What is the Socratic Method?
Named after the classical Greek philosopher Socrates, the Socratic Method is a form of inquiry between individuals with opposing viewpoints based on asking and answering questions to stimulate critical thinking and expose underlying assumptions. It is a type of questioning that reveals who we really are and what we really believe, forcing us to face our own contradictions. The Bible records that Jesus asked over 200 questions, and of course He knew the answers. A close look at His questioning reveals the strategic purpose behind each one. Questions like, "who's inscription is on the coin" or "why did David call Him Lord" are very calculated and pointed questions, designed to expose faulty thinking about the world. On one Sabbath day while among the Pharisees, Jesus came across a man with dropsy. Knowing they objected to healing on the Sabbath, Jesus asked them the question, “Which of you, having a donkey or an ox that has fallen into a pit, will not immediately pull him out on the Sabbath day?” (Luke 14:5). The implication of course is, why would you save a donkey on the Sabbath, but not a human. Luke records that, "they could not answer Him regarding these things." This is the Socratic Method, strategic questions designed to stimulate critical thinking and expose faulty assumptions.
As modern example, suppose someone says, "hasn't science disproved God?" You can answer this with the question: Can you point me to one experiment that tests whether their is a God or not? As another example, suppose someone says, "Truth is relative". You can ask the question: Are you saying that if I believe it's true that there is milk in the refrigerator and my wife believes that their is no milk in the refrigerator, when I open it there will be milk and when she opens it there will be no milk? In both cases the question exposes the faulty logic of the skeptic. In our course Introduction to Apologetics, during each Session we give the student a list of these questions as they relate to the topic, so they can use them in their evangelism.
For the evangelist, questions can serve two purposes. First to understand what the person believes and therefore direct the conversation to the specific needs of the skeptic, and second, to expose the flaws in that belief. Ideally, the questioning can lead the conversation and ultimately allow the audience to reach their own conclusions about who they are and what they believe. The best kinds of questions will dig down deep and expose the true motives behind their skepticism (ie. my father left us, we've always been poor, God can't possible love me, why did my mother die, etc.) so meaningful conversation can happen.
"We must learn the skill of talking to non-Christians in a way that makes them feel uncertain about their beliefs and what they are basing their lives on, and yet minimizes their discomfort with us so they want to continue the conversation. It is what Paul challenged us to do when he said, 'Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Norman Geisler and David Geisler, Conversational Evangelism
Why Should We Ask Questions?
A person can close his ears to facts he does not want to hear, but if a pointed question causes him to form the answer in his own mind, he cannot escape the conclusion. --David Baker, Jehovah’s Witness Answer Book The right questions move the conversation along in the direction of your choice and ultimately helps lead the skeptic to the proper conclusions. Following are some examples of Jesus' questioning.
How do we Best Present the Evidence for God’s Existence?
Paul understood that the needs of his audience varied and therefore he tailored his presentation of the Gospel for the specific needs of the audience at hand. A good evangelist knows that we don’t simply talk to “generic” people. The specific nature of the individual or audience should guide the way we present the Gospel. Each person and each audience we speak to is different. The book of Acts shines some light on Paul's method.
The best evangelists understand their audience and have the Gospel message designed for their specific needs. If your presentation of the Gospel is limited to "God has a plan for your life" then you will be very limited in who you can reach.
Principles of Asking the Right Questions
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry (James 1:19). He who answers before listening, that is his folly and his shame (Proverbs 18:13). The better you are at listening the better you will be at evangelism, plain and simple. I can't tell you how many times I've met Christians who are so eager to hear themselves talk and tell me things I've known for years. Good listening will prolong the conversation and more importantly, reveal where the person is at spiritually, so you can properly present the Gospel. Often this will include overcoming initial objections and then the proper Gospel presentation.
Follow the Three Cs
It is a Person, not a Project.
We meet people where they are because God does. Woman at the well. (John 4:1-40) To the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you (1 Corinthians 9:22-23).
Articles
Tactics for an Ambassador Defending the Christian Faith Don Closson
Six Enemies Of Apologetic Engagement Douglas Groothuis
Five Methods of Apologetics Steven Cowan
Apologetics and Evangilism Apologetics Resource Center
As modern example, suppose someone says, "hasn't science disproved God?" You can answer this with the question: Can you point me to one experiment that tests whether their is a God or not? As another example, suppose someone says, "Truth is relative". You can ask the question: Are you saying that if I believe it's true that there is milk in the refrigerator and my wife believes that their is no milk in the refrigerator, when I open it there will be milk and when she opens it there will be no milk? In both cases the question exposes the faulty logic of the skeptic. In our course Introduction to Apologetics, during each Session we give the student a list of these questions as they relate to the topic, so they can use them in their evangelism.
