Tactics by Gregory Koukl
Week 8: Chapter 7 — Suicide: Views That Self-Destruct
Read Chapter 7 of Tactics by Gregory Koukl.
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Some of the most common objections to Christianity carry within them the seed of their own refutation — and this chapter equips you to spot and gently expose those self-defeating claims.
Discussion Questions
7 questions1.Koukl introduces the 'Suicide tactic': the observation that some claims refute themselves — they are 'self-defeating.' What is the classic example he uses? In your own words, explain why it is self-defeating.
2.The claim 'There is no truth' (or 'Truth is relative') is perhaps the most common self-defeating statement Koukl addresses. Walk through the logic: what question do you ask, and why does the claim collapse under it?
a.How would you explain this to someone who doesn't follow the logic at first?
b.What is the kind response when someone realizes their view self-destructs?
3.Koukl gives other examples of self-defeating claims: 'You can't know anything for certain,' 'You shouldn't judge,' 'Science is the only reliable way to know things.' Pick one and explain how it self-destructs.