Apologetic method: Tactics by Koukl

Today I'm adding 'Tactics' by Gregory Koukl (Available from Amazon) to the Master Reading List under the category of Apologetics.

Apologetic books defend the Christian faith and so usually are packed full of historical data and rational arguments.  'Tactics' by Koukl is a rather unusual addition to the plethora of apologetic titles available.  Rather than broadly defending the Christian faith and appealing to non-Christian readers, this book is aimed at Christians and its main focus is teaching a method of argument.

In Chapters One and Two Koukl convinces the reader to use tactics in their witnessing.  Then Chapters Three, Four and Five teach Koukl's 'Columbo Tactic' which is the primary thesis of the book.  The Columbo Tactic means you ask questions 'in an inoffensive way by using carefully selected questions to productively advance the conversation.'  Koukl explains: 'There are three basic ways to use Columbo.  Each is launched by a different model question.  These three applications comprise the game plan I use to tame the most belligerent critic.  Sometimes I simply want to gather information.  Other times, I ask a question to reverse the burden of proof, that is to encourage the other person to give the reasons for her own views.  Finally, I use questions to lead the conversation in a specific direction.' 

Thus the first two questions you would ask using the Columbo tactic are: (i) What do you mean by that?; (ii) How did you come to that conclusion?  The third question is a leading question that requires knowledge of some kind to move the conversation where you want it to go.  In order to accomplish the last question, you would need to equip yourself with material provided by the Bible and other apologetic books, not Koukl's book.

The rest of the book just gives advice on how best to use the Columbo tactic, including the different types of arguments that people will use against it.

The book is well written and convincing.  It has many entertaining Socratic dialogues given by Koukl from his own life.  And each chapter finishes with a nice summary of what has just been taught which helps drum in the technique.

If you feel that your persuasion of unbelievers about the truth of Christianity could be much better, Koukl gives you a helpful game plan.  Read it today so that you can make the most of every opportunity that the Lord sends you.