Reasonable Theology Podcast

What is the Columbo Tactic? Greg Koukl Explains How Questions Can Help In Challenging Conversations


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Apologist Greg Koukl of Stand to Reason  provides an overview of the "Columbo Tactic" and how it can help you stay in the driver's seat in challenging conversations.

The "Columbo" tactic, named after the TV detective, is a strategic approach for introducing spiritual topics into conversations through simple, leading questions. It involves asking open-ended, inquisitive questions like "What do you mean by that?" to gently steer the conversation towards spirituality. 

The tactic aims to expose flaws or contradictions in others' views in a non-confrontational manner. For instance, following up with "How did you come to that conclusion?" respects the other person's reasoning and encourages them to articulate their beliefs, providing more insight for further discussion. 

Even when faced with responses lacking clear reasoning, the Columbo tactic uses straightforward, relevant questions to provoke thought, emphasizing the importance of having reasons for one’s beliefs. This method highlights the power of asking well-placed questions to facilitate deeper, more meaningful conversations about spiritual matters.

▶ Watch the full conversation: https://youtu.be/CZrApYwhP7Y
📖 Pick up a copy of Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions https://amzn.to/478Sppl
📖 Pick up a copy of Street Smarts: Using Questions to Answer Christianity's Toughest Challenges https://amzn.to/49yRWOA

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