Asking the Right Questions Leads to Better Spiritual Understanding

The Bible states that the heart is naturally evil towards spiritual matters. Therefore man does not generally want to know the truth. This is why they usually ask wrong questions.

It was believed that man can control his own history. However, we see now that this is not the case. Because people have neglected knowledge given by God and relied on their own thinking, the world has deteriorated considerably. Once mankind comes to the realization that only God can give them the answers they are truly seeking, then the world would be in a better state.

The Bible is the only book to give you answers to spiritual problems. Many people seek council from their pastors or teachers and more often than not, the advice they give results from their own beliefs and opinions or their understanding of truth. The best way to get answers for spiritual matters is to consult the bible itself.

Many of the issues that face us today tend to confuse a lot of people. Issues such as abortion and divorce leave people in a quandary as to what is the right thing to do. A Christian understands that God must be brought into the picture in order to do what is right. Only the right questions can bring the solution to the problem to the one who is genuinely seeking answers.

Formulating Questions in a Debate

In a debate many debaters deliberately ask deceptive questions to steer people away from the truth. They want to suppress the truth because it may hurt them in some way. The Apologist has to use leading questions for the truth to come out.

There are those who have the natural ability to ask leading questions, but for most, this is a technique that has to be learnt. Training in theology, logic, science, philosophy and other fields is necessary for the Apologist to formulate leading questions. He can also study the way other experienced Apologists formulate their questions.

The following points can help the Apologist to frame leading questions.

Experience and Insight. Just like with any skill, practice is the key to becoming perfect. With much practice the art of framing leading questions will become easier.

Thorough Biblical Understanding. The Apologist cannot depend on his human thinking if he is to adequately defend and reveal truth. Even believers tend to see things from a purely human point of view. A successful Apologist must have a thorough understanding of the bible which will help him understand matters from a purely biblical point of view. Constant Bible study will then help him to answer those questions that deal with righteousness, holiness, personal obligations, etc.

Study Human Nature. The study of human nature is essential when it comes to defending truth. This study is not only from a psychological point of view, but mostly from a biblical point of view. The bible gives numerous character stories which help analyze human behavior. This will then help the Apologist guide his opponents to truth. Sometimes the real reason for taking a particular course of action is hidden and other reasons are used in its place. All this is rooted in human nature. Once understood, the Apologist must ask the appropriate questions to bring out the truth and real reasons out to light.

At the end of a debate, if the opponent has lost, it may be necessary for the Apologist to get him to accept the fact that he has lost and accept the truth. The opponent may be reluctant for various reasons, but this is important to avoid him claiming at a later date, he did not understand. It is also important for the Apologist to know if his questioning led in the right direction. Also, it helps the opponent to take the necessary action with his newfound knowledge.