In our last article we made the important point that this discussion is not about the fallacy of emotions but of emotionalism. As noted, God created man with emotions. However, emotions become fallacious when they serve as the sole or primary guide in decision-making and more importantly, serve as the standard of authority, guidance, and adherence in spiritual matters. In this article we want to examine some of the ways emotionalism has adversely affected people’s belief in God and their actions directed toward Him.

The first thing that must be established pertaining to this article is that it is not a discussion about the “Fallacy of Emotions”. We must invariably understand that God gave emotions to man. The scriptures teach us that man was created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27). We were created as a thinking rational being who posses a free will and are able to choose between good and evil. This was first revealed to us in the Garden of Eden when God commanded man to eat of every tree in the garden except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. He was given the opportunity to obey his creator and had the ability to choose right or wrong (Genesis 3:1-8). Decisions can and should be based upon the careful consideration of whatever facts are present. Emotions properly controlled are a result of the facts that are assessed and the decisions based on those facts. Of course the decision others make beside us also generate emotions, some good and some bad. This is why it is imperative that we make decisions and judgments based on God’s word and according to what He desires of us.

The good accomplished through colleges operated by Christians, and their potential for the future are settled facts, taken for granted. The sacrifice and pure motives of those responsible for existence and maintenance of such schools are remembered with appreciation. But surely not even the most zealous worker for such a worthy project can with good reason object to caution and criticism that is set forth to them. If we contend for the right to build and maintain such institutions, we must respect the right of those whom they affect to investigate, analyze, and criticize their movements. It would be a good sign if some in the administration, faculty, or among the distinguished supporters of such colleges would themselves point out some dangers and questionable tendencies that inevitably develops in anything that men build and maintain. They are in the best position to know the facts, and see these dangers in their earliest stages. In fact, there was a time when such questions and criticisms were indeed raised from this very source. The purpose of these articles is not to oppose the existence of colleges of course, but to point out some of the dangers we are facing here now, and suggest some safeguards we should observe.