Koukl,
Gregory. Tactics: A Game Plan For
Discussing Your Christian Convictions. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2009. pp.206.
The author, Greg Koukl, is not a
novice when it comes to proclaiming and defending the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Koukl has an earned Masters in Philosophy of Religion and Ethics from Talbot
School of Theology and a Masters in Christian Apologetics from Simon Greenleaf
University. He serves as adjunct professor of Christian apologetics at Biola
University. Koukl is the founder and president of the apologetic ministry Stand to Reason where he helps others
think through their understanding of truth. He has spoken on over 50 university
campuses, debated some the greatest thinkers of all time, and has written a
number of books on Christian apologetics.
The defense of the Christian faith is
something many evangelicals shy away from at best or just do not think about at
worse. In the book Koukl divides it into two main divisions. In part one called
the “Game Plan” the author gives the practical ways of engaging others in
conversation. Part two he shows in a real life way of breaking down
misconception and straw man arguments. Many who call themselves Christians know
and have experienced just enough to call themselves Christians. This type of
nominal Christianity has caused believers to rarely consider sharing or
defending their faith. Koukl helps breakthrough this type of slothful thinking
among his readers by offering a game plan for sharing one’s faith. He does this
by helping readers to think, confront, and address others of their worldview or
religious beliefs.
In Koukl’s book Tatics he helps the believer approach others with a sense of
confidence by breaking down their arguments in a non-offensive way. Koukl’s approach gives hope for the newest or seasoned
Christian with the tools needed in identifying a starting point. For the
Christian who is seasoned in their faith, Tactics
offers new insights on how to witness for Christ by asking questions like,
“What do you mean by that” (49)? Koukl’s philosophy helps the Christian relax
when he explains, “Understanding God’s central role in the process removes a
tremendous burden” (41).
Koukl’s tactic stems from Hugh
Hewitt’s book, In, But Not Of, when
he says, “Christians should engage in asking at least a dozen questions in a
conversation” (47). By asking questions the Christian can demonstrate to the
other person several things. Asking questions show the other persons concern
for their point of view, beliefs, and it helps them better understand where
they are coming from. This tactic allows the question asker to remain in the
driver seat, while at the same time getting information needed to make the
quick connection to Jesus. Asking questions helps one not only better
understand the other person’s point of view, but it also helps not misrepresent
their view.
In chapters three and four the
author explains, “arguments are like a simple house, a roof supported by walls”
(60). The next question he proposes is, “How did you come to that conclusion?”
After finding out what the person is thinking now, one finds out how they have
come to that conclusion. The author explains, “many people have never thought
through their views and don’t know why they hold them” (61-62). By asking questions
it opens the door for further understanding, as that person explains why they
believe their particular view. However, this may or may not be helpful. The
reasoning behind it is it may cause the other person to shut down the
conversation. Nonetheless, it is an excellent way in getting deeper into their
understanding.
These questions are offered as great
starters in opening the door for spiritual conversations. Questions like these
also allow for advancement of spiritual dialogue without seeming pushy. Koukl
concerns himself with not being pushy or either party getting mad. There will
be very much advancement with the truth of the gospel if either side get upset
or anger. For that reason, these questions and methods should be memorized,
meditated upon, and practice as often as one can. The author points out, “that
role-play your ideas-and potential rejoinders from the other side- and do this
out loud” (103).
In the last section of the book
chapters 7-14, the author gives practical ways of listening for flaws in others
arguments. He offers various types of arguments, like “taking off the roof”
technique that can be used in discussing others views. Most of the techniques
used are self-destructive in their own nature, like the self-refuting argument
or the self-destructive argument. The techniques in and of themselves work
themselves by simply listening to the other talk and seek out the flaw in their
view. Another flaw Koukl points out is the internal contradictive argument,
which “view shows that it can believed, but not acted on or promoted” (129), it
simple contradicts itself internally. As an example he uses the statement, “It’s
wrong to say people are wrong” (129). In the last section, the author offers a
number of examples to show how these flaws can be detected and responded to.
The author is correct in stating, “those
who represent Christ as ambassadors” (24). As ambassadors of Christ there must be
a common knowledge of who Christ is and what Christ has done. However,
knowledge not applied is no good at all. Therefore, ambassadors of Christ must
apply the knowledge they received. This is known as wisdom. Koukl argues wisdom
is being able to discuss one’s conviction without either becoming angry. However,
not all discussions revolving around others opinions will lead to an anger free
discussion.
Koukl’s theology is well articulated
and very well balanced. He desires for his readers to be at ease in these
techniques he teaches them. One way he does this is by reminding them of God’s
sovereignty and His care during their encounter. He reminds the necessity of
Christ working in salvation when he says, “There is a particular work of God
that is necessary to bring someone into the kingdom. Second, when present, this
work cannot fail to accomplish its goal” (36). These truths help and encourage
the reader to know at the end of the conversation there is no losing. Another
solid statement he makes is when he writes, “Without God’s work, nothing else
works, but with God’s work many things work” (36). Again, the author’s solid
understanding of God’s sovereign grace in salvation is a great reminder to the
reader when practicing these techniques.
The last section of the book seemed
to be a little too technical, as well as intellectual. For the new Christian or
one who has never heard of theistic evolution, infanticide, and or reductios
they would have a hard time understanding his examples. This section would be
somewhat complicated for them to read. The readers would be well served if the
author could have used these examples along with a definition of unfamiliar
words.
Overall, the book accomplished what
the author set out to do. And that was to instruct, teach, and share some basic
techniques in discussing one’s Christian conviction. He accomplishes this by
showing how one can open a spiritual conversation by merely asking questions.
Not only can one find out information, but he can also learn how they arrived
at their point of view. This can all be done without either sides getting angry
if done correctly. The author’s demeanor, graciousness, and spiritual care for
those he is speaking to be evident throughout the book.
Christians who read this book will
be better equipped in discussing their faith with others. This book would be a
great read for pastors, elders, deacons, Sunday School leaders, seasoned
saints, as well as new believers. However, it needs to be said some of the terminology
in the book may be difficult for some to clearly understand. Therefore, the end
of the book may not be as helpful as the beginning.
