Why Answer a Question with a Question?

When I first saw the title of the book, Questioning Evanglism, I wondered if the author was questioning whether or not Christians should evangelize. But I discovered that the book was about using questions as we seek to tell others about Jesus.

Of course some people answer questions with questions just to avoid talking about an issue. Or they think what is on their mind is more important than the subject the person just brought up. Sometimes it is simply rude to answer a question with a question.

But not always.

In fact, Jesus often answered questions with questions. When He did so, it was the right thing to do.

Why? Because just because a person asks a question does not mean he or she wants to learn something. Questions can also be used to bring about an accusation.

When the chief priest and leaders asked questions of Jesus they were not looking to be taught by Him. They were determined to trap Him with His words so they could prosecute and defame Him. When they asked Jesus to tell them by what authority He did the things He did, He asked them a question. He told them He would answer their question if they would answer His question. He asked them whether John's baptism was from heaven or from men.

Those leaders could not or would not give an answer because they knew they if they said John's baptism was from heaven, how could they explain why they didn't follow John. Yet if they said John's baptism was from men they would risk offending the multitudes who believed John the baptist was a prophet of God. So the leaders couldn't give an answer to Jesus, so Jesus did not answer their question.

Today there are times when people will ask a question of a Christian not to learn something but as an introduction to an attack on the beliefs of Christians. No matter what answer is given, the person simply wants to argue and demean those who believe the Bible. Their mind is already made up and all they want to do is denounce Christianity.

Answering such questions with an appropriate question can do more than avoid a pointless conflict. When Jesus asked the leaders whether John's baptism was from heaven or from men, they had to stop and ponder how they might answer. Asking questions can result in people doing more thinking.

Just giving a "straight" answer might not even be understood by those asking an accusatory question. What you and they mean by certain terms may be quite different. So by asking them a question related to the topic of their question, you can find out more of what they currently believe. That can help you to ask further questions which can help them think about and articulate their perspective on important issues connected with the original "question" that was asked.

If all people want is an argument, or an opportunity to put you down, there is no reason to play their game. But if your asking pertinent questions results in a serious dialogue, then the time can be well spent.

If this subject matter is of interest to you, maybe you could get a copy of Questioning Evangelism , by Randy Newman, and read it for yourself. Or see if you know somebody who has a copy and borrow it.

Thanks for reading this post. I hope it has given you a little something to think about.