Scholarly Reflections
Koukl, Gregory. (2019). "Chapter One: Diplomacy or D-Day?" In Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions (updated and expanded). pp. 25-37. Grand Rapids: Zondervan.
Koukl describes the work of apologetics more as an attempt at diplomacy than as an overt confrontation (Koukl 2019, 25-26). His approach involves the use of conversation tactics which allow for a friendly uncovering of beliefs so as to explore the strength of truth claims. Koukl illustrates the method through relating a conversation he had in a bookstore. He allowed a person who affirmed respect for all life to admit to support for abortion even though it would kill a human (Koukl 2019, 26-27). The woman affirmed that killing a baby was a matter of a person's individual choice. She defended her position using talking points which were unable to be adequately defended (Koukl 2019, 28-29). Koukl introduced a situation which, though consistent with the slogans, would not be acceptable to many people. The discussion ended charitably with the woman finding she had an untenable possibility. Koukl was not concerned that the discussion had not reached the goal of the gospel. She had gone from holding a position without thinking about it to serious consideration of the flaws in her position (Koukl 2019, 30).
Koukl emphasizes the importance of staying in the driver's seat of conversations, asking questions which will allow the other person to reveal his outlook (Koukl 2019, 31). Koukl emphasizes having knowledge of the subject, wisdom to engage, and a character which welcomes people. This book relates to the wisdom needed to engage people effectively (Koukl 2019, 32). Koukl's tactics are intended to equip people to bring order to their approach to a discussion. The intent is to manage the discussion so the other person is free to consider different points of view (Koukl 2019, 34). They are not intended to beat the other person down.
Koukl expresses confidence. "If Christianity is the truth, then no matter how convincing the other side sounds at first, there will always be a fly in the ointment somewhere - a mistake in thinking, a wayward 'fact,' an unjustified conclusion. Keep looking for it" (Koukl 2019, 36).