We looked at when arguments fail because they contradict themselves. Now we look at when arguments don’t formally contradict themselves but they still fail due to practical reasons. We have to remember, that the tactics here are to help engage in a dialogue and not used to make the other side feel like a failure. Our goal is to give the Good News, not to “win”.
The next tactic to use when talking to someone about your faith is one that we’ve seen in our previous book by Nancy Pearcey “Finding Truth”. That is looking at what someone is saying and seeing if their own statement contradicts itself. Sometimes this is called the internal critique and if it contradicts itself it can be easily dismissed.
So now that we have all parts of the Columbo down, can it ever be used against us? Well, that’s what we want! The tactics are there to have a good, helpful conversation! However, there are times when the third part – ask leading questions – are neither leading anywhere or actually legitimate questions. How do we combat that? Would you be surprised to learn – the Columbo tactic?!
https://media.blubrry.com/cavetothecross/cavetothecross.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Cave-To-The-Cross-Apologetics-Ep.-84-Tactics-Columbo-Steps-3-Using-Questions-To-Make-A-Point-Perfecting-Columbo.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | Pandora | iHeartRadio | Podchaser | Gaana | Podcast Index | Email | TuneIn | Deezer | RSS Completing the Columbo Tactic we see why it is such an important and versatile tactic. Now it’s time to use […]
Before getting to the third part of the Columbo tactic, Greg Koukl stops to inform us of two encounters we may have using the tactic. One encounter is with a surly professor who wants to decry Christianity but make you back up your side when you object. The other is the person who knows a lot more about the subject being discussed than you. Your hosts can relate to these encounters.
