Apologetics, Take Two (The Socratic Method)

Posted in , By Nick Smith 2 comments

In Dan Story’s book The Christian Combat Manual, he introduces an apologetics technique that he calls the Socratic Method. He asserts that most people trained in apologetics have a tendency to rely primarily on defensive tactics. However, as Story says, “Rather than presenting evidences designed primarily to defend the Christian position on an issue, we can lovingly and sensitively challenge unbelievers to defend what they believe, analyze and justify their positions, and face the logical conclusions of their assumptions.” This places the burden of proof on their shoulders and allows them to see the weaknesses in their own assertions.

The Socratic Method is named after the Greek philosopher Socrates, who used a similar technique. The idea behind it is to ask questions. You should be prepared with a few answers for when you’re asked questions in return, but often a simple, well-placed question is all that is needed for a person to realize that their beliefs are founded in opinion rather than fact. Mr. Story came up with seven types of questions for the Socratic Method. I’m going to share those with you as well as an example for each.

1) What do you mean by that?
Ex. What do you mean Christians are intolerant? Aren’t you being a bit intolerant when you say I can’t share my faith? Why is it intolerant to explain the Christian plan of salvation which has changed my life?

2) How do you know that’s true?
Ex. How do you know that Jesus, who claimed to be God and demonstrated divinity, isn’t God?

3) Why should I believe that?
Ex. Why should I believe in evolution when the fossil evidence doesn’t support it?

4) Where did you learn that?
Ex. Where did you learn that evolution is a scientific fact? Have you examined the data supporting creation? Is your view of evolution based on high school or college classes?

5) What is your solution to…?
Ex. What is your solution to the moral depravity so widespread in our culture if there is no God to tell us how to behave and hold us accountable?

6) What difference does that make?
Ex. Even if the Bible does contain a few minor errors (and I’m not saying it does), what difference do they make? Please show me an alleged error affecting the Bible’s overall historical reliability and essential doctrine, such as the deity and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

7) If…is true, can you explain…?
Ex. If the universe suddenly exploded into existence out of nothing, can you explain how something can come from nothing?