BOOK SUMMARY: A GAME PLAN FOR DISCUSSION YOUR CHRISTIAN CONVICTIONS
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Introduction
We are living in a world that is indifferent and which, at a point, opposes the Christian truths. In such a world and time, the followers of Christ ought to be better equipped to communicate the eternity of the Christian faith. The question that pops up is how you carry a conversation with a person whose intention is to prove your faith wrong and cannot accept the Biblical teachings as a source of authority. In Koukl Gregory’s Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussion Your Christian Convictions, there is a demonstration on how a person can artfully regain control that is needed in controlling conversations. In this book, one will learn the command through a thoughtful form of diplomacy. It is through such gains that a person can move forward constructively during conversations. The book’s primary aim is to enable the reader to maneuver comfortably and graciously in the middle of a challenging discussion. It is a compelling book that shows ways that can be applied to stop a challenger in his tracks and turntables on a question or a provocative statement. Lastly, the book equips the readers with the skills of getting people to think about Jesus. In this essay paper, we are growing to draw a focus on the chapter to chapter analysis of the book Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussion Your Christian Convictions that is written by Koukl Gregory and published by Zondervan in 2009.
Brief Summary
Firstly, Gregory draws on the extensive experience of defending the Christian faith in a Public Square. In this book, he shows the reader on various ways of defending his faith. He starts by a showcase of initiating a conversation effortlessly, presenting the detailed truth in a clear and persuasive approach. The book further effectively and graciously exposes faulty thinking and, lastly, gives a way of managing details of dialogue while maintaining engaging and disarming styles even during attacks. It is indeed a game plan in communicating the compelling truths of Christianity with grace and also confidence.
Briefly, Tactics is an apologetics book. It promises to teach on a new respectful method of defending the faith that you subscribe to and attempts to convince other people on the trueness of Christianity. It is not all about comparisons of apologetics methods; instead, it is a guide through which the reader is encouraged to seek and head to a new process of genuinely sharing faith with other people. Koukl promises that through the book, he teaches in ways of navigating in conversations so as one stays always controls even though the knowledge of the reader can be limited. He introduces even the novices into helpful tactics that will, in all ways, help them stay in command of any dialogue of the faith that they get themselves. Importantly, it is of the essence to note that that the tactics that are presented are not slicing ruses or manipulative tricks. They are not supposed to be used for embarrassing other people or forcing them to submit to the reader’s point of view. In that manner, they are not supposed to be used in belittling or humiliating the other person that you engage the dialogue with to gain them to your spiritual belt. Instead, the book suggests that the teachings should be guides in exposing poor reasoning as well as using them as bridges of truth.
Koukl, in his first approach, begins by looking at the three skills that are basic for any Christian who aspires to be a good apologist. Knowledge is the first skill that is required for any aspiring apologist. Knowledge is the familiarity that one possesses with the central message that the Bible is structured. He goes on to explain that the other necessary skill that is required is in having wisdom, which then goes ahead to have the already gained knowledge efficiently and transparently. The third essential skill is in the character that should reflect Godly character. The character is the one that should embody the same kingdom that the individual serves hence becoming easier in whatever he argues. The traits will reflect the faith that he talks about. Over the chapters, Koukl goes ahead to unveil the tactic he calls ‘The Columbo.’ The tactic guides one in never making a statement when there is a question at hand that will do that task. It becomes easier to gather information in that approach. In the second part of the book, he offers guidance on finding flaws through the manner that one speaks. It is through this approach that you become in a position to unveil poor reasoning in the other person you holding the conversation. Broadly, the methods that are brought out in this model are well suited to modern times. Indeed it is a piece I highly recommend to any scholar of apologetics. Herein is the chapter to chapter analysis of the book that is divided into two parts. The first part, The Game plan, is made of six sections, whereas the second part Finding the Flaws is made up of eight chapters. The foreword of the book is done by Lee Strobel, an author too that wrote The Case for the Real Jesus.
