Views that Self-destruct (#1-5)

As with any challenge, you must be alert to every move made by your counterpart. Pay close attention to their responses. You are listening for a misunderstanding, a misconception, or a limitation in the person’s argument that you can work with. Whatever you discover, work to address it with a question, not a statement. In particular, be alert to self-refuting views, ideas that defeat themselves. Like the sign in the restaurant saying, “Authentic Italian food served the traditional Chinese way,” or “I used to believe in reincarnation. But that was in a former life.” These are views that self- destruct, requiring only that you expose them to the light of reason. Listen for the basic idea, premise, conviction, or claim. Then, reflect on whether the claim applies to itself and contains an absurdity. Here are some common examples: 1) “There is no truth.” – “But aren’t you stating what you believe to be true?” 2) “No one can know any truth about religion.” – “How is it then, that you came to know this truth about religion?” 3) “People should not impose their values on others.” – “Are you not then imposing this value on others?” 4) “Instead of telling others how to live and believe, just love.” – “Isn’t this just your way of telling others how to live and believe?”
More on evangelizing tips and tactics next time. In Christ...