Why Good Arguments Often Fail - Annotated by James W Sire (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

You gave it your best shot. You made the best case you knew how, and your friend still wasn't persuaded to follow Christ. Why is it that solid, rational arguments for the Christian faith often fail?For over fifty years James Sire, noted author and public defender of the Christian faith, has asked himself that question. Sometimes, of course, the arguments themselves just aren't that good. How can we make them better? Sometimes the problem has to do with us and not the arguments. Our arrogance, aggressiveness or cleverness gets in the way, or we misread our audience. Sometimes the problem lies with the hearers. Their worldview or moral blindness keeps them from hearing and understanding the truth. With wisdom borne of both formal and informal experience, Sire grapples with these issues and offers practical insight into making a more persuasive case for Christ. Includes an annotated bibliography of resources for framing effective arguments.

Review Quotes

"One of the key features of the book is the inclusion of a discussion on factors that persuade or dissuade people of different points of view. Sire is extremely practical in addressing issues such as the danger of the use of defective arguments, which often do more harm than good and the importance of sensitivity to the questioner. In three well-arranged sections, Sire discusses defective argumentation, how one's worldview influences one's beliefs and how to best present the gospel. He also, in the end, includes an extensive bibliographywith comments and suggestions that is invaluable."

Varughese John, Dharma Deepika, January-June 2010

About the Author

James W. Sire (1933-2018) was a widely respected apologist, author, and lecturer who served for more than thirty years as senior editor at InterVarsity Press. He is the author of over twenty books, including the seminal apologetics title The Universe Next Door, Apologetics Beyond Reason, and Discipleship of the Mind.