A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions (10th Anniversary Edition)

Reviewed by:

G. Connor Salter, Professional Writing alumnus from Taylor University, Upland, IN.

Title:

Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions (10^th Anniversary Edition)

Author:

Gregory Koukl

Publisher:

Zondervan

Publication Date:

November 26, 2019 (first edition published 2009)

Format:

Paperback

Length:

284 pages

OVERVIEW

How can Christians give a ready defense for their faith without seeming arrogant? How can a person be innocent as a dove and also wise as a snake? Gregory Koukl argues the solution lies in asking questions. He lays out a series of strategies so Christians can respond to challenges to their faith by asking perceptive questions. These questions can expose faulty arguments, show  how non-Christian worldviews don’t stand up to criticism, and demonstrate Christianity is intellectually valid. All along the way, Koukl advises readers how to use these tactics in ways that show love and concern for non-Christians.  

In recent years, apologetics has gotten a not entirely undeserved reputation for being aggressive and insensitive. Too often, the problem seems to be that apologists assume they can completely convince someone to follow Jesus in a single conversation, or that presenting facts is all that matters. Koukl clearly understands that presenting arguments in a cold or aggressive manner doesn’t do much, that communicating love and concern is vital. He also knows that usually you can’t change a person’s entire worldview in one conversation; what you can do is plant seeds that will develop later. In the preface, he calls this gardening rather than trying to harvest too soon.

This humble, mature approach to apologetics makes the book a great guide to “pre-evangelism.” Readers learn how to defend their faith without being blunt, how to expose poor arguments without being rude. A terrific guide to apologetics done right.

ASSESSMENT

Rating (1 to 5 stars)

5 stars

Suggested Audience

Christians seeking to how to have conversations where they bring up spiritual ideas in a gentle yet intelligent manner, Christians seeking to learn how to do better evangelism.

Christian Impact

Anyone interested in being a more effective witness or a better Christian apologist should read this book.