How Christian Case Making Impacts the Convinced, the Opposed, and the Undecided [Abortion]

I spoke to a group of students at The Ohio State University on Monday evening [regarding abortion]...

I realized the importance of distinguishing between the people we are trying to reach...people who are either already committedly pro-life, doggedly pro-abortion or still undecided.

Once we understand our goals with each group we are trying to reach, we can effectively impact the convinced, the opposed, and the undecided....

You may not think there’s much value in trying to reach those who are already convinced Christianity is true, but nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, the more I speak across the country, the more important this group has become to me. Many of us, as Christians, are convinced Christianity is true, but take this truth for granted. We live as Christians the same way we might live as Californians, and we fail to see the connection between evidential certainty and confidence. In essence, many of us are accidental Christians; we happen to believe something true, but have little or no idea why it is true. My goal with this group is to encourage them to do some “heavy lifting”. I want to challenge them to examine what they believe so they can have a much greater impact on our culture.

If you’ve ever interacted with hostile atheists online, you’ve probably been frustrated at times and wondered if your efforts were worthwhile at all. At times like this I try to remind myself of the three reasons anyone “shuns” a truth claim; many of us are committed to our position for other than rational evidential reasons (that’s true for everyone, including Christians). It’s important to see your efforts to reach the opposed as a baseball game rather than a tennis match. The goal isn’t points, it’s advancing people around the bases. You’re not alone on the court, you’ve got help on the field. I’m not always trying to hit home runs with people who disagree with me. Instead, I am simply trying to be faithful to my Master, reflect his image, and leave people with something to think about.

In many ways, this group holds the most promise. People who are undecided usually fall into two categories. Some have never really given the issue much thought. They’re neither for nor against; they’ve simply been living unaware. You may be the first person to introduce them to the issues you are trying to share. If so, remember the importance of a first impression. What you say or do will have an impact on the work of those who follow you. The second group of “undecideds” are people who have given the issue some thought, but are just beginning to make their decision. For this group of people, your defense of Christianity may very well be the deciding factor. The responsibility you and I have with the undecided is daunting, but it’s a privilege to play a small part in their decision.

This guy, J Warner Wallace, is an actual "cold case" murder detective. He became a Christian and is now a speaker for the cause of Christ.

One of his last cases as a crime investigator will be featured on NBC's "Dateline" this coming Friday:

http://www.nbcnews.com/dateline/preview-wire-n215906

The story is about a girl murdered by her ex boyfriend back in 1979. Wallace finally was able to bring the case to trial in 2014.

My point isn't to promote NBC, a network I think is in the tank for Obama. My point is to let you know the author of this article, J Warner Wallace, is a true professional and is worth hearing.

One of the ways to “convince” people about Christian values is to LIVE them. Example IS how we learned as children, wasn’t it?

If you’ve ever interacted with hostile atheists online, you’ve probably been frustrated at times and wondered if your efforts were worthwhile at all. At times like this I try to remind myself of the three reasons anyone “shuns” a truth claim; many of us are committed to our position for other than rational evidential reasons (that’s true for everyone, including Christians). It’s important to see your efforts to reach the opposed as a baseball game rather than a tennis match. The goal isn’t points, it’s advancing people around the bases. You’re not alone on the court, you’ve got help on the field. I’m not always trying to hit home runs with people who disagree with me. Instead, I am simply trying to be faithful to my Master, reflect his image, and leave people with something to think about.

Interesting thread - PFL

yes. You are so very correct.

I think JWW is talking more about the give and take of discussion and reasoning, though anyone worth their salt will agree with you that all the mental acumen in the world is useless unless shared in a loving, Christ-like and winsome manner.

...that all the mental acumen in the world is useless unless shared in a loving, Christ-like and winsome manner.

==============================================

I never did do "winsome" well.
I'm too much like my father.

However, I do try "loving and Christ-LIKE."
THAT is do-able.

John Walsh did more for our missing and abused children than I can believe!
God bless him.

I sincerely hope and pray that J Warner Wallace is as successful.

I understand. I struggle, too.

Sometimes Christ-like is aggressive. He went after Nicodemus and the money changers and Pharisees (and even Peter once) with vigor.

On the other hand, Jesus also had patience and compassion for those who were suffering and struggling...like the woman at the well of Joseph and the crowds following him for food and healing.

There is a time for both; pray for the wisdom to know when to use each approach to share the truth.

That is my counsel. Free of charge. :)

That is my counsel. Free of charge. :)

Good counsel.
God gave us the intelligence and emotion to deal with life. It doesn't matter, really, how or what we think or feel but how we ACT and REACT.

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