesus can bring salvation to all people. He then states that he
achieved freedom with Christianity, and now is a faithful “servant to Christ”
Musing: Mr. Camp still has not presented any evidence, much less sufficient evidence, that the Christian
religion is true. Another problem is that even if there was an afterlife Mr. Camp has not presented proof
for a Christian one, what if the Zoroastrian, Jewish, Hindu, Islamic deity or deities were true. According to
some of these religions it would play no part or could damn Christians to hell. Furthermore, how can one
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achieve freedom by submitting themselves to an ideology? Perhaps Mr. Camp is referring to freedom
from making his own decisions and personal responsibility.
1636: Mr. Camp concludes his speech. Another band takes the stage and begins a musical
performance. During the musical performance the crowd is asked to join hands and sing along.
Musing: The music performance was satisfactory, but I still maintain that it could be used for nefarious
purposes. Furthermore, with the bands request for the participants to hold hands and sing a group
mentality is being created. With a group mentality, unacceptable ideals to the individual becomes
acceptable to the group (Amann 93-143).
1642: When the previous religious musical concludes the crowd is asked to pray again. This
prayer includes a mixture of the Christian faith tradition and patriotism. Following the conclusion of
prayer, monetary donations are asked to help fund missionaries.
Musing: The objection to patriotism and its “dominion” in politics is reiterated. A second
objection is raised to the request for monies to fund missionaries. While missionary work may seem
innocuous spreading a religion to another culture; what it is in reality is cultural imperialism (Amory 510). A historical example can be seen in India. Prior to British Imperialism, which brought its religiously
motivated cultural values, India was more tolerant of same-sex relationships and transgender persons
(PTI ). With the Christian religion of the British Section 377 was spawned that sought to punish malemale sexual contact and the transgender culture (PTI). Currently, cultural imperialism is still having a
negative effect throughout the world. Reviewing the issue of LGB persons, the cultural imperialist
attitudes of Christianity is seen to be having a negative effect on African culture (Amory 5-10). An
example of the effect Christian missionaries have is the country of Uganda, which advocated capital
punishment for HIV+ gays having consensual intercourse, sought to prohibit mentioning homosexuality I
public, sought to criminalize not reporting LGB persons, and increased criminal penalties consensual
intercourse between persons of the same-sex (Gettleman). Another serious problem is that of HIV in
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Africa. While the problem could be mitigated by condoms many Christian ministries spread lies about
them causing a worsening in the HIV/AIDS crises (Burkhalter).
1655: Donations are collected. Another band takes the stage and begins there performances.
The band lyrics include references to creation.
MUSING: The objections to music, its effects on the emotion, and poor decision making are reiterated.
Further objections to this song are its mention of creationism.
1700: Main event with Mr. Laurie begins. The full biographical video of Greg Laurie is shown. No
new significant information is garnered.
Musing: The same objections to the excerpted biographical video of Mr. Laurie are reiterated.
1712: Conclusion of the video. The main speaker, Greg Laurie, appears on state. Begins his
speech on how many people are searching for changing their lives. Mr. Laurie comments on how
Christianity is the only way one can change their life be happy.
Musing: I don’t have a problem with Mr. Laurie’s message that Christianity can change one’s life for the
better, but I do disagree with the implied means in which influences a person’s life. Mr. Laurie’s
assertion seemed to evoke a supernatural cause for this life satisfaction but, this is quite possible
fallacious and has no supporting evidence. Research into the field indicates that it is the social support
that is most likely the cause for happiness (Lim, and Putnam 914-33). Based on this research it can be
inferred that social factors are responsible, instead of some supernatural cause.
1720: Preaches on the lack of religious knowledge in America.
1723: Mr. Laurie addresses the concept of evolution by saying that it is false and asserts that
“we were created”; then states the mythological “Adam and Eve”.
Musings: Mr. Laurie’s has given no proof the support his claim that evolution. Furthermore, Greg Laurie
has presented no evidence that creationism is true. Examining the evidence for evolution reaches the
conclusion that it is the most accurate theory to date for the explanation of how life exists in its current
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state. Evidence for this is supported by several studies into the field of genetics. An examination between
humans, chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutan’s reveal that humans have 46 chromosomes, while the
other apes have 48. The only plausible explanation for this is that two chromosomes fused for humans,
but not the apes. Humans could not have lost a pair of chromosomes as that would have been lethal.
Researching the human genetic code we see that this fusion has taken place at chromosome 2, indicating
evolution (WGBH, and Clear Blue). Additional evidence is presented endogenous retroviruses (ERV).
