Tools of Apologetics 1.20.6

Formulating Leading Questions

Examples Of Leading Questions

The discussion of principles related to the framing and asking of Leading Question might be sufficient for many of our readers. However, all the observations and suggestions given above might not make sense to some readers if we do not give some examples. Thus we shall now give some practical examples. Often people argue that God does not exist, or that the Bible is full or errors and is therefore not to be taken seriously. If persons argue in this manner, the Apologist must always ask them in the following order:

1-Do you firmly believe in what you have stated?

2-If yes, then please give me some concrete proofs!

3-If you have no concrete proofs, how can you be so firm in your beliefs?

4-Do you know that beliefs without sufficient proofs are called blind dogmatism?

In a counseling session, many people tell the counselor that they have been facing a problem (Devotions, Laziness, Lust, Bad Language, Temptations, etc.). They want a solution, but are often not willing to implement these solutions. They are willing to listen to the counselor, but are not willing to change. Their problems are self-created, but they somehow want the counselor to say that others are responsible for these problems.

In such a situation counselors have to expose the root causes before they can do anything. The following sequence of questions will be very helpful in such cases:

1-What habit(habits) of yours aggravated the problem?

2-What have you done so far to solve the problem yourself?

3-What are you going to do now (specially after this person has accepted his/her wrong/sinful involvement)?

Many who come for counseling or discussion find it very difficult to open up and speak out. To encourage and draw out such persons during a counseling session you might ask:

1-What is the present condition of your spiritual life?

2-How is your prayer life?

3-Are you enjoying intimacy with God these days?

Many times people pass comments or make evaluations about the Bible, Christianity, Christians, or about spiritual subjects with improper and non-sincere motives. Often it becomes necessary to expose their motives before any further conversation can take place in a meaningful direction. The following questions are helpful in such situations:

1-Do you mean that you CAN’T do that or that you are NOT WILLING to try or to pay the cost?

2-Did you say that to build up, create harmony, due to brotherly love, due to concern, etc.?

3-Am I (you) doing, speaking, or choosing it out of competition, for status, for ego, etc ?

4-Does this action, attitude, phenomenon contribute more to the solution or to the problem?

At times it becomes essential to evaluate an action, a movement, a film, a book, a song, or a gathering of people. The following questions can help:

1-Does it encourage wholeness, holiness, pure conduct, etc.?

2-Does it in its totality bring glory or shame to the Lord?

Summary

Formulating Leading Questions is neither an automatic phenomenon, nor does it come easily. Much experience, insight and wisdom are needed before a person can start asking Leading Questions effectively. Taking the steps mentioned in this chapter can help every interested Christian Apologist and Leader to get started effectively on the path of asking effective Leading Questions.

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