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Asking Questions to Reveal Answers

While it is helpful for someone to give his or her viewpoint in detail, the good stuff comes after they've finished a presentation. This can be seen in formal debates during what is sometimes called the "cross examination" period (here is one example), and audience questions after a press conference or something similar.

Credit: Pixabay / Gerd Altmann
Most of us don't commence to speechifyin' or debating very often, so how about questions in a more personal setting, without the crowds? Much better. People can ask questions to clarify meanings and positions, and even get to know the other person a little better. On social media, it gets difficult to have a good discussion with someone unless it's in private messages, else other people chime in.

Greg Koukl has something he calls the "Columbo Tactic", based on the television detective, that helps you (and often the other person) get to the heart of a discussion. Two short articles on the subject are at the Stand to Reason weblog and the Stand to reason main site. He also has a book called Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions that goes into more detail. It's interesting that Koukl uses evidential apologetics while I emphasize presuppositional apologetics, and last I knew, he believed in an old earth while I am a biblical creationist, but the material mentioned above fits mighty fine with creationary, presuppositional approaches.

Christians and creationists can use the approach of asking questions to help someone see the problems with their viewpoint, and also show them scriptural truth. We can also use the discussion to present pertinent information. Ultimately, we hope to lead them to salvation in Jesus Christ.
Do pointed questions help people think? Good questions can make them curious and open their minds to things they might not have considered. When people express doubts about the truth of the Bible, asking the right questions can help guide them toward the right answers—biblical answers.
To read the rest, click on "Using Pointed Questions to Point to Answers". The video below may prove helpful as well.