You Can't Deny It
Scripture Reading: Acts 19:35-41
Argumentum ad populum is a logical fallacy that is also known by various other non-Latin names like an appeal to the people, or an appeal to the majority. That is the logic of the town clerk of Ephesus. “Everyone knows this!” “These things can’t be denied.” These are the kinds of arguments that are used to silence the dissent of the minority.
Looking back, it is easy for us to deny that there was a sacred stone that fell from the sky and that Ephesus was some sort of special guardian of the god Artemis. But standing in the crowd that day, the pressure to go along with the majority would have overwhelmed and subdued all but a few.
Of course, Paul and his fellow workers and the Christians in Ephesus knew otherwise. That is what was creating the ruckus to begin with. A small minority who believed and proclaimed Christ were challenging the majority report.
It has always been true that it is hard to stand in the truth when the majority of people oppose it. It’s not hard to hold a particular view when everyone else around you has the same belief. Standing alone, or in a small minority isn’t easy. The pull of argumentum ad populum is strong. It’s never been stronger than it is today.
The best advice I can give you is the admonition of Ephesians 6:13…
Wherefore, take unto you the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand, stand therefore…
