Tactics

Question 1

What do apologists do?

Answer 1

Defend the faith.
Defeat false ideas
Destroy speculations raised up against the knowledge of God.

Question 2

What did Jesus say about what we should do when we find ourselves amongst the wolves?

Answer 2

Jesus said that when you find yourself as a sheep amid wolves, be innocent but shrewd (Matt. 10:16).

Even though there is real warfare going on, our engagements should look more like diplomacy than war.

Question 3

How does the ambassador model approach apologetics

Answer 3

Irenicly: It trades on more on friendly curiosity and relaxed diplomacy than confrontation

Question 4

What is a telltale sign of a weak position

Answer 4

When rhetoric becomes a substitute for substance. You always know a person has a weak position when they try to accomplish with the clever use of words what argument alone cannot do

Question 5

What should we do when a person is trying to hide or obfuscate their argument by only implying it instead of outright stating it?

Answer 5

Do not let them lurk in the shadows, but drag it into the light with a request for clarification.

Make the implicit idea explicitly obvious

Question 6

Should we share the gospel with every encounter we have?

Answer 6

Not every moment is a gospel moment. Some encounters are more like gardening moments that prepare the soil of their hearts [by breaking down strongholds] so that when they do hear the gospel, they will be more receptive to it.

Sometimes we simply have to entrust the person to the lord and move on.

Question 7

When do we lose an encounter?

Answer 7

Whenever anyone gets mad. People are not inclined to change their minds when they’re angry.

Question 8

Who should do most of the work?

Answer 8

The opponent, so they can see the logical consequences of their convictions

Our job is to pay attention to their responses, expose faulty thinking, and suggest more fruitful alternatives

Question 9

Three requirements for ambassadors of Christ?

Answer 9

1. Knowledge: Accurately informed mind
2. Wisdom: an Artful method
3. Character: an Attractive manner

Question 10

Why is our character important when representing christ?

Answer 10

Our knowledge and wisdom is packaged in our personage. If we don’t embody the virtues of the sovereign we will undermine our message and handicap our efforts

Question 11

What is the advantage we have as Christians

Answer 11

We are well-positioned on the field, because our worldview holds up well under scrutiny, especially considering the alternatives

Question 12

What are the two elements of our strategic advantage

Answer 12

1. Offensive: Giving reasons and evidence for our beliefs

2. Defensive: The ability to answer specific challenges to our faith

Question 13

What are tactics not

Answer 13

They are not manipulative tricks or clever ploys to embarrass the opponent or force them to submit to our point of view

We are to manage, not manipulate

We are to convince, not coerce

We are to fitness, not fight

Question 14

What is a common vice that apologists fall into?

Answer 14

To play the game of one-upmanship

It is not the Christian life to wound and embarrass

Question 15

Does being irenic mean we shy away from directness?

Answer 15

No, we are not opposed to being assertive, direct, and challenging.

We can be direct without being abrasive, abusive, or demeaning.

Question 16

Strategy vs Tactics

Answer 16

Strategy is the big picture: The content or reasons why someone should belief

Tactics is the artful way means by which we navigate the conversation

Question 17

Why do we need to be gentle towards the opposition

Answer 17

2 Timothy 2:24-26

24 And the Lord’s slave must not engage in heated disputes but be kind toward all, an apt teacher, patient, 25 correcting opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance and then knowledge of the truth, 26, and they will come to their senses and escape the devil’s trap where they are held captive to do his will.

Question 18

Mar 12:30 says that we have to love God with all our minds. Why is this not a passive process

Answer 18

This is not simply having sentimental religious thoughts, rather it involves coming to the right conclusions about God and his world, based on revelations, observation and careful reflection

Question 19

why is arguing a virtue?

Answer 19

It is vital for clear thinking, It helps us hold to that which is true and discard which is false.

Question 20

Why is it necessary to ensure that we have a sound doctrine?

Answer 20

So that we can teach accurately, and not lead people astray.

2 Timothy 2:

15 Make every effort to present yourself before God as a proven worker who does not need to be ashamed, teaching the message of truth accurately.

Question 21

Why according to 2 Timothy 4, would it be necessary at times to be confrontational and direct

Answer 21

Because there are times when people are intolerant to the truth, preferring comforting myths instead.

2 Timothy 4

2 Preach the message, be ready whether it is convenient or not, reprove, rebuke, exhort with complete patience and instruction. 3 For there will be a time when people will not tolerate sound teaching. Instead, following their own desires, they will accumulate teachers for themselves because they have an insatiable curiosity to hear new things. 4 And they will turn away from hearing the truth, but on the other hand they will turn aside to myths. 5 You, however, be self-controlled in all things, endure hardship, do an evangelist’s work, fulfill your ministry.

Question 22

Without which ingredient will our arguments always fail?

Answer 22

No one can come to Jesus unless the Father draws him [John 6:44].

No intellectual argument could ever substitute for the act of sovereign grace necessary for sinners to come to their senses.”

without God’s work, nothing else works; but with God’s work, many things work. Under the influence of the Holy Spirit, love persuades. With Jesus’ help, arguments convince. By the power of God, the gospel transforms through each of these methods.

Question 23

If we are only drawn to Christ by the spirit, then should we use reason and logic to argue at all?

