The False Dilemma

A false dilemma offers two choices when there are really more. It is a trap, and Jesus was handed it more than once.

Taxes to Caesar

The Pharisees asked, "Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" If He said yes, the crowd would turn on Him. If He said no, Rome would. He asked for a coin and said, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." Matthew 22:17-21 There was a third answer, and it was the true one.

Who Sinned?

His disciples asked about a man born blind, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Jesus answered, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God would be displayed in him." John 9:2-3

How It Shows Up

"Either science or faith." Many scientists have been believers, and the Bible says the creation itself shows "His eternal power and divine nature." Romans 1:20

The Difference from a Real Choice

Some choices really are two. A claim and its denial leave no middle, as in The Law of Excluded Middle. "The LORD is God" or "the LORD is not God" is a real either-or. "This man or his parents" was not.