3/22/24
Scholarly Reflections
Koukl, Gregory. (2019). "Chapter Five: Columbo Step 2: Reversing the Burden of Proof." In Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions (updated and expanded). pp. 76-86. Grand Rapids: Zondervan.
Koukl notes that many people have a cultural view that only Christianity needs to defend itself. When asked for an explanation of their views, many people will tell a story but not actually bring evidence (Koukl 2019, 76). In fact, an opinion should be backed up by some sort of evidence. The responsibility to provide evidence, known as the burden of proof, belongs to someone in a discussion (Koukl 2019, 77). Koukl puts the burden of proof on the person who makes a claim, as people typically do when asked questions.
Koukl compares an argument to a house. He makes the conclusion a roof, and the walls are evidence which is strong enough to bear the weight of the conclusion (Koukl 2019, 79). All the persuasive stories in the world, without actual evidence, cannot be allowed to hold up a roof.
Shifting the burden of proof to another person is easily done, by asking, "How did you come to that conclusion?" (Koukl 2019, 80). The question is charitable, as it assumes the conclusion is well founded. Koukl reminds the reader that the critic does not immediately need to be refuted. It is sufficient to require an adequate defense.
In evaluating a critic's argument, Koukl recommends three essential criteria. He evaluates an argument in terms of its possibility, its plausibility, and its probability (Koukl 2019, 82ff).
Koukl grants that the Christian also has a burden of proof, and should be prepared to explain himself. However, the burden of proof does not belong solely to the Christian (Koukl 2019, 84).
Scholarly Reflections
Koukl, Gregory. (2019). "Chapter Five: Columbo Step 2: Reversing the Burden of Proof." In Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions (updated and expanded). pp. 76-86. Grand Rapids: Zondervan.
Koukl notes that many people have a cultural view that only Christianity needs to defend itself. When asked for an explanation of their views, many people will tell a story but not actually bring evidence (Koukl 2019, 76). In fact, an opinion should be backed up by some sort of evidence. The responsibility to provide evidence, known as the burden of proof, belongs to someone in a discussion (Koukl 2019, 77). Koukl puts the burden of proof on the person who makes a claim, as people typically do when asked questions.
Koukl compares an argument to a house. He makes the conclusion a roof, and the walls are evidence which is strong enough to bear the weight of the conclusion (Koukl 2019, 79). All the persuasive stories in the world, without actual evidence, cannot be allowed to hold up a roof.
Shifting the burden of proof to another person is easily done, by asking, "How did you come to that conclusion?" (Koukl 2019, 80). The question is charitable, as it assumes the conclusion is well founded. Koukl reminds the reader that the critic does not immediately need to be refuted. It is sufficient to require an adequate defense.
In evaluating a critic's argument, Koukl recommends three essential criteria. He evaluates an argument in terms of its possibility, its plausibility, and its probability (Koukl 2019, 82ff).
Koukl grants that the Christian also has a burden of proof, and should be prepared to explain himself. However, the burden of proof does not belong solely to the Christian (Koukl 2019, 84).
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