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Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions

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This week I received my copy of Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions by Greg Koukl. I was anxious to have a look at the book, as I have been following Greg Koukl's ministry of Stand to Reason for a number of years. On one hand, I was excited to see in book form what I have heard Koukl demonstrate so many times on his live radio program: an effective and gracious way to communicate one's faith in an articulate and winsome way. On the other hand, my familiarity with Koukl's Tactics audio program made me wonder if this was just a repackaging of the same material. I was thoroughly surprised. I'm a reader - but it's been a while since I have devoured a book.

Tactics is an immediately practical book. The author's heart is that Christians be equipped to be good ambassadors. An ambassador has three skills: "knowledge, an accurately informed mind; wisdom, an artful method; and character, an attractive manner." Koukl describes the goal of a tactical approach - one that seeks to converse more persuasively by being thoughtful and reasonable, rather than emotional, about one's convictions.

In a very balanced way, Koukl carefully introduces this approach and neutralizes some of the negative connotations that come with sharing and defending the faith. Some people immediately object at the idea of argumentation or "methods." However, Koukl summarizes a more biblical approach:

"Here's the key principle: Without God's work, nothing else works; but with God's work, many things work. Under the influence of the Holy Spirit, love persuades. By the power of God, the gospel transforms. And with Jesus at work, arguments convince. God is happy to use each of these methods."

Now Koukl dives into the meat of the book. He presents about a half dozen "tactics," as he calls them - each with a memorable name, such as, "Columbo," "Suicide," and, "Taking the Roof Off," among others. As he teaches you these tactics, Koukl's experience and mastery in this area immediately become evident. He is not a theorist presenting untested ideas. Instead, he is a veteran, discussing situation after situation gleaned from countless personal encounters, public debates, radio interviews, and friendly conversations. The phenomenal part is that these approaches are simple and the applications are immediately accessible to the reader.

One particular insight Koukl shares should bring relief to those who feel fear come over them at even the thought of discussing their faith: you don't have to hit home runs. In fact, Koukl stresses that you don't even have to get on base. The goal is to leave them with something to think about. His advice: simply leave them with "a stone in their shoe."

Navigating through the book, you will find gem after gem of wisdom. So many of the common objections that the Christian encounters are found here - but with answers that are actually useful in conversation. Although much of the substance is philosophical in nature, Koukl drops the jargon and replaces it with practical expressions. This is a handbook suitable for the layman and professional apologist alike.

After passing the halfway point in the book, you will realize that you are not just learning how to steer safely through a conversation - you are learning how to think. Koukl will sharpen your thinking skills and your ability to spot fuzzy logic and faulty arguments. You will realize that this is a book about truth. By the time you reach the end (it's about 200 pages), you will be amazed at the amount of wisdom, insight, and courage you have gleaned. A second reading is definitely in order.

Koukl's Tactics is endorsed by a long list of notable apologists and Christian thinkers: Norman Geisler, William Lane Craig, Gary Habermas, J. P. Moreland, Hank Hanegraaff, Jay Wesley Richards, David Noebel, Justin Taylor, Paul Copan, Sean McDowell, Frank Turek, and Craig Hazen.

For those familiar with Koukl's Tactics audio program, many of the same personal encounters are cited. However, this is not a repackaging of old material. I found the book to be immensely helpful even after recently re-listening to Greg Koukl's Tactics in Defending the Faith audio program. In addition to the expanded and fresh material, I found the summaries at the end of each chapter to be particularly helpful.

Greg Koukl's Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions is not designed to give you pat answers or lists of facts to bring to your conversations. Far from being "another evangelism book," Tactics is a book that will challenge you to be a critical thinker, a logical communicator, and a gracious ambassador for Jesus Christ.

I have a bit of an aversion to books on apologetics. I don't know exactly why this is, but it may be that many of them seem to teach methods of defending the faith that either manipulate or bludgeon. Somehow grace and apologetics do not seem to go together as they ought. So it was with perhaps just a bit of reluctance that I began reading Gregory Koukl's Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions. This is a book that promises to teach a new method, a respectful method, of defending the faith and of attempting to convince others of the truth of Christianity. This is not an apologetics 101 text, as in a book that will compare and contrast various apologetic methods; instead, it is a guide, a book that seeks to lead the reader into a new method of sharing his faith with others.

