Logical Fallacy of Appeal to Guilt / Appeal to Shame

The Logical Fallacy of Appeal to Guilt / Appeal to Shame occurs when guilt or shame are used as a reason to believe in something. This is generally used in concert with another fallacy such as unsupported assertion or outright lie.

Exception: The Holy Spirit uses guilt to bring us back to God. The Holy Spirit may talk to you through a member of the Body of Christ. You may feel a sense of conviction that something has to change in your life. If you have not yet received Jesus Christ as Savior, that may be the committment to which the Holy Spirit is directing you.

Examples of the Logical Fallacy of Appeal to Guilt / Appeal to Shame

“Can you believe it? He said that homosexuality is a sin. He ought to be ashamed!”

The implication is, “and so should you if you believe what God is saying through Scripture.” This is not evidence. This is guilt mongering combined with lying.