Today, there are so many resources out there to help Christians figure out their beliefs and why they believe. But it's not just about that - it's also crucial to have genuine, heartfelt conversations with people who haven't trusted in Christ yet, skeptics, and those with different religious views. You don't have to be a theology expert or a pastor to be a good apologist. All it takes is a few techniques in your back pocket to have meaningful discussions with others and represent Christ well. This is what Greg Koukl tries to accomplish with his book, Tactics.
People seem to look at apologetics as a way to defend Christianity and debunk other beliefs such as atheism. But Koukl shares that there is actually a much more effective alternative: diplomacy. Koukl calls it the "Ambassador Model." Christians often feel like their knowledge and skills are lacking. But if they follow the right game plan, they can totally keep the upper hand in spiritual conversations.
But trying to convince someone with a different viewpoint can quickly turn into a heated debate. Debates are not a bad thing, especially when they involve important subjects. However, the Bible advises us to approach these discussions with kindness, patience, and gentleness, even if we disagree with someone's actions or beliefs.
Using our minds properly helps us think logically about God and the world using revelation, observation, and careful thinking. It's best to do this with other people who discuss different ideas and arguments. Sometimes we'll just be listening, but we're still considering the facts, just like when we actively participate in a discussion about ideas and beliefs.
But a lot of Christians struggle with the concept of arguments. Many are afraid of causing division, and a good number of believers nowadays adhere to the cultural belief that disagreeing with an idea automatically means being hostile.
The goal isn't necessarily to convert someone to Christianity. It's more about getting them to think differently and consider new ideas by planting little seeds of thought in their minds. Or as Greg Koukl puts it, he wants to put a small rock in their shoe. Just enough to give them a level of discomfort to get them thinking about their worldview
Most of us don't have the special spiritual gift of convincing someone to make a spiritual decision in just one conversation. That's why we should focus on planting seeds of thought instead, and not waste our time trying to reap results that aren't ready yet.
Sometimes we might find ourselves in a conversation where we feel the urge to chime in, but research suggests that we only have around 10 seconds to do so before the opportunity slips away. However, throwing in a quick question can actually encourage the speaker to share more. Every question we ask can open up the possibility for more discussion. It's important to have a goal in mind when asking questions though – some are meant to gather more information, while others might gently challenge the other person's perspective.
The TV detective, Lt. Colombo, was portrayed as kind of clueless and not at all intimidating. He made the suspects feel comfortable during interviews by cleverly asking questions that helped move the conversation forward. Asking questions has a bunch of perks. They can be friendly and complimentary to discussion. Asking questions can help you make progress on a disagreement without being too aggressive.
Using well-placed questions to steer the conversation in your favor is a technique that Jesus himself often employed. He would ask questions to drive home his points or to expose flaws in others' thinking. There are three different types of questions that can be used in this "Colombo tactic." The first type is the question, "What do you mean by that?" This question not only starts a conversation, but also helps you understand the other person's perspective, preventing any misunderstandings or misrepresentations later on. It's important not to underestimate the power of this question, as it can be used in various ways throughout the day.
The Colombo tactic has many advantages, such as being a non-preachy way to engage with others and keeping you in control of the conversation. By asking this first Colombo question, you can gather information and prompt the other person to think more critically and clearly.
These are just a few of several tactics Koukl shares that Christians can employ in their discussions. But he also leaves the reader with eight quick tips to help you become better prepared to help get people thinking.
First, always be on the lookout for opportunities and possible divine appointments.
Second, keep it simple and stick to the basic gospel message, no need to bring up all the extra stuff if you don't have to.
Third, forget all that religious talk and use words like "trust" instead of "faith."
Fourth, focus on the truths of Scripture and build a solid foundation.
Fifth, give reasons and facts, because even in this postmodern age, people still care about that information.
Sixth, stay calm, cool, and collected. The more confident you are, the more convincing you'll be.
Seventh, if someone wants to leave, let them go, no need to push it.
And finally, if possible, give them something to take away like a website, or a pamphlet.
Practically anyone can interact with others in ways that are captivating and inviting if they have some well-thought-out strategies in their arsenal. It takes time and effort to learn them and gain more comfort, but it is possible, just like acquiring a new skill.
Tactics instills a lion’s worth of bravery and confidence for the Christian to share their faith. And this is needed more than ever to show the world that Christianity is worth thinking seriously about.