A book review on "Tactics: A Game Plan For Discussing Your Christian Convictions"

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Koukl, Gregory. Tactics: A Game Plan For Discussing Your Christian Convictions. Grand            Rapids: Zondervan, 2009. pp.206.

      In Christianity today there is an influx of confusion and contradiction about the message and methods in evangelism. Evangelism is the proclaiming of good news of Jesus Christ, whereby Christian share their faith in Jesus with others. One must know the good news before it can be proclaimed to others. However, knowing the gospel also implies that one is able to argue or at least defend the “faith that was once delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3). Koukl provides thought provoking questions to help others think through their views, while at the same time “placing a stone in their shoes” (38).

            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.