Tactics in Defending the Faith
- Being an Effective Ambassador for Christ -
Based on the book by Greg Koukl
Greg Koukl runs an
organisation called Stand to
Reason
www.str.org
 loads of apologetic material
 informative weekly podcast
So what's this talk about?
 Having a Tactical Game Plan
Manoeurvering comfortably and graciously in conversation with others
So what's this talk about?
 Having a Tactical Game Plan
Manoeurvering comfortably and graciously in conversation with others
 Remaining in the Driver's Seat
Maintaining an appropriate level of control in those conversations
So what's this talk about?
 Having a Tactical Game Plan
Manoeurvering comfortably and graciously in conversation with others
 Remaining in the Driver's Seat
Maintaining an appropriate level of control in those conversations
 Communicating our Faith Confidently
Showing a confident and winsome face of Christianity to others
Why should we be defending Christianity?
Part of our obligation as followers of Christ is to always be prepared to
give an answer to everyone who asks us to give the reason for the hope
that we have and importantly, to do this with gentleness and respect.
(from 1 Peter 3:15)
Why should we be defending Christianity?
Part of our obligation as followers of Christ is to always be prepared to
give an answer to everyone who asks us to give the reason for the hope
that we have and importantly, to do this with gentleness and respect.
(from 1 Peter 3:15)
People's questions may tell us our hope is misplaced and they can be
quite disbelieving of it and aggressive in telling us so.
Why should we be defending Christianity?
Part of our obligation as followers of Christ is to always be prepared to
give an answer to everyone who asks us to give the reason for the hope
that we have and importantly, to do this with gentleness and respect.
(from 1 Peter 3:15)
People's questions may tell us our hope is misplaced and they can be
quite disbelieving of it and aggressive in telling us so.
This may be confronting but having a tactical game plan takes the
pressure off you enormously and turns it into an enjoyable and
worthwhile experience that will hopefully leave you keen to engage
more often.
Why consider ourselves ambassadors for Christ?
Paul's 2nd letter to the church at Corinth reminds them of the
representative burden faced by Christians, namely, that “we are
therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal
through us.” (from 2 Corinthians 5:20)
Why consider ourselves ambassadors for Christ?
Paul's 2nd letter to the church at Corinth reminds them of the
representative burden faced by Christians, namely, that “we are
therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal
through us.” (from 2 Corinthians 5:20)
Paul states it not as something we can choose to be, rather, he states
it as something we already are.
Why consider ourselves ambassadors for Christ?
Paul's 2nd letter to the church at Corinth reminds them of the
representative burden faced by Christians, namely, that “we are
therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal
through us.” (from 2 Corinthians 5:20)
Paul states it not as something we can choose to be, rather, he states
it as something we already are.
Like it or not, everything we do and say represents God to other
people, so...no pressure!
The 4 main aspects we will cover:
1. The value of the tactical approach to discussing Christianity
2. Defining what tactics are and how they differ from strategy
3. Exploring the dangers to others in using and abusing these tactics
4. An introduction to the main tactic, the Columbo Tactic
1. The Value of the Tactical Approach
In sport, without tactics, executing a game plan and responding to the
opponent's game plan is doomed to failure
1. The Value of the Tactical Approach
In sport, without tactics, executing a game plan and responding to the
opponent's game plan is doomed to failure
In warfare, history is littered with decisive victories from clever
tacticians who despite being out numbered or out gunned, turned a
clear defeat into a victory
1. The Value of the Tactical Approach
In sport, without tactics, executing a game plan and responding to the
opponent's game plan is doomed to failure
In warfare, history is littered with decisive victories from clever
tacticians who despite being out numbered or out gunned, turned a
clear defeat into a victory
In our postmodern world where people are sceptical of all truth claims
or view truth as being relative together with political correctness
making it offensive for anyone to claim their view to be true means we
need to have more than just the right answers
2. Tactics and How They Differ from Strategy
Strategy involves the big picture, the large scale planning and
positioning before the engagement
2. Tactics and How They Differ from Strategy
Strategy involves the big picture, the large scale planning and
positioning before the engagement
Christianity is well positioned with respect to answering life's biggest
questions (who am I? why am I here? where am I going?). We have good
answers and we can defend them
2. Tactics and How They Differ from Strategy
Strategy involves the big picture, the large scale planning and
positioning before the engagement
Christianity is well positioned with respect to answering life's biggest
questions (who am I? why am I here? where am I going?). We have good
answers and we can defend them
Our strategy is the content, information and reasons for believing
