1. "What do you mean by that?" This question does a lot of things for you.

• It makes them define the terms in their argument.

• it gives you time to consider your answer as you listen to there reasoning and logic.

• Be care to listen for logically fallacies (what) and with the right questions point them out.

examples would be...

Are you saying there is NO God? Or that you aren't sure there is a God?

 

  2. "How do you know that to be true?" This makes them explain the logic of their argument.

 

Everyone has a reason for what they believe. The goal is to lead them to... "is that a good reason?". People believe things for all kinds of reasons even about the bible  many of which are not logical when you understand what the bible says. Here's an example from my experience.

example question could be...

Have you checked everywhere in the universe to know he's not hiding somewhere you haven't looked?

 

 

  3. "What difference does it make?"

This makes them defend the value for their argument. Some people believe things because they feel better about one idea as oppose to another.

An example would be someone saying "I am not fat I am big boned". Do they really think they are "big boned" or does thinking about it that way make them feel better. . .

 

It is the same with sin. Many people would rather think God is forgiving he loves me and won't send me to hell. Not because they are completely sure it's true, but because they prefer to think of it that way.

What has this belief done for you? (freedom to do whatever and not feel bad?)

 

  4. "What if you're wrong?"

 

This question is great to follow up on someone that says they don't believe in God.

Some times I open the question by saying

"not believing in gravity of which I can't see doesn't make the truth go away this is why normal people don't just walk off cliffs. . . what if you are wrong and God does exist... If you died today where will you go Heaven or Hell?

The forced answer is usually hell, but some will still say heaven. why?? This Goes back to the problem spoken of else where on this website. Many church teach the gospel something like this, "come to Jesus he will give you joy, love, peace and lasting happiness... If you are broke God will give you money, marriage in trouble, God can fix it". So people come to God for "what he can do" not what he "ALREADY DID!". Or worst they think they can wait until the last minute and slide in with a last minute plea. This is your chance to set the record straight.