Ad Hominem 

The ad hominem argument is a familiar fallacy. Verbal abuse and personal attacks often avoid the real issues. Accusing someone of evil motives is a weak argument. Outlining why their idea is unworkable is valid. A gullible public naively swallows bad political logic and biased reporting. However, there is a legitimate use of ad hominem. Jesus did so in his parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15:4-7. Religious leaders had condemned him for the company he kept. He asked, "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?" [NASB] Jesus turned the criticism on them by stating that they would do the same with a lost sheep. What about us? Do we just sit and criticize motives or do we get involved helping others?