Summary of the first part, The Game Plan
In this first part, Koukl starts by quoting the Apostle Paul’s epistle to Colossians. From the book of Colossians 4: 6, he quotes. Let the speech of every believer be with grace always and seasoned as it were with salt. The reason is that each Christian needs to know how to respond to every other person. It is this verse that lays the background towards the onset of his game plan. In chapter one, he explores the issue of Diplomacy or D-day. He suggests that every time Christians find themselves as sheep amidst wolves, meaning the non-aficionados, they are supposed to be innocent and let the engagement to sound more of diplomacy rather than D-day. In controversial conversations, he places that one should be diplomatic and employ what Koukl refers to as the Ambassador model. The approach mentioned avoids confrontation; instead, it advocates diplomacy. He gives the experience that he had on a personal account with the witch in Wisconsin. The details teach the readers on how they need to become twenty-first-century ambassadors. The first chapter concludes by telling on the essential skills that each Christian needs to have in this century. The most important drawing is that tactics help someone to be in the driver’s seat while holding conversations. Tactics at this part are explained and differentiated from the strategy. The dangers of using the stated tactics are also highlighted in this first part.
The second chapter is based on reservations. The author suggests that at all times, we should keep our conversations cordial. If a principled and charitable expression that you make drives someone to be mad, a Christian should ensure that it is the ideas and not the person that elicits the emotions. He further elaborates on his view that arguing is a virtue that every Christian needs to possess. Against any error, it is the mind that comes to be the first protective element and not the Bible; therefore, the arguing elements should always be kept in mind. The chapter explores the further understanding of the Biblical truth passionately as much as possible. Coming to conclusions on God and the word of the Lord should be in all times based upon observation, revelation, and a careful reflection on the happenings. The issue of fighting Phobia is highlighted in this part. He later shifts the discussion to the question he poses as to whether arguments work. Referencing from the book of Acts on its seventeen chapters, he reminds the readers of how Paul made it a custom to go and persuade them on the death and ascension of Jesus Christ. It concludes on the relevance of arguments. The chapter also differentiates between an argument and a fight. The unfriendliness in arguing out ideas is not constructive. It is the scriptures that dictate us to guard the truth. It is, therefore, essential to base the arguments on the work of God because it cannot be kept away from the tactics in the discussions. In the final part of the chapter, there is an encouragement that Christians who practice apologetics need to adopt the modest goal in making all encounters turn out effectively. The aim should be putting a stone is a hoe of an individual and making him think. The goal in all times should be in planting seeds that later will flourish under the care of God.
The other proceeding four chapters of this first part involve the Columbo tactic. In the fourth chapter, Koukl gets the attention of the reader towards getting himself in the seat of the driver of this tactic. The reader is put into four scenes that he is supposed to put himself. The reader is given the opportunity of considering what to say in a ten-second response to the standard challenges that one who is a Christian ambassador can be faced in his attempts. The plan that is outlined is what is referred to as the Columbo tactic. It is a way that Christian ambassadors can use to maintain a dialogue. It is an approach with a variety of advantages that the author has lined up in the chapter. The proposal ultimately gives the ambassador time to start a conversation and also engage in interactive aspects. The questioning model enables one to buy a valuable amount of time, and lastly, they put the Christian in a situation of controlling the whole conversation. The first reason behind this tactic is on gaining information. As the chapter unfolds, the book talks about the four specific challenges that the tactic faces in its working. The first question that Koukl advocates in using is, “What do you mean by that?” it should always be the first step that is taken towards managing conversations.
The fourth chapter is a continuation of the third chapter. It talks much more about the burden of proof. The second use of the already explained tactic of Columbo is discussed. The section gives the application based on the argument that people should provide a reason for every aspect that they do think is right. It urges that Christians do not need to let their critics towards having a free ride. They should be in a position of defending whatever they believe is true as per them. The readers should not only aim at proving them wrong. Instead, they should stand to show also whatever they defend. It is at this point that the author introduces the second question. The readers should ask, “How did you come up with that conclusion?” The question will help the ambassadors in the skills of not retreating in such scenarios. The chapter continues by explaining that any argument should be well structured. It refutes that opinion is full proof. There is an introduction of the concept of supporting the points of view just the same way wall of a house is supportive of the roofs. Another critical thing is on dealing with “professor’s ploy” in those who tend to escape the burden of proof. Together with keeping the ambassador out of the hot seat, the chapter concludes on analyzing the usage of the tactic in such scenarios.
In chapter five, there is an introduction of using this tactic in a new direction. The tactic suggests herein that using questions can be an effective tactic of gathering information. This is all in leading someone to the direction that you want the conversation to head. The use of Columbo in this chapter needs some sort of knowledge, unlike the already explained questions. The most important thing is that the skill develops over a duration of time. The suggestion is that on basing the leading questions, it needs to be done in a manner that requests clarification.