Answer 23

For paul there was no conflict between the Sprit, reason and logic

According to Paul’s custom, he went to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and giving evidence that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead. . . . And some of them were persuaded. —Acts 17:2–4, emphasis added

He was reasoning in the synagogue every Sabbath and trying to persuade Jews and Greeks. —Acts 18:4, emphasis added

Question 24

Why do you think God is just as pleased to use a good argument as a warm expression of love?

Answer 24

Because both love and reason are consistent with God’s character. The same God who is the essence of love (1 John 4:8) also gave the invitation, “Come now, and let us reason together” (Isa. 1:18). Therefore both approaches honor him.

Question 25

Our job vs God’s job

Answer 25

Our job is to communicate the gospel as clearly, graciously, and persuasively as possible.

God’s job is to take it from there. We may plant the seeds or water the saplings, but God causes whatever increase comes from our efforts (1 Cor. 3:6–8).

We focus on being faithful but we trust God to be effective.

Some will respond, and some will not. The results are his concern, not ours. This lifts a tremendous burden from our shoulders.

Question 26

Instead of winning people for Christ, what does Gregory say his goal is.

Answer 26

To put a stone in someone’s shoe. To give that person something worth thinking about, something he can’t ignore because it continues to poke at him in a good way.

Question 27

Scriptural support for gardening instead of harvesting?

Answer 27

(John 4:27–38). He told them that, contrary to their conviction, Sychar was a field ripe for harvest. They would do the reaping, though they hadn’t done the sowing. Others did the heavy lifting, but the disciples would get the easy pickings. “One sows and another reaps,” Jesus said (v. 37).

“so that he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together” (v. 36).

describes:

1. one team working as a group in the same field
2. two seasons of labour: planting and gathering
3. two types of workers: sowers and reapers (gardeners and harversters)

Question 28

Benefits of asking quesitons instead of making statements

Answer 28

Questions:
invites conversation
builds relationship
gathers information
exposes views and convictions
Stears a conversation

Question 29

3 Steps to the Ambassadors approach

Answer 29

gather information
reverse the burden of proof
make point

Question 30

What is a good first question to ask?

Answer 30

What do you mean by that?

Any question that clarifies the meaning:

• How exactly does that work?
• what is the difference between ..
• Can you clarify this for me

Question 31

How does clarifying questions help the opponent?

Answer 31

Sometimes the reason you are confused about another person’s meaning is because she is confused too.

She objects to Christianity for reasons she hasn’t carefully thought through, and her objection flourishes because no one has challenged the lack of clarity that led to her muddled thinking in the first place.

Even though people have strong opinions, they rarely reflect on their views. Often they’re merely repeating slogans. When you ask them to flesh out their concern, opinion, or point of view, they’re struck mute. They’re forced to think about what they do mean, so be patient with the pause in the dialogue. You’re doing them a favor by requesting clarification.

Question 32

Bedtime story

Answer 32

It’s a way of explaining away your point of view with an opinion but with no substantiating evidence. Bedtime storytellers often start with the phrase, “Oh, I can explain that,” and then spin their yarn.

Question 33

Difference between opinion and an argument

Answer 33

An opinion is just a point of view. An argument, by contrast, is a point of view supported by reasons

Skeptics often give the first but not the second.

Question 34

Burden of proof

Answer 34

The burden of proof is the responsibility someone in the conversation has to give evidence for a view. Who has that responsibility? The person who makes the claim bears that burden.

Question 35

What should you do instead of trying to prove someone wrong?

Answer 35

reverse the burden of proof

Critics need to have more than a good imagination. They need reasons. That’s the way arguments work.

Question 36

Questions for reversing the burden of proof?

Answer 36

How did you come to that conclusion?

other questions:

• where did you get your facts?
• Why do you say that?
• What is your reasons for holding that view?
• What makes you think it happened that way?
• Im curious- why does that idea seem compelling to you?
• Why would you believe something you have no reason t think is true?

Question 37

3 Questions to ask when someone offers an alternative explanation

Answer 37

Is it possible?
Is it plausible?
Is it probable? (best explanation given competing ones)

And if it is, then why is it?

Question 38

What to do when an opponent tries to avoid the question by changing the topic

Answer 38

Narrate the debate

1 [Notice].I want you to notice the turn our talk just took.

2. [Question ]First, you made a fairly controversial statement, and I asked you a couple of questions about it.
3. So far, you haven’t answered them. Instead you’ve taken off in another direction.
4. Before we move on to a new topic, would it be okay with you if we finish the old one?
5. I really am interested in your response.

Question 39

How to respond to an ad-hominin

Answer 39

Narrate the Debate

1. [Notice} Did you notice what just happened?
2. [Question] I raised a question about the legitimacy of your idea that all religions lead to God,
3. [Response] and you responded by calling me a name—a bigot, to be precise.
4. [Change]You changed the subject. We were talking about an issue, and then you attacked my character.
5. [Why] ] Why did you do that?

Question 40

When an unbeliever asks for your view on a controversial topic?

Answer 40

I don’t mind answering, but before I do, I want to know if it’s safe to offer my views.

So let me ask you a question first: do you consider yourself a tolerant person or an intolerant person on issues like this?

Is it safe to give my opinion, or are you going to judge me for my point of view?

Do you respect diverse points of view, or do you condemn others for having convictions that differ from your own?

Question 41

How can we use the opponent as an ally to help us build a case against his view?

Answer 41

By getting them to make the case for us

Use questions to get them to lay the individual pieces on the table then get them to make the connection between the pieces