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How to Argue Like Jesus: Learning Persuasion from History's Greatest Communicator
Uses Jesus' words and actions found in the New Testament to systematically evaluate his rhetorical stylings, drawing real lessons from his teachings that today's readers can employ.
Jesus of Nazareth never wrote a book, held political office, or wielded a sword. He never gained sway with the mighty or influential. He never took up arms against the governing powers in Rome. He was a lower-class worker who died an excruciating death at the age of thirty-three. Yet, in spite of all odds-obscurity, powerlessness, and execution-his words revolutionized human history.
How to Argue Like Jesus examines the life and words of Jesus and describes the various ways in which he sought-through the spoken word, his life, and his disciples-to reach others with his message. The authors then pull some very simple rhetorical lessons from Jesus' life that readers can use today.
Both Christian and non-Christian leaders in just about any field can improve their ability to communicate effectively by studying the words and methods of history's greatest communicator.
Jesus of Nazareth never wrote a book, held political office, or wielded a sword. He never gained sway with the mighty or influential. He never took up arms against the governing powers in Rome. He was a lower-class worker who died an excruciating death at the age of thirty-three. Yet, in spite of all odds-obscurity, powerlessness, and execution-his words revolutionized human history.
How to Argue Like Jesus examines the life and words of Jesus and describes the various ways in which he sought-through the spoken word, his life, and his disciples-to reach others with his message. The authors then pull some very simple rhetorical lessons from Jesus' life that readers can use today.
Both Christian and non-Christian leaders in just about any field can improve their ability to communicate effectively by studying the words and methods of history's greatest communicator.
174 pages, Paperback
First published December 18, 2008
34 people are currently reading
312 people want to read
About the author
Joe Carter
6 books6 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Joe Carter is an editor for The Gospel Coalition, a senior editor at the Acton Institute, a communications specialist for the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, and an adjunct professor of journalism at Patrick Henry College. He is the co-author of How to Argue like Jesus: Learning Persuasion from History's Greatest Communicator (Crossway, 2009).
Joe Carter is an editor for The Gospel Coalition, a senior editor at the Acton Institute, a communications specialist for the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, and an adjunct professor of journalism at Patrick Henry College. He is the co-author of How to Argue like Jesus: Learning Persuasion from History's Greatest Communicator (Crossway, 2009).
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 22, 2012
A wonderfully concise book on the art of communication. The authors take the example of Jesus Christ (public communicator extraordinaire) and show how he demonstrated valuable rhetorical principles and categories. This book helped me consider how to develop as a public communicator in rhetoric's three major areas: Pathos (energy, emotion, connecting with the audience), Logos (use of reason), and Ethos (character and credibility).
I appreciated the distinction the authors made in the intro: there were not trying to squeeze Jesus into Aristotle's categories (Pathos, Logos, Ethos). Rather, they saw Jesus in his day demonstrating those principles of effective rhetoric (since he was the Word, the Lord who invented communication) which Aristotle had the discernment to recognize in his day.
My only struggle with the book was the chapter on Logos (use of logic). It came across as though the authors have never really studied logic before, but that they heard some of the ideas somewhere. At least one point was clearly wrong, and many others were somewhat poorly explained.
The rest of the book was simply fantastic.
2012 re-read: the book was still just as good! This is one to return to frequently.
I appreciated the distinction the authors made in the intro: there were not trying to squeeze Jesus into Aristotle's categories (Pathos, Logos, Ethos). Rather, they saw Jesus in his day demonstrating those principles of effective rhetoric (since he was the Word, the Lord who invented communication) which Aristotle had the discernment to recognize in his day.
My only struggle with the book was the chapter on Logos (use of logic). It came across as though the authors have never really studied logic before, but that they heard some of the ideas somewhere. At least one point was clearly wrong, and many others were somewhat poorly explained.
The rest of the book was simply fantastic.
2012 re-read: the book was still just as good! This is one to return to frequently.
Want to read
November 29, 2008This review is advance praise of the author himself, since I'm writing it before the book's release: I met John Coleman and his wife Jackie at a Thanksgiving dinner recently, and was impressed by them as a loving couple, as well as by the integrity and solid character of John who is studying business and government at the Harvard School of Business. I just found out today that his book, How to Argue Like Jesus is to be released soon. I truly look forward to reading it, since books are often an extension of the character of the author who is behind the words.
August 24, 2018
I found the first three chapters in this book especially helpful in teaching a Rhetoric class at a Christian school, as it connects the concepts of logos, pathos, and ethos to the ministry of Jesus. The rest of the book is pretty good, but these chapters were the best.