"If you're like a lot of people who pick up a book like this, you would like to make a difference for the kingdom, but you are not sure how to begin. I want to give you a game plan, a strategy to get involved in a way you never thought you could, yet with a tremendous margin of safety." Here is what Koukl promises--he sets no small goal. "I am going to teach you how to navigate in conversations so that you stay in control--in a good way--even though your knowledge is limited. You may know nothing about answering challenges people raise against what you believe. You may even be a brand new Christian. It doesn't matter. I am going to introduce you to a handful of effective maneuvers--I call them tactics--that will help you stay in control."

This tactical approach is a useful one, for it allows you to stay "in the driver's seat in conversations, so you can productively direct the discussion, exposing faulty thinking and suggesting more fruitful alternatives along the way." It is important to note that "tactics are not manipulative tricks or slice ruses. They are not clever ploys to embarrass other people and force them to submit to your point of view. They are not meant to belittle or humiliate those who disagree so you can gain notches in your spiritual belt." Instead, they are ways of guiding a conversation to expose poor reasoning and then use that as a bridge to the truth.

Koukl begins by looking at three basics skills the Christian will need if he wishes to be an effective apologist. First, he must have knowledge, having a familiarity with the central message of the Bible; second, he must have knowledge that is tempered by wisdom that makes his message clear and persuasive; third, he must have the character of a Christian, embodying the virtues of the kingdom he serves.

Then, over the course of four chapters, Koukl unveils his tactic. He calls it "The Columbo." The key to this tactic is to "go on the offensive in an inoffensive way by using carefully selected questions to productively advance the conversation." Never make a statement when a question will do the job. When you ask questions and listen carefully, you gather information that can be used to show a person where his thinking is faulty. Questions can be used to gather information, to reverse the burden of proof or to lead the conversation. Either way, the person asking the question is the person who leads the discussion.

He sets a modest and realistic goal for his interactions with unbelievers. "My goal," he says, "is to find clever ways to exploit someone's bad thinking for the purpose of guiding her to truth, yet remaining gracious and charitable at the same time. My aim is to manage, not manipulate; to control, not coerce; to finesse, not fight. I want the same for you." The goal of this kind of apologetics, then, is not necessarily to win someone to Christ. That may be an ultimate goal or an ultimate hope, but the goal of an individual encounter is nothing more than, in Koukl's words, "putting a stone in someone's shoe." "I want to give him something worth thinking about, something he can't ignore because it continues to poke at him in a good way."

In Part 2 of the book, Koukl offers guidance in finding flaws in the way people reason. He offers specific tactics to unveil poor reasoning and to turn it back against a person. He calls these things like Suicide, Sibling Rivalry, Taking the Roof Off. He offers advice on countering the human steamroller (you've tried to discuss issues with people like this) and the Rhodes scholar, the supposed expert.

When I think of Christian apologetics, I tend to think of Evidence that Demands a Verdict or some of the classics of days gone by. But in this book Koukl offers a new approach and one that is well-suited to the times. He teaches the Christian to think well, to exemplify grace and to humbly lead a conversation to the truth. "We may spend hours helping someone carefully work through an issue without ever mentioning God, Jesus or the Bible. This does not mean we aren't advancing the kingdom. It is always a step in the right direction when he help others think more carefully. If nothing else, it gives them tools to assess the bigger questions that eventually come up."

Apologetics is not always a discipline that is done with grace. But in this book Koukl shares tactics that will prove beneficial to any Christian. They may just revolutionize the way you interact with unbelievers. I highly recommend it.

Apologetics is a subject that can create a variety of reactions from those who hear the word. Some like apologetics and work to do well at it. Others really dislike what is perceived as aggressive behavior and just get turned off by the whole idea. They argue it's better to build relationships and such. Well, it's been my experience that apologetics is a way of defending the Christian faith that is flexible enough that it can work well with complete strangers and with long time friends in need of the Lord. Still there are others who think of apologetics and just plain get scared if not overwhelmed. Those who get worried about sharing their faith often think of those aggressive scenes we all saw at the campus square or they think apologetics has to be confrontational and aggressive - well, sometimes yes, but most of the time, not at all. What Koukl presents can be done over a cup of coffee or while hanging out watching the ball game.

If you like apologetics, Gregory Koukl's book Tactics will just give you more tools to work with. If you are one who gets scared there is hope out there for you! Koukl's book is designed for the novicewho doesn't know much about how apologetics works or even for the one who thinks they need to have the Bible down pat and have all this information and knowledge. The truth is, all you need is a willing heart and desire to see friends, family, or co-workers come to know the Lord. Nothing in this book will get you to convert people right out of the box - but it will help you get people to think through the reasons for why they believe what they believe.