These viruses insert themselves into our reproductive cells and are passed down to the subsequent
generations. All descendants from the organism from the ERV infected organism would have the same
ERV. As theses descendant’s evolved separately new species would retain the original ERV and could
contract new ERV’s. When looking at the human ERV and primate ERV’s there are “original” ERV and
new ERV, indicating evolution (Khodosevich, Lebedev, and Sverdlov 494-98).
1726: Mr. Laure addresses the topic of guilt. He stipulates that all people feel guilt because we
sin.
MUSING: Mr. Laure has made a cause and effect claim. However his statement is flawed as he has failed
to rule out other possible causes with his statement. He attempts to argue that:
Cause: God
defined sins.
Effect: Guilt
However, there are alternative explanations:
Cause: Religious
Indoctrination
Effect: Guilt
Cause: Secular/
Evolutionary Ethics
HARVESTING 12
Or the possibility:
Cause: Guilt based on
secular / evolutionary
ethics
Effect: Creation of “God”
defined sins.
As presented, secular aka evolutionary morality or religious indoctrination could have been a factor
behind guilt. Additionally, violating evolutional ethics may have caused a guilty feeling that was later
adopted into a religious belief system. Addressing evolutionary ethics, one theory holds that human
“morality” has its origins in animal behaviors (xPeachtree) (Peterson). These actions were beneficial or
done for members for a group. As our ancestors evolved into humans it is theorized that with our larger
brain contributed to a more developed sense of morality (Peterson).
1728: The speech moves to the inevitability of death. Mr. Laurie discusses how everyone has a
fear of death and how this fear can be mitigated by Christianity.
Musing: The statements are fallacious for two reasons. First, Mr. Laurie has not presented sufficient
evidence that the Christian mythology is true. As such, the existence of heaven and hell should not be
assumed. Therefore, Mr. Laurie is committing the logical fallacy appeal to emotion/ fear. Second, Mr.
Laurie presupposes that everyone is afraid of death. However Mr. Laurie’s absolute statement is in error,
as Mark Twain said, “I do not fear death. I had been dead for billions and billions of years before I was
born, and had not suffered the slightest inconvenience from it.”
1734: Mr. Laurie speaks about loneliness. He states that we all have loneness in our hearts. The
speaker references several high profile celebrities and athletes stating that they are lonely. He states
that this loneliness can only be filled temporarily with material items, but through believing in Jesus this
loneliness can be satisfied permanently.
Musing: Several problems abound with this statement by Mr. Laurie. Foremost, is that no scientific
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evidence has been presented for his claim. Second, the use of high profile persons flaws the statement
because they represent unrepresentative samples.
1737: The speaker addresses the topic of individuality. He states that the participants should not
be like sheep and just follow society. He encourages the participants should think for one’s self and
come to one’s own conclusions. Then Mr. Laurie comments that the Bible should be used as a
guidebook for the participant’s journey to individuality.
Musing: This is the most fallacious statement that Mr. Laurie has made because he is arguing against his
premise. The Bible is clearly based on the opinions of unknown persons existing in the Bronze Age. This is
by its nature trusting the opinions of other, therefore arguing against one’s own premise. Additionally, it
is questionable if a book advocating genocide, having questionable authorship, based on heresy
evidence, and containing the testimony from possible inaccurate eyewitness should be trusted as a
reference for ones decisions.
1741: Speaker discusses the concept youths and the fear of death. Mr. Laurie states that youths
should accept Jesus immediately because of the uncertainty regarding the time of a person’s death.
Musing: I reiterate my objections concerning death. As this statement is an appeal to emotion/
fears it is illogical.
1743: Mr. Laurie continues on his speech on the need for salvation. He references the Bible and
states that only people that are born again can be saved.
Musing: While the Bible does contain the passage Mr. Laurie references, the statement is still
problematic. The main reason is because of the failure to demonstrate that the Christian religion is valid.
Therefore, Mr. Laurie’s statement is in part an appeal to emotion/fear and is illogical.
1743: Mr. Laurie continues on his speech and quotes John 3:16 as evidence on how Jesus will
save the participants.
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Musing: Mr. Laurie references John 3:16 that reads, “16 For God so loved the world that he
gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
However, there are several problems with Mr. Laurie’s statement. The first problem is presupposition
that the Bible, more specifically the Book of John is trustworthy. However, this presupposition has
previously been challenged. A second problem is that the existence for Jesus is not known for certain,
as there is no contemporary evidence for his existence (Fleming). A third problem is that Mr. Laurie
has failed provide sufficient evidence to justify the supernatural Christian myth. The fourth objection
made, presupposing that Jesus did exist and was divine, concerns why Jesus needed to sacrifice
himself. Earlier, evidence is given that God has created humans, has a plan for us, and knows the
future. So God would have truly known that his actions of creating man would lead to man sinning,
needing redemption, the need for Jesus to grant redemption, and the death of Jesus to grant such
redemption. Thus, an inescapable conclusion is reached that God was solely responsible for the torture
and death of his only son. But, if God was responsible could he have not changed forgiven people to
prevent the suffering and death of his only son? In addition, why was God even slighted to the point of
needing a sacrifice, if he knew that man would sin?