which is the subject matter of apologetics
2. Tactics and How They Differ from Strategy
Strategy involves the big picture, the large scale planning and
positioning before the engagement
Christianity is well positioned with respect to answering life's biggest
questions (who am I? why am I here? where am I going?). We have good
answers and we can defend them
Our strategy is the content, information and reasons for believing
which is the subject matter of apologetics
Tactics then is the art of arranging our resources and deploying them in
an effective way
3. Use and Abuse of Tactics
Tactics ARE NOT:
 tricks
 clever ploys
 aimed at destroying others
 used to force others to submit to your point of view
 attempts to belittle or humiliate others
 used to gain notches on your spiritual belt
3. Use and Abuse of Tactics
Tactics ARE:
 methods to help present the truth clearly and cleverly
 used to help you manoeuvre to get a footing in a conversation
 aids to help navigate your way through the difficulties of challenging
claims
 used to stop someone in their tracks and turn the tables around
3. Use and Abuse of Tactics
Tactics ARE:
 methods to help present the truth clearly and cleverly
 used to help you manoeuvre to get a footing in a conversation
 aids to help navigate your way through the difficulties of challenging
claims
 used to stop someone in their tracks and turn the tables around
The goal is to:
 to manage NOT manipulate
 to control NOT coerce
 to finesse NOT fight
3. Use and Abuse of Tactics
We are not out to wound, embarrass or play one upmanship with
friend, colleagues or opponents
3. Use and Abuse of Tactics
We are not out to wound, embarrass or play one upmanship with
friend, colleagues or opponents
People can easily be made to look silly and feel stupid and walk away
feeling hurt
3. Use and Abuse of Tactics
We are not out to wound, embarrass or play one upmanship with
friend, colleagues or opponents
People can easily be made to look silly and feel stupid and walk away
feeling hurt
Try to walk alongside them and help them find the truth NOT walking
away happy we “won” that encounter and stood up for Jesus
4. The Columbo Tactic
4. The Columbo Tactic
4. The Columbo Tactic
4. The Columbo Tactic
4. The Columbo Tactic
...just one more ting... - and then
he “one more tings” them to
death
Question after question shows he is a
shrewd character
Has to apologise he asks so many
questions
Something worth getting into the
habit of doing
4. The Columbo Tactic
Key is to go on the offensive in an inoffensive way, using carefully
selected questions to productively advance the conversation.
Why questions?
Asking questions instead of making statements offers tremendous
advantages:
4. The Columbo Tactic
Key is to go on the offensive in an inoffensive way, using carefully
selected questions to productively advance the conversation.
Why questions?
Asking questions instead of making statements offers tremendous
advantages:
 Questions are interactive
4. The Columbo Tactic
Key is to go on the offensive in an inoffensive way, using carefully
selected questions to productively advance the conversation.
Why questions?
Asking questions instead of making statements offers tremendous
advantages:
 Questions are interactive
 Questions allow you to make headway in a conversation without
having to state your case
4. The Columbo Tactic
Key is to go on the offensive in an inoffensive way, using carefully
selected questions to productively advance the conversation.
Why questions?
Asking questions instead of making statements offers tremendous
advantages:
 Questions are interactive
 Questions allow you to make headway in a conversation without
having to state your case
 Questions shift the burden of proof to the other person
4. The Columbo Tactic
There are 3 basic ways to use the Columbo Tactic:
1. To gain information
2. To reverse the burden of proof
3. To indirectly exploit a weakness or flaw
4. The Columbo Tactic
1. To Gain Information
The model question is “What do you mean by that?”
4. The Columbo Tactic
1. To Gain Information
The model question is “What do you mean by that?”
 it forces someone to be precise in their meaning
4. The Columbo Tactic
1. To Gain Information
The model question is “What do you mean by that?”
 it forces someone to be precise in their meaning
 maybe the first time they've had to articulate what they mean
4. The Columbo Tactic
1. To Gain Information
The model question is “What do you mean by that?”
 it forces someone to be precise in their meaning
 maybe the first time they've had to articulate what they mean
 helps you to understand what they actually mean
4. The Columbo Tactic
1. To Gain Information
The model question is “What do you mean by that?”
 it forces someone to be precise in their meaning
 maybe the first time they've had to articulate what they mean
 helps you to understand what they actually mean
 avoids you misrepresenting their view (straw man fallacy)
4. The Columbo Tactic
1. To Gain Information
The model question is “What do you mean by that?”
 it forces someone to be precise in their meaning
 maybe the first time they've had to articulate what they mean
 helps you to understand what they actually mean
 avoids you misrepresenting their view (straw man fallacy)
 avoids you giving a brilliant refutation to a view they don't hold
4. The Columbo Tactic
“What do you mean by that?” examples
 There is no God!
