Page "religion" Paragraph 30

We may show, first, that there cannot possibly be an alternative other than the three typically represented by Bultmann, Barth, and Buri.

To do this, it is sufficient to point out that if the principle in terms of which alternatives are to be conceived is such as to exclude more than two, then the question of a `` third '' possibility is a meaningless question.

Thus, if what is at issue is whether `` All S is P '', it is indifferent whether `` Some S is not P '' or `` No S is P '', since in either case the judgment in question is false.

Hence, if what is in question is whether in a given theology myth is or is not completely rejected, it is unimportant whether only a little bit of myth or a considerable quantity is accepted ; ;

for, in either event, the first possibility is excluded.

Therefore, the only conceivable alternatives are those represented, on the one hand, by the two at least apparently self-consistent but mutually exclusive positions of Buri and Barth and, on the other hand, by the third but really pseudo position ( analogous to a round square ) of Bultmann.