Some how many Christians have adopted the notion that if they put forward the right arguments for Christian truth claims (such as God’s existence or Christ’s resurrection), then they can persuade any person to become a Christian. These Christians are often disappointed and dismayed when they’re best efforts seems to go no where. Dr. James W. Sire explores why this is the case in Why Good Arguments Often Fail. |
The book is divided in three parts consisting of 12 chapters. Part 1 examines the most common logical fallacies by reflecting on a “Love is a Fallacy” by Max Shulman. Part 2 looks beyond logical fallacies to issues of character, perception, worldviews (naturalism and postmodernism), and sin. In Part 3, Dr. Sire offers two persuasive approaches, one from the Apostle Paul in Acts 17 and one from his own experience. The last chapter is a thorough annotated bibliography divided into ten categories.
I think there are primarily two reasons people should buy this book. The first is that Part 1 of the book is an excellent introduction to basic critical thinking. Dr. Sire takes seemingly abstract rules of logic and makes them tangible through clear explanations and applications to arguments against Christianity and even a few bad arguments Christians sometimes put forward. The second reason this book is worthwhile is for the bibliography at the end. It is a handy guide that covers most apologetic issues in great detail.
While apologetics deals primarily with intellectual issues for rejecting Christianity, almost every non-Christian (if not all) have other issues that must be dealt with. This book acknowledges this by addressing the character of the Christian evangelist and the “moral blindness” of the non-Christian. However, it’s general approach is of an intellectual nature and I think it’d be stronger if it dealt with sin and psychological issues to a further extent.
Why Good Arguments Often Fail is a much needed book to help Christians think more critically about the arguments they put forward for Christianity. Dr. James W. Sire’s experience and wisdom provides ample illustrations and insights that can make our overall case for Christ more persuasive to non-Christian ears.