Lastly, the first part in chapter six involves perfecting the skill of Columbo. The first thing is to anticipate earlier on any objection that you will face. The second thing is to assess individually after each encounter. Lastly, in the situation of a new idea, the reader should practice role-playing. The next reading that forms this chapter is on how to defend yourself if your critic uses the skill on you.
Summary of the Second Part, Finding the flaws
The second part of this book on finding the flaws is made up of eight chapters. Chapter seven talks on Suicide: The views that Self-Destruct. He highlights the self-refuting aspects and how nothing can be done on fixing them. He teaches on ways that can be used in recognizing and responding to the self-destructive statements. Colombo tactic is applied too rather than a statement in pointing out the statement. Finally, the chapter ends by teaching on ways through which a response can be made to objections and ideas that disobey the non-contradiction law.
Chapter eight is titled ‘practising suicide.’ The chapter explains that there are more ways through which arguments can cause self-destruction. It explores the issue of practical suicide, like in stating phrases like, it is wrong to say that people are wrong. The vital lesson learned from this chapter is that it is wrong to try changing a religious view of the other party minus getting clear information.
Chapter nine of this book focuses majorly on the issue of sibling rivalry and also on infanticide. The stated topic equates objections that come while in argument as pairs. Koukl indicates that such issues come in pairs and can be referred to as siblings that are always in rivalry, and it is because they contradict the other. In this approach, one objection can be eliminated since it is not legitimate in its complaint. The term infanticide refers to the parent and child likening. There should always be a parent challenge for the other to arise. If the parent argument is killed, the other child dies. It suggests that suicide should be applied to the parent claim, and the critic will not have a ground to stand on in furthering his argument.
Chapter ten focuses on taking off the roof. It can also be termed as reduction ad absurdum. He continues explaining that the idea is given a test drive in determining that there is no absurd consequence. The book explains further that the person is invited to consider the odd implications of the view he places. The tactic tries to remove the roof that humankind has erected in protecting himself from the contradictions planted.
On chapter eleven, it is titled the Steamroller. It is all about the reasons that can make a person reject the stands that Christians have in arguments. The reasons behind the rejecting are further explained. The chapter also unfolds through studies of identifying and restraining steamrollers. Three further steps explain managing steamrollers that conclude in this chapter.
Chapter twelve explores on the Rhodes Scholar tactic. The tactic offers a tool in using when a person invokes a scholarly opinion that is against the view that the reader holds. The tactic has protection from the error of fallacy that expert witness keeps. It further states the importance of expertise in a particular field, but not in all aspects do experts give the right opinion. He states that the key to this tactic is getting way ahead of the scholar’s opinion. The context of a person being informed and educated is brought out in this chapter. The reasons matter way ahead than opinions of academic airs.
The thirteenth chapter is based on the words of detective Joe Friday, Just the Facts, Maam. It refutes those who argue out of ignorance or incidents of error. Just the Fact is a form of tactic that is taught in this chapter, how the two approaches to this tactic is explained fully in this chapter. One is supposed to read and listen carefully and then reflect on the claims as the truth is searched to be said.
The last chapter of this book focuses on the title more sweat, less blood. The chapter is a wholesome conclusion on the game plan that he has been teaching. His dream is in giving the readers with tactics of maneuvering graciously and comfortably in conversations that pertain to Christian Convictions. The chapter ends with his suggestions on helping the readers in sweating more while bleeding less as they remain more faithful to the duties that lay ahead of them in their conversations. The chapter marks the end of the second part of the book and the book at large.
Conclusion
To conclude, Gregory’s Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussion Your Christian Convictions is a game plan in discussing a Christian’s convictions. The book, as its name suggests, is a book that provides several tactics in responding to various arguments of defending the faith as well as sharing the convictions. Koukl’s book enables the readers to be as the book of 1 Peter 3:15 is written, to be prepared to offer the answers in a gentle, respectful, and humble way. The book is the best resource for any scholar that wants to study apologetics. The examples are drawn from the real-life experiences that every person faces. I highly recommend it.
Bibliography
Koukl, Gregory. Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions. Zondervan, 2009
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