Engaging the Closed Minded
Overview
You know them: friends and coworkers, family members you love. They aren't interested in the Bible or Jesus. Period.
Author Dan Story tackles one of the most difficult problems you may ever face in sharing your faith—engaging minds that are tightly closed against the good news of Jesus Christ. Some people may talk about religion—for the sake of a good argument—but they don't really listen to what you are saying with an open mind.
Tough situations like these demand more than good intentions—they require insight into the thinking and attitudes of people who have shut themselves off from the truth. Engaging the Closed Minded not only provides principles that work but shows how to use them in real life conversations and situations. You will learn:
- How to get a fair hearing in discussions
- How to respond to misconceptions about Christianity
- How to identify obstacles to faith that surface during conversations
- How to address non-Christian worldviews and beliefs
- How to reason persuasively and logically
- How to establish a point of contact as a springboard
Top Highlights
“The first type of unbeliever, which both Paul and we encounter, are those who believe in the God of Scripture (or a close facsimile) but reject Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior in the Christian sense—or have never met Him. Today this group includes not only Orthodox Jews but also Muslims, Unitarians, and some Christian cults.” (Pages 15–16)
“The first approach is called lifestyle evangelism (see Matt. 5:16; John 13:35; Col. 4:5–6; 1 Peter 2:12). It stresses building relationships with unbelievers in order to provide witnessing opportunities. It’s a long-term commitment, one where unbelievers are able to witness Christians modeling the Christian lifestyle.” (Pages 11–12)
“ this group of unbelievers in Titus 1:16 where he states, ‘They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him.’” (Page 16)
“The point is that many unbelievers will choose to accept or reject Christianity on the basis of what they see—not what they hear. Even if we are clumsy in sharing our faith, it is often what unbelievers observe that draws them to Christ. If our lives reflect Jesus, it can create an interest in Christianity and lead to opportunities to share the gospel at a later time.” (Page 13)
“My tactic was designed to win the argument, not the soul.” (Page 8)
Praise for the Print Edition
Engaging the Closed Minded not only provides principles that work but shows how to use them in real-life conversations and situations.
—Covenant Communicator
The seven chapters in this short book are packed with helps for the believer in giving a defense of the faith.
—Douglas M. Cecil, Bibliotheca Sacra
Every Christian serious about evangelism should add this tactical book to their apologetics library. This is one of the best 'how to' apologetics books in print today.
—Dr. Frank Harber, Professor of Evangelism Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Product Details
- Title: Engaging the Closed Minded
- Author: Dan Story
- Publisher: Kregel
- Publication Date: 1999
- Pages: 112
Sample Pages from the Print Edition
Reviews
2 ratings
Unix
1/12/2016
Paul Chatfield
1/10/2012
The best of Dan Story's 3 books in my opinion (others: Christianity on the Offense, Defending Your Faith). Some novel ideas and helpful for evangelists as they think about reaching out. Believes in broader approaches to evangelism than Comfort's one approach that supposedly works for all. Easy to read and engaging.
