6/21/24
Scholarly Reflections
Koukl, Gregory. (2019). "Chapter Eighteen: Mini-Tactics." In Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions (updated and expanded). (pp. 241-254). Grand Rapids: Zondervan.
In this chapter, Koukl reviews a number of "modest maneuvers" to help in conversations. These are relatively simple ways, mostly to deal with difficulties in a conversation (Koukl 2019, p. 241).
One situation Koukl notes as a fairly frequent occurrence is that people who don't show a strong commitment to Jesus or the Bible will claim him or the Bible as a means of support for an argument (Koukl 2019, p. 241). If Jesus' opinion matters to the person you are interacting with, it is perfectly fair to use it responsibly for your point of view as well (Koukl 2019, p. 242). Koukl strongly suggests letting Jesus' word on a subject stand and requiring the other person to fight against him, not against you.
Another common way people try to move an argument is through ad hominem attacks involving name calling or negative labels (Koukl 2019, p. 245). Because this is so powerful rhetorically, Koukl recommends immediately exposing the tactic and asking for a definition. Ask why the term was used and how it furthers a legitimate argument.
Koukl recognizes that some objections people will raise should be embraced, rather than provoking flight (Koukl 2019, p. 246). This makes it possible to undermine the objection. For instance, if told Christians had to pick and choose how to interpret ethics in the Bible, the same is true of followers of any ethic (Koukl 2019, p. 247). Additionally, many objections crumble when pressed. If a person raises an objection, it is also an invitation to explore the objection.
Koukl advises avoidance of language which will be interpreted as "Christian jargon" (Koukl 2019, p. 249). Not only is it easily ignored, the lack of clear definition can be misleading. Rather, use specific terms, such as the name of a figure in the Bible who spoke, a reference to a letter to a church, or a biography of Jesus (Koukl 2019, p. 250).
When objections seem to be intended only at intimidation rather than moving an actual argument, Koukl suggests a simple question. "So?" (Koukl 2019, p. 252). Nothing useful comes from the claim. The question signals its irrelevance.
Scholarly Reflections
Koukl, Gregory. (2019). "Chapter Eighteen: Mini-Tactics." In Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions (updated and expanded). (pp. 241-254). Grand Rapids: Zondervan.
In this chapter, Koukl reviews a number of "modest maneuvers" to help in conversations. These are relatively simple ways, mostly to deal with difficulties in a conversation (Koukl 2019, p. 241).
One situation Koukl notes as a fairly frequent occurrence is that people who don't show a strong commitment to Jesus or the Bible will claim him or the Bible as a means of support for an argument (Koukl 2019, p. 241). If Jesus' opinion matters to the person you are interacting with, it is perfectly fair to use it responsibly for your point of view as well (Koukl 2019, p. 242). Koukl strongly suggests letting Jesus' word on a subject stand and requiring the other person to fight against him, not against you.
Another common way people try to move an argument is through ad hominem attacks involving name calling or negative labels (Koukl 2019, p. 245). Because this is so powerful rhetorically, Koukl recommends immediately exposing the tactic and asking for a definition. Ask why the term was used and how it furthers a legitimate argument.
Koukl recognizes that some objections people will raise should be embraced, rather than provoking flight (Koukl 2019, p. 246). This makes it possible to undermine the objection. For instance, if told Christians had to pick and choose how to interpret ethics in the Bible, the same is true of followers of any ethic (Koukl 2019, p. 247). Additionally, many objections crumble when pressed. If a person raises an objection, it is also an invitation to explore the objection.
Koukl advises avoidance of language which will be interpreted as "Christian jargon" (Koukl 2019, p. 249). Not only is it easily ignored, the lack of clear definition can be misleading. Rather, use specific terms, such as the name of a figure in the Bible who spoke, a reference to a letter to a church, or a biography of Jesus (Koukl 2019, p. 250).
When objections seem to be intended only at intimidation rather than moving an actual argument, Koukl suggests a simple question. "So?" (Koukl 2019, p. 252). Nothing useful comes from the claim. The question signals its irrelevance.
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