A key principle in the book is:

Without God's work, nothing else works; but with God's work, many things work. Under the influence of the Holy Spirit, love persuades. By the power of God, the gospel transforms. And with Jesus at work, arguments convince. God is happy to use each of these methods (ch 2, pg 40 in my gallery copy).

More than knowing all the right information what we need is the Holy Spirit to come alongside us and empower us to act with wisdom in helping people break down every thing that sets itself up against the knowledge of God. Here is the thing, with God's help you can do it!

So what are some of the things Koukl presents that can help a person be effective in sharing their faith with others or in helping others see the flaws in their thinking that keep them from knowing God?

His primary tactic comes from the old detective TV show, Columbo. In this show, Columbo would investigate a crime scene and in his mind figure out the perpetrator was standing right next to him! To get things rolling he would say "Do you mind of I ask you a question?" This is the basis for what Koukl calls the Columbo tactic: Asking questions. Like Columbo who would ask lots of questions - Koukl says this is the same thing we want to get in to the habit of doing, asking questions. Don't make statements, ask questions. For example, of a person says flatly "Jesus Christ is the Son of God!" Another could easily reply, "No he is not!" Then what? You're stumped. The other person becomes in control of the conversation and you are done. What Koukl wants to teach us novice apologists to do is turn the situation around so that you are in control at all times forcing the other person to explain things while you lead the way.

How do we maintain control of the conversation? Ask questions and avoid outright statements. This is the heart of the Columbo tactic and this is what drives the rest of the tactics Koukl introduces throughout the rest of the book. Through use of the Columbo tactic you will learn to "get in the driver's seat" and control the conversation, you will reverse the burden of proof to the other person (make them explain why they believe they way they do) and in the process lead the way.

If you want to know more about this, you'll have to read the book!

Other tactics Koukl discusses are things like what he calls "suicide," detecting views that self destruct such as "it's wrong to accuse others of being wrong." This view self destructs because the person becomes wrong for telling you you are wrong to believe in God. Another tactic is called taking the roof off. This has to do with reducing a false argument to the point of absurdity so the other person is forced to see the flaw of his or her own logic. For example, the argument of relativism- it's absurd for a person to go to a debate arguing for points of relativism against someone arguing for absolute truths since they are in turn arguing an absolute: relativism. If he really believed things were relative, then he would not have even showed up to the debate. Koukl will even teach you how to deal with "Steamrollers," people who just intend to roll everyone over and think give an inkling to why they may be wrong.

So this is just a brief synopsis of Gregory Koukl's book Tatics: A Game Plan for Discussion your Christian Convictions. I personally really enjoyed reading this book and think it would make a really great addition to ones repertoire of apologetics.

I've read plenty of books on the topic of apologetics, so I'm used to the standard fare. This book was not the standard fare, and instead of focusing simply on information, it focuses on how to graciously and effectively discuss opinions while making sure that the conversation continues according to the topic at hand. When I reflect on reading the book I am overly impressed with the graciousness, humility and practicality of what Greg Koukl says.

The intended goal of the book is clearly stated on page 24 when Koukl says he will teach "how to navigate in conversations so that you stay in control." Using the terminology of staying in control may seem as though Koukl is teaching rhetorical strategy so as to manipulate conversations. This is not the case, as he makes clear at the onset that readers should "beware when rhetoric becomes a substitute for substance" (28) and that "tactics are not manipulative tricks or slick ruses" (29). Instead, Koukl encourages the reader to intently listen to the other side of the discussion, asking questions for clarity so as to accurately understand their arguments. Koukl does not want his readers to combat strawmen, but instead to listen to opposing arguments, think through them and present the opponents with inconsistencies in their thinking that they may not have thought about previously.

Koukl makes it clear that knowledge alone cannot win a discussion, nor tactics alone. Instead, an adequate ambassador for Christ (or any message) will encompass the three traits of knowledge, wisdom and character. He says, "If [the reader] does not embody the virtues of the kingdom he serves, he will undermine his message and handicap his efforts" (26). The all too uncommon traits of discernment and graciousness are both admired and encouraged by Koukl for intellegent, yet civil, discussions.