For the evangelist, questions can serve two purposes. First to understand what the person believes and therefore direct the conversation to the specific needs of the skeptic, and second, to expose the flaws in that belief. Ideally, the questioning can lead the conversation and ultimately allow the audience to reach their own conclusions about who they are and what they believe. The best kinds of questions will dig down deep and expose the true motives behind their skepticism (ie. my father left us, we've always been poor, God can't possible love me, why did my mother die, etc.) so meaningful conversation can happen.
"We must learn the skill of talking to non-Christians in a way that makes them feel uncertain about their beliefs and what they are basing their lives on, and yet minimizes their discomfort with us so they want to continue the conversation. It is what Paul challenged us to do when he said, 'Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Norman Geisler and David Geisler, Conversational Evangelism
Why Should We Ask Questions?
A person can close his ears to facts he does not want to hear, but if a pointed question causes him to form the answer in his own mind, he cannot escape the conclusion. --David Baker, Jehovah’s Witness Answer Book The right questions move the conversation along in the direction of your choice and ultimately helps lead the skeptic to the proper conclusions. Following are some examples of Jesus' questioning.
- Forces people to open up and consider their general assumptions. Luke 18:18 Jesus’ question undermined the faulty assumption of the rich young ruler that we get to Heaven by being good.
- Forces people to open up and consider cultural assumptions. Matthew 22:15 By asking a question back, Jesus forced religious leaders to open up within their cultural assumption that paying taxes makes one unholy.
- Exposes faulty logic. Matthew 9:1-8 Jesus uses a rhetorical question to expose shaky theology about the Son of God.
- Exposes motives. Matthew 21:23-27 By asking His question about John the Baptist’s authority, Jesus showed the religious leaders that they were not truly interested in receiving an answer.
- Exposes contradictions. Matthew 22:41-46 By exposing an interpretation of the scriptures, “the Lord said to my Lord,” Jesus exposes the contradiction in their thinking.
- Ensures a conversation. John 4:1-26 Jesus asks the Samaritan woman for a drink of water and then asks her to get her husband. People don’t like to be “talked at.” They want to be “talked to.”
- Makes people think. The difference between an argument and a discussion is that a discussion allows people to think.
How do we Best Present the Evidence for God’s Existence?
Paul understood that the needs of his audience varied and therefore he tailored his presentation of the Gospel for the specific needs of the audience at hand. A good evangelist knows that we don’t simply talk to “generic” people. The specific nature of the individual or audience should guide the way we present the Gospel. Each person and each audience we speak to is different. The book of Acts shines some light on Paul's method.
- Acts 17:1-4 Paul reasons with the Jews from the scripture.
- Acts 17:22-29 Paul first dispels false beliefs.
- Acts 14 Paul begins with nature and then reasons back to a Creator.
- Acts 26 Paul speaks of his conversion and prophesy.
The best evangelists understand their audience and have the Gospel message designed for their specific needs. If your presentation of the Gospel is limited to "God has a plan for your life" then you will be very limited in who you can reach.
Principles of Asking the Right Questions
- Be genuinely interested; this comes from genuine love.
- Don’t focus on winning or losing the argument. Focus on getting them to open their heart.
- Remember that if you can see them, they’re not the enemy; our real battle is a spiritual battle.
- Pray. Only God can soften hard hearts to receive truth.
- Ask open-ended questions, to get them to talk.
- Answer a question with a question; this ensures a conversation.
- The end goal is ALWAYS to bring them to the Cross. They should know when you are done, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that you want them to say “Yes” to Christ.
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry (James 1:19). He who answers before listening, that is his folly and his shame (Proverbs 18:13). The better you are at listening the better you will be at evangelism, plain and simple. I can't tell you how many times I've met Christians who are so eager to hear themselves talk and tell me things I've known for years. Good listening will prolong the conversation and more importantly, reveal where the person is at spiritually, so you can properly present the Gospel. Often this will include overcoming initial objections and then the proper Gospel presentation.
Follow the Three Cs
- Confirm – Make sure you understand what the skeptic is saying.
- Clarify – Ask questions about his or her position. Don’t be derogatory. Repeat their comments if necessary.
- Connect – Find common ground and concede the minor points. Make conversation.
It is a Person, not a Project.
- Compliment or thank individuals for their questions. This is a great way to show respect.
- Pray to discern the intent of a questioner as you listen, that you might understand the heart (James 3:13-18).
- Are they seeking truth or are they looking for a fight? Even the biggest bully can be disarmed if you show respect and interest for what they are saying.
- Remember not every question or accusation requires a defensive response.
- People don’t like to be “talked at.” They want to be “talked to.”
We meet people where they are because God does. Woman at the well. (John 4:1-40) To the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you (1 Corinthians 9:22-23).
Articles
Tactics for an Ambassador Defending the Christian Faith Don Closson
Six Enemies Of Apologetic Engagement Douglas Groothuis
Five Methods of Apologetics Steven Cowan
Apologetics and Evangilism Apologetics Resource Center