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Why good arguments often failMaking a more persuasive case for ChristGood for student workWHY GOOD ARGUMENTS OFTEN FAIL This is an excellent book. ‘Why do our arguments for Christian faith often fail to persuade?’ ‘How can we argue more effectively for Christ?’ Who doesn’t long to know the answer to these questions?! James Sire writes for those who are prepared to give some thought to how they discuss the Christian faith with others. He starts off with ‘common logical fallacies’ — how some arguments are illogical or irrational from the very start. Lovers of logic (including me) will lap these chapters up. But if logical analysis leaves you cold, don’t give up! Skim read it and get onto the next bit. Here, Sire looks at reasons why good arguments can still fail. Sometimes the problem lies with us — our arrogance, aggression, etc. Sometimes, the issue is with our hearers: for example, they can’t see how an abstract argument might be relevant to them, or they have psychological blocks. He discusses the problem of the gap between our own worldview and that of our hearers. These chapters include helpful definitions of various worldviews — including naturalism, the view prevalent in so many academic circles (believing that the natural world is the most fundamental reality, that there is no God and, therefore, no creation). Sire has interesting and fairly radical advice on how we should deal with the issue of creation / evolution in our conversations, and tackles relativism head on. In the final section, he presents two examples of effective arguments — first, Paul’s presentation to ancient Athens from Acts 17 — and an ‘updated version’ of it. (He also explains ‘fuzzy deism / theism’ which describes the position of so many of my friends). His second ‘effective argument’ is the outline of a lecture he has given some 200 times, ‘Why should I believe anything?’, addressing a postmodern audience. The book ends with an extensive list of suggested further reading. You can really see James Sire’s 50 years of experience at work here! There are various topics — the character of Jesus Christ, his resurrection, historical reliability of the gospels, other religions / worldviews, science / evolution, Christian biography, etc. — with recommendations under each. Invaluable. I’ve already planned my next few months’ reading! I would have loved to have had this book when I was involved in ministry with students and would recommend it to anyone working with undergraduates or graduates. But it would also appeal to those wanting to sharpen their mind, refocus their apologetic arguments or give themselves new impetus in talking about Christ. Mary Davis, © Evangelicals Now - October 2006 |