Getting in the Drivers Seat: The Columbo Tactic

Intro

“When I think about discussing Christianity with nonbelievers .. .”

I relish the encounter.

I'm willing, but nervous and uncertain.

It scares me, but I try anyway.

I try to avoid it.

Activity: 10 Second Window

Pair up with another person and consider the following real-world scenarios. In each sce- nario, you have a ten-second window of time to create an opportunity for further dialogue with the other individual. What would you do or say in each situation?

Scenario 1: "There Is No God"

The Scene: You're at a dinner party at your friend's home with some of your close friends from church. The conversation ranges naturally over a number of interesting spiritual topics. Suddenly, to your surprise and embarrassment, the host's fifteen-year-old son announces with some belligerence that he doesn't believe in God anymore. "It's simply not rational," he says. "There is no proof." No one had any idea he'd been moving in this direction. There's a stunned silence.

The Challenge: Your opportunity will pass quickly. You have only a few seconds to initiate further dialogue, but you want to do so in a way that is productive and will help everyone in the room to reflect intelligently on the issue. What will you say?

Scenario 2: Religious Pluralism

The Scene: It's the night of your weekly Bible study group. During the discussion of the Sunday sermon on the Great Commission, a newcomer remarks, "Who are we to say Christianity is better than any other religion? I think the essence of Jesus' teaching is love, the same as all religions, not telling other people how to live or believe" The rest of the group fidgets awkwardly, but says nothing.

The Challenge: You're concerned about your friend's statement and want to say some- thing, but you're also concerned about not sounding narrow-minded or intolerant. No one else is speaking up, and you have only a few seconds before you lose the opportunity to represent God's view on other religions. What will you say?

Scenario 3: The Bible

The Scene: You're riding the university shuttle with a friend who notices a Bible in your backpack. "I've read the Bible before," he says. "It's got some interesting stories, but people take it too seriously. It was only written by men, after all, and men make mistakes." You try to recall the points your pastor made a few weeks before about the Bible's inspiration, but come up empty-handed.

The Challenge: You didn't know your friend had any exposure to the Bible until now. You're concerned about keeping the conversation productive while being sensitive to the fact that other shuttle riders are listening. What do you say in response?

Watch Video

Initiate Reflection:

On your paper, write in your own words how you would sum up the Columbo Tactic.

Activity: 10 Second Window —> Columbo Question

Pair up with another person and consider the following real-world scenarios. In each sce- nario, you have a ten-second window of time to create an opportunity for further dialogue with the other individual. What would you do or say in each situation?

Scenario 1: "There Is No God"

The Scene: You're at a dinner party at your friend's home with some of your close friends from church. The conversation ranges naturally over a number of interesting spiritual topics. Suddenly, to your surprise and embarrassment, the host's fifteen-year-old son announces with some belligerence that he doesn't believe in God anymore. "It's simply not rational," he says. "There is no proof." No one had any idea he'd been moving in this direction. There's a stunned silence.

Columbo Question_________________

Scenario 2: Religious Pluralism

The Scene: It's the night of your weekly Bible study group. During the discussion of the Sunday sermon on the Great Commission, a newcomer remarks, "Who are we to say Christianity is better than any other religion? I think the essence of Jesus' teaching is love, the same as all religions, not telling other people how to live or believe" The rest of the group fidgets awkwardly, but says nothing.

Columbo Question ___________________

Scenario 3: The Bible

The Scene: You're riding the university shuttle with a friend who notices a Bible in your backpack. "I've read the Bible before," he says. "It's got some interesting stories, but people take it too seriously. It was only written by men, after all, and men make mistakes." You try to recall the points your pastor made a few weeks before about the Bible's inspiration, but come up empty-handed.

Columbo Question____________________

The Real World

Objective: Learn to use the first Columbo question, "What do you mean by that?" to gather information and move the conversation in a productive direction.

Think for a moment about three challenges to Christianity you have heard in the last year. Describe each view in one sentence.

Challenge 1:

Challenge 2:

Challenge 3:

With a partner, assume the roles of challenger and defender so that the defender (the Christian) can practice using the Columbo question. What specific questions would you use to gather information or seek clarification of the challenge? After two minutes, switch roles.