The primary tactic discussed in the first half of the book is aptly titled "Columbo." Although the reference to Columbo is clearly dated and will not be clear to many readers, Koukl does an adequate job of describing Columbo so that the reader understands why he chose this title. The basic outline of the strategy is that you ask questions in order to not "misunderstand" or "misrepresent" your opponent (54), and then use their questions to critique the consistency of their view in light of your own view and knowledge of the subject. Such a strategy also asks your opponent to think further through their opinion. It is not uncommon that people have not adequately thought through their opinions and asking questions may help them to see how their thinking is imprecise in regards to the topic of conversation.

After asking questions that answer what precisely your opponent is saying, you should then move in this tactic toward questions that ask how and why they came to hold these views. What evidence (or lack thereof) lies behind their assertions? Is it justified? In civil discussions we desire arguments instead of mere assertions. As Koukl explains "an assertion simply states a point...an argument gives supporting reasons why the point should be taken seriously" (64). Koukl points out that very often people simply have an alternate explanation, but not a refutation of what they are arguing against. Instead of attempting to defeat their assertion, they should be asked to defend it. After listening to their defense of their assertion, the reader should then ask whether their alternate explanation is possible, plausible or likely to be the best explanation.

The final tactic moves from being passive in the discussion to using what you have learned so far through questions toward making your point. This is to be done with grace as Koukl says "we want to win someone over to our point of view, but we don't want to force our opinions" (77). At this point one should use the statements and questions asked thus far toward showing inconsistencies in their opponent's view that may more adequately be explained by their own position. Does their assertion follow the evidence? Does your view better explain the evidence and can you share your view in a gracious way?

The entire second half of the book, which I will not discuss in depth, focuses on particular logical errors and narrative strategies that people often employ to make their assertions. If anything, Koukl wants his readers to be better thinkers so as to better navigate through discussions. Koukl offers strategies for helping bring these inconsistencies to light in a gracious way that should not anger your opponent, but simply help them to see the inconsistency or error in their claim.

The book on the whole is full of good illustrations from real situations that illustrate Koukl's points. These were enjoyable for the most part, but the reader should realize that these illustrations are obviously the particular situations which lended themselves to being used as illustrations and that all conversations do not as easily play into your hand. More often than not, when using the Columbo tactic your opponent will stop the conversation early and not give valid reasons for their assertions.

I personally believe that the tactics discussed in this book are best used for personal face-to-face conversations. I do not believe the tactics described would work as well through the format of message boards, chat rooms, etc. where many people debate these topics online. Furthermore, since the primary focus is on two individuals discussing, clarifying and refining ideas, the book best helps the reader in one-on-one conversations, although some of the tactics are applicable elsewhere.

In terms of practicality, the summaries at the end of the chapters would be helpful for small groups working through the issues.

The choice of endnotes versus footnotes is unfortunate. The decision for endnotes should come when footnotes are too common or so long as to constantly distract the reader from the actual text of the work. In this case, the notes are neither too common or long. Instead, the reader is distracted by having to flip to the back of the work whenever a note of interest occurs.

This is a very practical book, that I highly recommend particularly for beginners in the field of apologetics, or those who are just interested in having practical strategies in sharing their faith graciously. The book would need to be read alongside a book that gives the "information" aspect of apologetics to the reader, so I cannot recommend it as the only book to which a beginning apologetics group should look.

This was a very entertaining and practical read, which I will highly recommend in the future. The unfortunate use of endnotes as well as the need to recommend it alongside another more informative apologetics book requires me to give it a four star rating instead of a five.

easy to understand and apply which is very important 5 stars all the way . I was using these easy awesome tactics right away .I preach on the street so needless to say this book has been a blessing .

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.

...who are involved in Evangelisation and Apologetics.

As well as helping me debate with non-Christians, this book's also really helped me in debating with non-Catholics and dissenters within our own Church. Catholics have to defend their position cogently and effectively against attack from all sides in a friendly and confident manner. Previously, I was shy and insecure, especially when faced with people who quote 'proof texts' which seem to undermine Catholic teaching, but now realise that, as long as I know my stuff, I can really engage effectively.

Don't worry, the book doesn't contain any explicit defence of Protestant doctrines, but brilliant methods of debating. All other books of this kind merely regurgitate philosophy, especially informal fallacies, and are as dry as dust. Also, they mostly go over the head of normal layfolk or appear just irrelevant. But Greg sweeps these aside, and produces a very readable and understandable application of these academic principles without 'blinding with science'. He is a truly gifted communicator.

