Using Questions to Answer Christianity’s Toughest Challenges
Sep 22, 2023
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Greg Koukl, author of Street Smarts, tackles Christianity's toughest challenges using questions. Topics include the challenges of evangelism in a hostile culture, challenging assumptions and addressing social issues, reconciling desires with a good God, the conflict between science and the Bible, the rise of the religiously unaffiliated, and the power of questions in engaging conversations.
Asking clarifying questions can reveal inconsistencies in arguments and stimulate reflection on one's own views.
Scientific discoveries and the Bible's teachings are complementary, not contradictory.
Engaging in respectful dialogue with atheists and postmodern thinkers can expose inconsistencies in their arguments and provide logical alternatives.
Deep dives
The power of questions in difficult conversations
In the podcast episode, Greg Cokol discusses how asking questions can be a powerful tool in engaging in difficult conversations. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the other person's viewpoint and beliefs before attempting to respond or counter them. By asking clarifying questions, he demonstrates how inconsistencies and contradictions in their arguments can be revealed, leading them to reconsider their own views.
Addressing the conflict between science and the Bible
Cokol addresses the common misconception that there is an inherent conflict between science and the Bible. He explains that scientific discoveries and the Bible's teachings are not contradictory, but rather complement each other. Using the example of the beginning of the universe, he engages in a conversation that highlights the rationality of positing a cause for the universe's existence, and the lack of coherence in assuming an uncaused universe. By employing questions, he encourages listeners to evaluate the most reasonable explanation for the origin of the universe.
Navigating the challenges of atheism and postmodernism
Cokol delves into the challenges posed by atheism and postmodernism to Christianity. He highlights the importance of asking questions to understand the specific claims and objections raised by atheists and postmodern thinkers. By doing so, he reveals the inconsistencies in their arguments and provides compelling alternatives rooted in logical reasoning and evidence. Cokol's approach encourages believers to engage in respectful dialogue and challenge the assumptions underlying such worldviews.
The significance of pre-evangelism and gardening
Cokol emphasizes the importance of pre-evangelism and the concept of gardening in engaging with people who have reservations or objections to Christianity. He explains that the goal is not to immediately persuade someone to become a Christian or to pray for their conversion, but rather to engage in ongoing conversations that address the obstacles and false assumptions preventing them from considering Christianity as a valid option. Through the use of questions and thoughtful communication, Christians can help foster an environment of genuine understanding and open-mindedness.
Empowering Christians in difficult conversations
Cokol equips Christians with practical tools for engaging in difficult conversations and defending their faith. His tactics revolve around the power of asking questions to challenge assumptions, expose contradictions, and encourage critical thinking. By employing these techniques, Christians can navigate conversations with confidence, knowing that their beliefs are rooted in reason and evidence. Cokol's book, Street Smarts, serves as a valuable resource for believers seeking to effectively communicate their faith in a culture filled with challenging worldviews.
John Stonestreet talks to Greg Koukl, the author of the new book Street Smarts, about effective ways to engage an increasingly hostile culture.
This month, for a gift of any amount to the Colson Center, we will send you a copy of Greg Koukl’s book Street Smarts. To receive a copy of Street Smarts: Using Questions to Answer Christianity’s Toughest Challenges, visit colsoncenter.org/September.
For more resources to live like a Christian in this cultural moment, visit Colsoncenter.org
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