Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Tactics summary
Gregory Koukl
Brief summary
Tactics by Gregory Koukl is a practical guide for engaging in thoughtful and persuasive conversations about your Christian faith. It provides strategies and tactics for effectively communicating and defending your beliefs in a winsome and respectful manner.
Topics
Table of Contents
Tactics
Summary of key ideas
Understanding the Game Plan of Christian Apologetics
In Tactics by Gregory Koukl, we are introduced to the art of Christian apologetics, which is the defense of the Christian faith. Koukl begins with the idea that the Christian faith is not just about belief, but also about behavior. He emphasizes the importance of communicating our beliefs with grace and truth, and this is where the tactics come into play.
Koukl explains that a tactical approach is required in conversations about faith, as people often come to discussions with preconceived notions and emotional baggage. Instead of launching into a full-fledged defense of Christianity, Koukl suggests employing careful tactics to navigate these conversations and gently guide them towards the truth.
The Columbo Tactic: Asking Questions
The first tactic Koukl introduces is the Columbo tactic, named after the famous TV detective. This tactic involves asking questions to understand the other person's viewpoint, expose any inconsistencies, and gently guide the conversation toward the truth. By asking questions, we can uncover the underlying assumptions and thought processes of the other person, allowing us to address their real concerns more effectively.
According to Koukl, the Columbo tactic helps us to avoid the common mistake of launching into a defense of the Christian faith without understanding the other person's perspective. Instead, it encourages us to listen carefully, ask thoughtful questions, and respond with grace and wisdom.
The Suicide Tactic: Uncovering Faulty Logic
The next tactic Koukl introduces is the Suicide tactic. This tactic involves helping the other person recognize the logical consequences of their own beliefs. By asking questions that expose inconsistencies and contradictions in their worldview, we can encourage them to reevaluate their position and consider the truth of Christianity.
Koukl emphasizes the importance of using the Suicide tactic with care and respect. The goal is not to "win" an argument, but to help the other person see the flaws in their own reasoning and open their mind to the possibility of the Christian faith.
The Taking the Roof Off Tactic: Revealing Worldview Assumptions
The third tactic Koukl introduces is the Taking the Roof Off tactic. This tactic involves revealing the underlying assumptions and beliefs that shape a person's worldview. By uncovering these foundational beliefs, we can help the other person see how their worldview may be inadequate or inconsistent, and how the Christian faith offers a more coherent and satisfying alternative.
Throughout the book, Koukl emphasizes the importance of using these tactics with kindness, humility, and respect. The goal is not to win arguments or score points, but to engage in meaningful, respectful conversations that help others consider the truth of Christianity.
Conclusion
In Tactics, Gregory Koukl provides a practical and insightful guide to engaging in conversations about the Christian faith. By employing careful tactics such as asking questions, uncovering faulty logic, and revealing worldview assumptions, we can navigate these conversations with grace and wisdom, gently guiding others towards the truth of Christianity.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Tactics about?
Tactics by Gregory Koukl offers a strategic guide to effectively communicating and defending your Christian beliefs. Koukl provides practical and thoughtful tactics to engage in meaningful conversations with those who may hold different worldviews. Through real-life examples and insightful advice, this book equips readers with the tools to navigate challenging discussions and share their faith with confidence and grace.
Tactics Review
Tactics (2009) by Gregory Koukl sheds light on effective strategies for defending the Christian faith. Here's why this book is worth your time:
- Offers practical tools and techniques for engaging in constructive dialogue and presenting compelling arguments.
- Provides clear explanations and logical reasoning to help readers navigate complex conversations about faith and belief.
- Engages readers with thought-provoking insights and examples that challenge perspectives and keep the content engaging and lively.
Who should read Tactics?
Individuals seeking to effectively communicate and defend their Christian beliefs
Christians who want to engage in respectful and productive conversations with skeptics and non-believers
Those interested in learning practical strategies for sharing their faith in a winsome and persuasive manner
Categories with Tactics
Book summaries like Tactics
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
37 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Tactics FAQs
What is the main message of Tactics?
The main message of Tactics is learning practical strategies for engaging in conversations about faith and defending your beliefs.
How long does it take to read Tactics?
It typically takes a few hours to read Tactics. The Blinkist summary can be read in just a few minutes.
Is Tactics a good book? Is it worth reading?
Tactics is worth reading for those seeking to improve their conversational skills and ability to defend their beliefs effectively.
Who is the author of Tactics?
The author of Tactics is Gregory Koukl.
What to read after Tactics?
If you're wondering what to read next after Tactics, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- God Is Not Great by Christopher Hitchens
- The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
- The Art of Happiness by Dalai Lama
- On Being by Peter Atkins
- The Biology of Belief by Bruce H. Lipton
- Buddha’s Brain by Rick Hanson
- Choose Yourself by James Altucher
- Going Clear by Lawrence Wright
- The Power of No by James Altucher & Claudia Azula Altucher
- The Demon-Haunted World by Carl Sagan