1744: At the conclusion of the message from John 3:16 , Mr. Laurie comments that based on this
verse the Christian deity loves every one of us and wants us to be saved. Mr. Laurie continues on his
speech about salvation. He asserts that “Hell is real” just as “Heaven is real”. He continues and asserts
that the only way to avoid hell and get obtain everlasting life is to be born again.
MUSING: Several objections are raised to these statements. Foremost is that Mr. Laurie has failed to
present sufficient evidence to justify the Christianity’s supernatural claims. A second objection can be
made based on if a person would want to go to heaven, conceding that Christianity’s supernatural
claims are true. Establishing what the Bible says about heaven based on the following passages:
Revelations 7:17 God "will wipe away every tear from their eyes" and Revelations 21:4, “There will be
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no more death or mourning or crying or pain.” it can be determined that in a Biblical inerrant heaven
there will be no sadness, pain, mourning, or sorrow. While the lack of the aforementioned emotions
may seem desirable there are certain problems.
For example, let us assume that a mentally healthy wife has a family. This family consists of a husband
and her two children, a boy and a girl. This family lives in Africa and believes in African Spiritualism. As
they live in a remote section of Africa, the family and village do not have much connection to the
outside world. One day missionaries arrive at the village spreading born-again Christianity. The wife
accepts Christianity and is born again. But her family does not believe due to their strong belief in
Spiritualism. After the missionaries leave, no other missionaries return to visit the villagers as
knowledge of the village existence is lost when the missionaries perish in a plane crash. She tries to
persuade her family and village to accept born-again Christianity, but she doesn’t possess good
debating skills and fails in convincing them. She tries to use her Bible to preach God’s Word, but isn’t
successful either. Her family and village are indifferent the woman’s conversion and life continues.
After a period of 10 years from her conversion the children are in their late teens, her husband is still
alive, and the villagers are doing fine. However, the next day an Ebola outbreak happens wiping out
the whole village. Being born-again God sends this woman to heaven but sends her husband ,teenage
children, her mother, father, her grandparents, her uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews, relatives, friends
and every single human that she loved in the village to hell. Every single human she knew, everybody
whom she loved are suffering in eternal hell.
Now consider this woman in heaven. How would the mother feel knowing her children, her
husband, her extended family, and her village are suffering in hell. While many may believe that the
woman would be sad, this contradicts with the aforementioned Bible passages. Logically, this woman
can only be happy that everyone she knew is suffering in hell. As such, this woman cannot empathize
with the suffering of others and is a sociopath. Therefore, as she was mentally stable before and is a
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sociopath now she is not herself. If god were to remove the woman’s memories to prevent her
suffering from those thoughts, she is not herself. In addition, based on the Bible she would sing praises
to God and his allowing everyone she knows to suffer in hell for eternity because of the woman God
given lack of debating skill. Thus, would a person really want to become something that is happy at
the suffering of others? And would such a person truly be themselves if they could not empathize with
or recollect the persons that are in hell? Perhaps, Oscar Wilde said it best when speaking on this issue,
“I don't want to go to heaven. None of my friends are there.”
1751: Event in almost concluded. Mr. Laurie attempts to those convince non-Christian
attendees that they are sinners. He asks the following rhetorical questions, “Have you ever told a lie”
and “have you ever used god’s name in vain”, to convince non-Christain attendees that they are sinners
in the eyes of God.
Musings: Several problems are raised with Mr. Laurie’s remarks. The main problem is that a question
used is not considered part of the 10 commandments. According to “The Bible” Mr. Laurie question
concerning telling a “lie” reads, “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” As, Mr.
Laurie criticized the lack of biblical knowledge, his lack of biblical knowledge says something can be
said about his character. Another problem is that Mr. Laurie’s has not presented sufficient evidence to
believe the supernatural Christian mythology is true. As such, he is engaging in an appeal to
emotion/fear and the argument is fallacious.
1756: At the conclusion of the event Mr. Laurie reminds the audience that death could come at
any time and the only way to be saved is to come down give their souls to Christ.
Musing: Mr. Laurie has not presented sufficient evidence for the accuracy of the Christian religion. As
such, this argument is an appeal to fear and is illogical.
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