In 2024, Donald Williams posted an excellent apologetics comment here entitled “Question the Question” wherein he argues the best response in apologetics sometimes is to question the question that is being asked.

“Often in apologetics the best response is, “That’s not the right question.” For example, instead of, “Why can’t the Gospel writers get their stories straight?”, it is much more fruitful to ask, “What does the presence of discrepancies that are not contradictions tell us about the reliability of the witnesses?” In a court of law or in historical research, that is exactly what you are looking for: it is one sign of reliable testimony. If witnesses in court say exactly the same thing, you suspect them of colluding to fix their testimony. If historical documents do it, you suspect that you really have only one source, not many. Too often we let the Enemy dictate the terrain of the battle and the rules of engagement when there is no reason for us to do so. Sometimes we have to meet people where they are, but often rephrasing the question can be the first step toward getting better answers.“

In fact, this is a tactic that Jesus often used. One notable question Jesus asked in Matt 7:3 was, “Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?” In Mark 11:29, Jesus asked, “I will ask you one question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Was the baptism of John from heaven or from man?” In Luke 9:20, he asked the disciples “Who do you say I am?” In Matthew 9:5, he asked “”For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’?” In Matthew 6:27 he asked, “”Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your lifespan?” In Mark 4:21 he asked ““Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket, or under a bed, and not on a stand?” In Luke 6:46 he asked ““Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” In John 3:!2, he asked ““If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things?”