November 1, 2025
Excellent discussion and insight into Christ’s communication skilled
This was a very worthwhile read. I felt well written and easy to understand. The first chapters of the book were perhaps more useful than the latter chapters although the entire book was worth my time and I will review parts of it several times in the future.
This was a very worthwhile read. I felt well written and easy to understand. The first chapters of the book were perhaps more useful than the latter chapters although the entire book was worth my time and I will review parts of it several times in the future.
August 21, 2018
Outstanding overview of rhetoric and apologetics--exactly what I was looking for--in a world where the vast majority of arguments are inevitably mired in anger, spite, and aggressive pursuit of domination.
July 26, 2025
A full treatment of the subject and (to my mind) accurate in what it says, but somehow doesn't leave you amazed by Jesus' persuasiveness and eager to learn and practise more
January 10, 2026
Not what I was expecting. More of the concepts of arguing and rhetoric.
January 18, 2015
We all communicate each and every day in one form or another. Since we are commanded in Scripture to always be prepared to give an account for the reason we believe, it behooves us to be capable communicators when sharing the hope that is within us, namely the message of the gospel. What better place to study the art of gospel communication that from the words of Jesus. Joe Carter and John Coleman in their helpful book How to Argue Like Jesus: Learning Persuasion from History’s Greatest Communicator, take a look at various methods of communication, reflecting on how Jesus utilized those methods as evidenced in Scripture.
There is much to enjoy about this book and the approach taken by the authors. The reader will have to engage a number of concepts and words that could be rather foreign to them initially; however, he authors do a great job of explaining the concepts the present to include examples of what the various elements of communication look like in practice as well as how they are used in Scripture.
One thing that is quite noticeable is the authors engage Greek ways of argumentation throughout this book. While it is certainly true that Jesus would have been familiar with the Greek approach to argumentation as evidenced in the Gospel accounts, Jesus also spoke and discussed points using many Jewish and Hebraic ways of thinking as well, an approach that is at times a bit different than how the Greeks would have reasoned through a concept. Given his audience was mainly Jews and while that audience would have been familiar with Greek methodologies of thinking, it would have been good for the authors to engage a bit more with the Hebraic/Jewish way of reasoning, if anything as a point of comparison with Greek thought and to also engage those portions of the Gospels where such an approach occurs.
The ability to identify for example syllogisms or logical statements within Scripture is something quite important. Since Scripture is quite logical in how it presents it overall message, following the points God is making in His word in order to get to the underlying point as well as understanding what that underlying point is all about is truly one of the fundamental elements of sound exegesis. Carter and Coleman do a great job of explaining what can be some very difficult philosophical and communication concepts. I also appreciated the repeated caution provided by the authors concerning the use of the various concepts they present. The misuse for example of the reduction ad absurdum can as the authors correctly note can lead to “unreasonable logical jumps, many of which involve so-called psychological continuums” that are highly unlikely.” If we are using Jesus’ words as an example of how to communicate, one must notice how he used these techniques, how far he took them, and why he employed them.
One particularly helpful aspect of this book are the case studies included in the final chapter. Case studies are typically helpful as they provide the means to put what one has learned into practice. The authors have selected studies that identify the methodologies they have discussed throughout the book in real life situations. After reading these case studies, the reader will definitely be better prepared to identify the methods of argumentation that Carter and Coleman have presented. Additionally, if the reader takes the time to answer the questions the authors pose at the conclusion of each case study, they will be even more prepared to identify, employ, and correctly utilize for example, pathos, logos, ethos, or the plethora of other techniques discussed in this book as they share the message of the gospel or when they engage others in meaningful conversation, especially conversation related to matters of Scripture.
This is a book I highly recommend for all believers. Since we all should be actively engaging those around us with the message of the gospel and the truth of Scripture, understanding and utilizing the methods Jesus himself used is most certainly a good practice to find yourself involved. While the title of this book is how to argue like Jesus, perhaps a better title is how to communicate effectively the truth of Scripture for that is the intent and the message the authors aptly get across to the reader.
I received this book for free from Crossway Books for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
There is much to enjoy about this book and the approach taken by the authors. The reader will have to engage a number of concepts and words that could be rather foreign to them initially; however, he authors do a great job of explaining the concepts the present to include examples of what the various elements of communication look like in practice as well as how they are used in Scripture.
