Book Review: Why Good Arguments Often Fail by James Sire

February 19, 2007 Posted by Roger Overton

Some how many Christians have adopted the notion that if
they put forward the right arguments for Christian truth claims (such as God’s
existence or Christ’s resurrection), then they can persuade any person to
become a Christian. These Christians are often disappointed and dismayed when
they’re best efforts seems to go no where. Dr. James W. Sire explores why this
is the case in Why Good Arguments Often
Fail.

The book is divided in three parts consisting of 12
chapters. Part 1 examines the most common logical fallacies by reflecting on a
“Love is a Fallacy” by Max Shulman. Part 2 looks beyond logical fallacies to
issues of character, perception, worldviews (naturalism and postmodernism), and
sin. In Part 3, Dr. Sire offers two persuasive approaches, one from the Apostle
Paul in Acts 17 and one from his own experience. The last chapter is a thorough
annotated bibliography divided into ten categories.

I think there are primarily two reasons people should buy
this book. The first is that Part 1 of the book is an excellent introduction to
basic critical thinking. Dr. Sire takes seemingly abstract rules of logic and
makes them tangible through clear explanations and applications to arguments
against Christianity and even a few bad arguments Christians sometimes put
forward. The second reason this book is worthwhile is for the bibliography at
the end. It is a handy guide that covers most apologetic issues in great
detail.

While apologetics deals primarily with intellectual issues
for rejecting Christianity, almost every non-Christian (if not all) have other
issues that must be dealt with. This book acknowledges this by addressing the
character of the Christian evangelist and the “moral blindness” of the non-Christian.
However, it’s general approach is of an intellectual nature and I think it’d be
stronger if it dealt with sin and psychological issues to a further extent.

Why Good Arguments Often
Fail is a much needed book to help Christians think more critically about
the arguments they put forward for Christianity. Dr. James W. Sire’s experience
and wisdom provides ample illustrations and insights that can make our overall
case for Christ more persuasive to non-Christian ears.