4. The Columbo Tactic
“What do you mean by that?” examples
 There is no God!
… “what do you mean by God?”
They may have a view of God that you would also agree doesn't exist
4. The Columbo Tactic
“What do you mean by that?” examples
 All religions are basically the same!
4. The Columbo Tactic
“What do you mean by that?” examples
 All religions are basically the same!
… “in what way are they basically the same?”
4. The Columbo Tactic
“What do you mean by that?” examples
 All religions are basically the same!
… “in what way are they basically the same?”
It is the differences that matter
eg Two near identical looking white tablets, one has aspirin written on
it, the other has arsenic. Does this difference matter?
4. The Columbo Tactic
“What do you mean by that?” examples
 The Bible has been translated and retranslated so many times over
the years it's completely unreliable!
4. The Columbo Tactic
“What do you mean by that?” examples
 The Bible has been translated and retranslated so many times over
the years it's completely unreliable!
… “how do you think translations are performed?”
You are trying to find out if they understand how ancient texts were
transmitted and copied and the process of textual criticism and styles
of translations (eg literal, modern English, etc...)
4. The Columbo Tactic
So this first question achieves 5 things:
4. The Columbo Tactic
So this first question achieves 5 things:
1. It immediately engages the other person in an interactive way
4. The Columbo Tactic
So this first question achieves 5 things:
1. It immediately engages the other person in an interactive way
2. It flatters them somewhat as you are showing genuine interest in
understanding their point of view
4. The Columbo Tactic
So this first question achieves 5 things:
1. It immediately engages the other person in an interactive way
2. It flatters them somewhat as you are showing genuine interest in
understanding their point of view
3. It forces them to think more carefully and thoughtfully about what
they actually do mean
4. The Columbo Tactic
So this first question achieves 5 things:
1. It immediately engages the other person in an interactive way
2. It flatters them somewhat as you are showing genuine interest in
understanding their point of view
3. It forces them to think more carefully and thoughtfully about what
they actually do mean
4. It gives you valuable information about their position
4. The Columbo Tactic
So this first question achieves 5 things:
1. It immediately engages the other person in an interactive way
2. It flatters them somewhat as you are showing genuine interest in
understanding their point of view
3. It forces them to think more carefully and thoughtfully about what
they actually do mean
4. It gives you valuable information about their position
5. It puts them into a defensive position without feeling that way and
gives you control of the conversation
4. The Columbo Tactic
So this first question achieves 5 things:
1. It immediately engages the other person in an interactive way
2. It flatters them somewhat as you are showing genuine interest in
understanding their point of view
3. It forces them to think more carefully and thoughtfully about what
they actually do mean
4. It gives you valuable information about their position
5. It puts them into a defensive position without feeling that way and
gives you control of the conversation
*** You can ask questions all day long and there is absolutely NO
pressure on you ***
4. The Columbo Tactic
2. To Reverse the Burden of Proof
The model question is “How did you come to that conclusion?”
4. The Columbo Tactic
2. To Reverse the Burden of Proof
The model question is “How did you come to that conclusion?”
So the first application of the tactic helped you find out what a person
thinks. With the second application, you are going to find out why they
think the way they do
You have their point of view, now you want their reasons and
justifications for holding it
4. The Columbo Tactic
The Burden of Proof
 is the responsibility somebody has to defend or give reasons for
their view
 the person making the claim bears the burden
4. The Columbo Tactic
The Burden of Proof
 is the responsibility somebody has to defend or give reasons for
their view
 the person making the claim bears the burden
*** if you are asking questions, you are not making any claims, so you
bear no burden of proof
4. The Columbo Tactic
A Common Mistake...
When another person raises an objection, makes a claim or offers a
view contrary to ours, they often simply fold their arms and wait for
you to refute them
4. The Columbo Tactic
A Common Mistake...
