For we have found this man a plague, a creator of dissension among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. He even tried to profane the temple, and we seized him, and wanted to judge him according to our law. But the commander Lysias came by and with great violence took him out of our hands, commanding his accusers to come to you. By examining him yourself you may ascertain all these things of which we accuse him." And the Jews also assented, maintaining that these things were so.
Acts 24:5-9
After the disingenuous flattery of Felix by Tertullus on behalf of Paul’s Jewish accusers, the character assassination of Paul began. Before considering the accusations, note the personal attacks on Paul. Flatterers are also character assassins! As much as they will lie to ‘butter up’ a person (for their own advantage), they have no compunction about lying about those they oppose.
One of the oldest and most insidious methods of debate is called ad hominin, Latin for “to the person.” The simplest explanation of the reason for, and method of ad hominin is this: When a person does not have facts to support his case, he resorts to simply attacking the person with whom he disagrees. This could also aptly be referred to as “verbal bullying!”
Go back and read Tertullus’ words and notice the absence of facts versus the wealth of personal attacks.
Those who specialize* in personal attacks of their opponents may have the right to speak, but they do not deserve to be heard. This is true in personal matters, as well as in formal public debate. Sadly, politics in our land has devolved into ugly name-calling instead of honest consideration of facts regarding issues.
Let us resist the temptation to practice ad hominin arguments, and may we refuse to be swayed by such tactics—even when we agree with what is being said. We need to think twice before voting for caustic bullies.
*I say specialize, because nearly all of us resort to ad hominin at times when frustrated. But if this is a person’s regular practice, that is another matter!