Study Guide for LESSON on APOLOGETICS: How to Use Them
This video lesson contains helpful advice for you on several topics: Small talk and big talk, short answers and turnarounds, object lessons, having repetition tolerance, handling negative responses, and troublesome Christians.
SMALL TALK and BIG TALK define almost anything that you say.
Talking about the little details of life is small talk: the weather, what you ate, and what you plan for the weekend. Big talk is about things that really matter – either on earth or after: science, politics, religion, and big dreams.
Dr. Cynthia says in the medical field it was mostly big talk, for example: discussing a patient’s condition, ordering more tests, or talking about medical and scientific discoveries with other doctors. So, for much of her life, big talk was easier than small talk.
But when she was called to more active ministry she had to improve in small talk and relationships. In order to share important big things, she needed to talk about small things.
It’s good to be aware of what kind of conversation we have and why.
Using SHORT ANSWERS & TURN-AROUNDS
Most people, especially Muslims, would rather share their opinion than listen to yours. Short answers and turnarounds are powerful apologetic tools to share the gospel and answer critics efficiently. Reflect on some of the questions and accusations Christians from Muslims. We show you how to turn them around by giving a short answer that is to the point. This invites Muslims to look at their questions from a different angle.
The video lesson gives a few examples that we think are new and effective. (For other examples and techniques, see our SWAP videos and study guides for “Street Wise Apologetics and Polemics.”)
Using OBJECT LESSONS
Object lessons simplify difficult concepts. So do stories and illustrations. And they often fit into the Eastern style of Muslim thinking better than a rational multi-point presentation.
Muslims have been taught that Christians are wrong about God, Jesus, and the Trinity. Muslim teachers and some Christians use complicated explanations difficult to understand about Christian doctrine. Frankly, these often turn people away from faith, either intentionally by Muslims or incidentally by Christians.
Yet if we explain Christian concepts simply, using object lessons, Muslims can easily come to understand. It doesn’t mean they instantly believe, but it helps them accept the truth of the Bible and gospel.
Examples: A glass with air inside and out illustrates the incarnation of Jesus – God into man. “If air can be inside and outside of a glass but God can’t be inside and outside of a body, is air more powerful that God?” Dr. C asks.
Likewise, an obelisk or pyramid demonstrates how one thing can have several aspects. This simplifies understanding the Trinity. It is said that Ireland converted to Christianity when Saint Patrick used the shamrock to show three in one.
Object lessons like these get around confusing theological jargon and clarify the meaning of complicated concepts. Once Muslims understand how God can be in a man, accepting the Trinity is usually no problem. They then grow in understanding.
Having REPETITION TOLERANCE
Apologist Luke shares with us here that we need to have patience when it comes to defending and sharing the gospel. If we defend and share often, we will be presenting the same things over and over.
When making a presentation we have done before, like the gospel, The Path of the Prophets, or our testimony, remember that although we may have said it many times before, it could be the first time for the listeners. They deserve to hear it in a way that shows how important the message is – not sloppy because we are bored. Jesus Christ probably repeated the Sermon on the Mount everywhere he went – and always made it fascinating.
What about repetitive questions? If we are active in sharing with Muslims, skeptics, and others, we will get the same questions over and over. We must not get frustrated. Remember, it might be a new question to them. They deserve a considered, patient answer.
If you get repeated questions in online discussions, save your best response to paste next time.
Handling NEGATIVE RESPONSES
In apologetics and polemics, we routinely get negative responses. Handling them well is something every Christian should learn to do. Sometimes just being a Christian gets criticized. Expecting challenges and knowing how to respond makes a big difference.
In general, Luke says, we want to maintain a calm demeanor, more so than theirs. This can be tricky. Our goal is to bring attention to the issue without escalating the confrontation. Shrug off insults. Jesus said they would hate us because they hated him first (John 15:18).
When we are out sharing, we need to expect resistance, even insults, “Just don’t make the bad things they are saying about you true!” Luke cautions.
It’s natural to get negative responses on any topic, not just religion. Luke finds they are usually of these kinds:
- Respectful disagreement: disagree with a point, not all of what you say
- Moderate disagreement: “You’re wrong” and they explain why they think so
- Hateful or “toxic” disagreement: with insults and anger
What if you are being logical, but are accused of being illogical? Don’t get angry. Ask them why they think that, so you can better respond.
But if their behavior or repetitive comments are very bad or distracting, consider saying, “I’m glad to talk to you, but I won’t if you keep doing this.”
If they keep asking the same question over and over, rejecting your answer you might say, “I already answered that,” then move on. If they are insincere, consider ending the discussion. And you always have the option to walk away. “It is better than blowing up,” Luke says.
Are you trying to win the argument? In a public debate maybe. But usually, we want to overcome their stumbling blocks, so they understand the message in as pleasant a way as possible.
Keep your goal in mind: “The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.”
Dealing with TROUBLESOME CHRISTIANS
Intolerance: As we share about Jesus, we meet intolerant Christians as well as angry Muslims.
They criticize everything from where, when, and how we share to theological minutia. The latter comes especially from those who focus on their own views rather than sharing the gospel.
Unhelpful interest: Another thing we encounter while sharing is Christians who are interested in what we are saying or doing. Their interest is good; but it can be unhelpful. For example, if you are sharing with an unbeliever, they can immediately divert the conversation. So be aware of this common situation. Redirect the conversation back to the seeker and topic, firmly if necessary. Usually the seeker is your priority, not curious Christians. They can talk to you later.
PRAYER
Remember to pray about your apologetics and polemics before and during the activity. Pray for your skill and demeanor. Speak through the power of the Holy Spirit.
STUDY QUESTIONS:
- Define small talk and big talk. Give examples that you commonly use.
- In your life how do your conversations fall into small talk and big talk? Which do you need to improve on in order to be a better communicator?
- What is a “turnaround?” How can help you in apologetics and polemics?
- Think of an explanation or answer that you have given. How can you make it shorter or more to the point?
- Can you remember the objects that Dr. C used to make the incarnation (God in Jesus) and Trinity easy to understand? Name them.
- Think of some easy object lessons that you could use to clarify a point with Muslims.
- If you are faithful in sharing you will likely need to repeat your presentation on multiple occasions, or answer the same questions over and over. What questions have you answered several times? Have you had to repeat your testimony or gospel presentation in different settings?
- Luke and Dr. C say handling negative responses is something that all Christians need to learn. On what occasions have you had negative responses to something you have shared? About religion? About any other topic?
- What are some strategies to help you handle situations where you speak kindly or reasonably but get a response that upsets or angers you?
- We would like to think that all Christians are on the same team. After all, Jesus said we should be one and love one another. But Luke and Cynthia have often been interrupted or criticized by “Christians” who don’t like something we are doing or saying. How would you handle this?
- Other Christians can be so pleased to see you sharing that they interrupt either to start chatting with you or hijack your conversation with the seeker. How would you handle this?
- What is the importance of prayer to you when you are sharing or defending the gospel, or pointing out the problems in other faiths.