When another person raises an objection, makes a claim or offers a
view contrary to ours, they often simply fold their arms and wait for
you to refute them
STOP DOING IT!
DON'T ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN!!
Stop trying to refute their point of view without them properly
shouldering the burden of proof to back it up in the first place
4. The Columbo Tactic
The burden of proof forces people to be more explicit about their
views & the reasons for their objections
It makes them do the work of defending their own views
NO MORE FREE RIDES!
4. The Columbo Tactic
Back to our question:
“How did you come to that conclusion?” or some variation of it
4. The Columbo Tactic
Back to our question:
“How did you come to that conclusion?” or some variation of it
 Is actually a gracious question as it assumes the person has actually
arrived at one and has good reasons for it
4. The Columbo Tactic
Back to our question:
“How did you come to that conclusion?” or some variation of it
 Is actually a gracious question as it assumes the person has actually
arrived at one and has good reasons for it
 Often, the person may be just asserting or emoting on the subject
4. The Columbo Tactic
Back to our question:
“How did you come to that conclusion?” or some variation of it
 Is actually a gracious question as it assumes the person has actually
arrived at one and has good reasons for it
 Often, the person may be just asserting or emoting on the subject
 The Simon & Garfunkel response...the sound of silence
4. The Columbo Tactic
Back to our question:
“How did you come to that conclusion?” or some variation of it
 Is actually a gracious question as it assumes the person has actually
arrived at one and has good reasons for it
 Often, the person may be just asserting or emoting on the subject
 The Simon & Garfunkel response...the sound of silence
 Many have simply not thought through their view, much less been
challenged on it. Their friends all say the same thing so...
4. The Columbo Tactic
Back to our question:
“How did you come to that conclusion?” or some variation of it
 Is actually a gracious question as it assumes the person has actually
arrived at one and has good reasons for it
 Often, the person will be just asserting or emoting on the subject
 The Simon & Garfunkel response...the sound of silence
 Many have simply not thought through their view, much less been
challenged on it. Their friends all say the same thing so...
*** Christians are NOT immune from this either ***
4. The Columbo Tactic
Alternate Explanation
 Is not a refutation of your view
4. The Columbo Tactic
Alternate Explanation
 Is not a refutation of your view
 It may be a wonderful story but it too needs to have good reasons
for us to believe that it is a better explanation
4. The Columbo Tactic
Alternate Explanation
 Is not a refutation of your view
 It may be a wonderful story but it too needs to have good reasons
for us to believe that it is a better explanation
 They still have to shoulder the burden of proof
4. The Columbo Tactic
The Hot Seat
 You are in conversation with someone who has either a lot more
knowledge than you or is presenting concepts as refutations which
you have not heard before
4. The Columbo Tactic
The Hot Seat
 You are in conversation with someone who has either a lot more
knowledge than you or is presenting concepts as refutations which
you have not heard before
 You don't need to respond to every point made
 If you are feeling overwhelmed, don't respond - switch modes
4. The Columbo Tactic
The Hot Seat
 Switch from argument mode to fact finding mode
4. The Columbo Tactic
The Hot Seat
 Switch from argument mode to fact finding mode
 Allows you to still control the conversation
 Acknowledge this is something new or difficult and ask them to
explain their view and the reasons they have for it so you can go
away and reflect on it
4. The Columbo Tactic
The Hot Seat
 Switch from argument mode to fact finding mode
 Allows you to still control the conversation
 Acknowledge this is something new or difficult and ask them to
explain their view and the reasons they have for it so you can go
away and reflect on it
*** You are still using the first two Columbo questions but you can buy
yourself some time whilst you listen and note what they are saying
Most Important Of All
In baseball parlance:
 You don't need to hit a home run in every conversation
 You don't even need to get a base hit
 You just need to get up to bat
Most Important Of All
In baseball parlance:
 You don't need to hit a home run in every conversation
 You don't even need to get a base hit
 You just need to get up to bat
Most people will need time to consider what it is you've been discussing
so they are not likely to get “converted” on the spot
Most Important Of All
In baseball parlance:
 You don't need to hit a home run in every conversation
 You don't even need to get a base hit
 You just need to get up to bat
Most people will need time to consider what it is you've been discussing
so they are not likely to get “converted” on the spot
You may be just one person in a long line of people, each time moving
them closer towards considering the possibility of Christianity
Most Important Of All
Put a stone in their shoe
Give them something to think about and help remove one or more
barriers to faith