Tactics

Tactics
By: Greg Koukl

1. Would you Recommend this Book?

Absolutely and I have often, this is a great follow up for introductory apologetic reading.


2. What is the Main Point?

This apologetic book is not about the arguments themselves, it is about how to use the reasoning of the arguments in real world conversations. Because I am more drawn to ideas, I put off reading this book as less interesting than the ones primarily about the philosophy than the practicality; I regret doing so. The main idea is to not enter those sorts of conversations feeling the burden of arguing someone into faith, but asking questions to get to know their real beliefs and lead the conversation primarily through asking questions, not first informing.

 
3. Which Parts should I read if I’m short on Time?

By a significant margin the part that was most helpful to me, likely because the other sections are covered at least in part in ordinary apologetic works, was the opening section on what he calls the Columbo Tactic.


4. Why does this book Matter?

It is relatively easy to learn the apologetic arguments and reasoning for Christian defense, learning how to use those weapons in a way that glorifies Christ and loves others is much more difficult. This is the best book I have read at helping a Christian do just that.


5. Is this Book an “Easy-Read?” (Include Length)

Yes. Around 250 Pages.


6. Who is this Author and what did you think of their writing?

Koukl is a well known Christian apologist and author, he writes for the normal Christian and he is skillfully articulate.


7. What is One Key Take-Away or Application for my life?

Asking people questions to clarify their beliefs will often avoid most of the land mines that can come about in evangelistic conversations; most people haven’t really thought through their positions intellectually and just helping them think through things with questions is often more gentle and effective, letting them come to their own conclusions rather than telling them what conclusion to come to.


8. What was One point of Disagreement?

It isn’t always as simple as he can make it out to be, though it often is.


9. What are any other things that stood out to You?

Koukl does a good job with reminding that how one speaks is more important than what one speaks.


10. Have you read any books similar to this one that you would recommend one to read first to help with this one?

Yes any solid introductory apologetic book would be helpful to read before this one. Good options would be Reason for God by Keller, The Case for Christ by Strobel, Is Atheism Dead by Metaxes, or On guard by Craig for a bit more academic.