In a discussion between the Clerkenwell Symposium and Tim Keller various problems were identified in those kinds of evangelistic conversations which become “a point by point battle where our point of view is put in opposition to someone else’s point of view until one or other prevails.” I’ve taken the liberty of rewording these problems.
Firstly, this makes it seem as though to be evangelistically effective one has to have the ability to use words to win arguments. This discourages many Christians from engaging in evangelistic conversations.
Secondly, it is odds with our aim to help the other person discover for himself or herself the life-transforming truth of the gospel of Christ, because it substitutes for this a battle of propositional claims.
Thirdly, it is in danger of placing reliance for evangelistic success on one’s ability to persuade through compelling argumentation rather than depending on the the Holy Spirit to enlighten darkened minds.
Reference: Andrew Baughen, “Unlocking the mind of the unbeliever” in Evangelicals Now (August 2008) 16.
The bottom line is that it is more important to win hearts than to win arguments.
If, however, the conversation is not a “point by point battle” then there is every reason for us to present persuasive rational argumentation:
As his custom was, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead. “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ,” he said. Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and not a few prominent women (Acts 17:2-4).
While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the market-place day by day with those who happened to be there. A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to dispute with him… (Acts 17:16-18a).
Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks (Acts 18:4).
Posted July 28, 2008
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