I used to make lots of mistakes in discussions which reduced them to raised voices or simply 'talking across' each other - 'agreeing to disagee' - and this book helps you avoid these situations and leave the discussion on friendly terms, but 'with a stone in their shoe', as Greg puts it.

Because the tactics are winsome and not aggressive, it really opens up friendly debate, and I've used them effectively to help Protestants re-think their anti-Catholicism. Using these brilliant Tactics has helped elicit apologies from Protestants and then genuine enquiries as to what the Catholic Church really teaches, rather than the ridiculous myths circulated through their own tradition (yes, they have one!) parroted unquestioningly from Loraine Boettner, Jack Chick, Bart Brewer, and the like. Catholicism and Fundamentalism: The Attack on "Romanism" by "Bible Christians"

Of course, like many atheists, there are some Christians that, even though they claim reason, aren't reasonable, and have 'blind faith' (in 'the Bible' or 'Science'). But, as Greg says, "Truth is Not Ice Cream, and Faith is Not Wishful Thinking", and for those that perceive, or live, truth and faith in these ways, these Tactics will prove almost useless.

I bought this book after being suggested by Jim Wallace of pleaseconvinceme.com I read it in about 10 hours. Could not put it down. I wanted every Christian I know to read it but simply suggesting this book didn't seem to be enough. I've purchased over 15 copies now and am giving them away like candy. The response has been unanimously affirmative that this book addresses what every believer needs to know when engaging those who do not share our world-view.

Gift this book to those you love, regardless of Holiday/Birthday. Everyday is a perfect day to get this book.

Gregory Koukl's objective in the book "Tactics" is different than most books that would be classified as "Christian Apologetics". The objective of "Tactics" is to equip the reader with conversational approaches and techniques in order to engage in fruitful, helpful discussions about the Christian faith--particularly with those who may be skeptical or even hostile to the faith.

So, rather than a lot of content related to specific arguments for the existence of God, or the resurrection of Jesus, or the reliability of the Bible--there are many other books where one can find this information--"Tactics" attempts to help with the issue of "how" do we effectively communicate "what we know" in defending the faith. Think of it like this: typically, a book on apologetics provides knowledge about the subject matter of apologetics. This book, on the other hand, tries to help with the issue of "using" knowledge--using apologetic subject matter--graciously and effectively, or, we might even say "tactically"...ah, that's how we get the name of the book. See how easy that was?

Several times in the course of "Tactics", Koukl it makes it clear that although he is trying to help Christians be sharp and effective in their encounters with others, he believes that we should always be respectful and loving and gracious in our dealings, as well. For example, he writes, "Tactics are not manipulative tricks or slick ruses. They are not clever ploys to embarrass other people and force them to submit to your point of view. They are not meant to belittle or humiliate those who disagree so you can gain notches in your spiritual belt." I'm glad he said that. In a book of this kind, that needs to be the true intent of the author and it is an important point to communicate to the readers.

I always enjoy books that challenge my thinking with unique ideas or counter-intuitive thoughts. There are a few of these in "Tactics". For example, Koukl writes, "you CAN argue someone into the kingdom. It happens all the time." I read that and thought, "What?" This is an interesting statement because I suspect most Christians would rather emphatically state that we CANNOT argue someone into the kingdom! Koukl makes a case for his statement that we CAN argue someone into the kingdom and I'll let you read it and decide if you think he's right, or not. My point here is just that I like reading a defense of interesting ideas like that one.

You will probably think about your conversations--actually ALL your conversations--in new and different ways if you read "Tactics".

Dan Marler
Oak Lawn, IL

This book shows how easy it is to disprove a mainstream outspoken atheist who doesn't do their homework. It also gives you ways to control the argument at hand, and show a good way to be an ambassador for Christ.

Columbo tactics, Suicide tactics, Rhodan Scholar tactics all work very well. This book perfects your discussions by getting clear and concise answers from your opponents. The motto is ask questions to sway away from confusion.

Questions can be useful in many occasions, sometimes you think you have an idea of what your opponent is saying, but your not completely sure and you don't want to commit a strawman or a red herring. So just simply ask, be polite, and listen. Sometimes you will see contradictions and then you can point them out and leave them stunned. Sometimes they won't have an answer, because they just simply rely on slogans and never truly thought about why they believe what they believe.

This book is a masterpiece and a must have in your apologetic library, plus you don't even have to use these tactics specifically for apologetics, there are many other cases in life where you can use these tools in conversations.