One thing that is quite noticeable is the authors engage Greek ways of argumentation throughout this book. While it is certainly true that Jesus would have been familiar with the Greek approach to argumentation as evidenced in the Gospel accounts, Jesus also spoke and discussed points using many Jewish and Hebraic ways of thinking as well, an approach that is at times a bit different than how the Greeks would have reasoned through a concept. Given his audience was mainly Jews and while that audience would have been familiar with Greek methodologies of thinking, it would have been good for the authors to engage a bit more with the Hebraic/Jewish way of reasoning, if anything as a point of comparison with Greek thought and to also engage those portions of the Gospels where such an approach occurs.
The ability to identify for example syllogisms or logical statements within Scripture is something quite important. Since Scripture is quite logical in how it presents it overall message, following the points God is making in His word in order to get to the underlying point as well as understanding what that underlying point is all about is truly one of the fundamental elements of sound exegesis. Carter and Coleman do a great job of explaining what can be some very difficult philosophical and communication concepts. I also appreciated the repeated caution provided by the authors concerning the use of the various concepts they present. The misuse for example of the reduction ad absurdum can as the authors correctly note can lead to “unreasonable logical jumps, many of which involve so-called psychological continuums” that are highly unlikely.” If we are using Jesus’ words as an example of how to communicate, one must notice how he used these techniques, how far he took them, and why he employed them.
One particularly helpful aspect of this book are the case studies included in the final chapter. Case studies are typically helpful as they provide the means to put what one has learned into practice. The authors have selected studies that identify the methodologies they have discussed throughout the book in real life situations. After reading these case studies, the reader will definitely be better prepared to identify the methods of argumentation that Carter and Coleman have presented. Additionally, if the reader takes the time to answer the questions the authors pose at the conclusion of each case study, they will be even more prepared to identify, employ, and correctly utilize for example, pathos, logos, ethos, or the plethora of other techniques discussed in this book as they share the message of the gospel or when they engage others in meaningful conversation, especially conversation related to matters of Scripture.
This is a book I highly recommend for all believers. Since we all should be actively engaging those around us with the message of the gospel and the truth of Scripture, understanding and utilizing the methods Jesus himself used is most certainly a good practice to find yourself involved. While the title of this book is how to argue like Jesus, perhaps a better title is how to communicate effectively the truth of Scripture for that is the intent and the message the authors aptly get across to the reader.
I received this book for free from Crossway Books for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
July 30, 2012
Good introduction to rhetoric with a little instruction on logic to boot. HtALJ explores basic concepts of rhetoric by demonstration from the teaching ministry of Jesus. Later chapters address principles of small group leadership and other rules of thumb for strong public speaking. The book avoids being overly technical while still doing a good job of familiarizing the reader with the vocabulary of rhetoric. It is very accessible to most readers and recommended for any one who speaks in public or wishes to grow in influence.
January 6, 2023
Second time through this book and enjoyed it just has much the second time. I love learning more about clear and effective communication strategies and techniques and obviously there is a lot to learn from the most influential person to walk the earth! Love the authors examples and stories included which make it easy to follow this somewhat complicated academic subject of grammar, persuasion techniques and general strategies of communication. Highly recommend for anyone looking to be a more effective communicator!
November 29, 2014
Lots of really good practical stuff in here. The concepts overviewed in the book likely won't be anything new to anyone who has taken even an introductory course in logic/debate/etc. but seeing the concepts illustrated through the life of Christ makes for an interesting read. The chief positive to the book is that it is ultra practical - lots and lots of actionable "do this"/"try this" stratagems that can be employed in all manner of written and spoken communication. This is definitely a book worth checking out by anyone who wants to polish the craft of good argumentation.
August 15, 2012
The authors do a great job demonstrating how Jesus employed the classical methods of rhetoric of Logos, Ethos, and Pathos. The weakness of the book is in training the reader in how to do it yourself. They give a few examples and tips but I did not feel very equipped after reading it. This serves as a good introduction to the concepts. However, you will need some other books to take you the next steps.
May 29, 2014
This was a very good primer for the art of rhetoric. I have not had much training or education in this area, so this introduction was very helpful for me. It gave me practical skills to improve my communication, and has encouraged me to study this ancient topic more thoroughly. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to improve their communication skills, whether they are professional communicators or casual conversers. This book would be helpful for everyone!
January 26, 2012
This book's title is far more provocative than its contents. The basic premise of the book is to demonstrate that much of Jesus' utterances can be broken down into the usual Logical categories. The book is useful, I suppose, if the reader is new to these categories, but...
August 29, 2015
This is a great book that does much more than teach how Jesus argued but it is a tutorial on how to argue according to Jesus! It is an excellent read for the person who is looking to become winsome, persuasive, and remain true to our goal to glorify God.
August 3, 2014
Good primer on basic rhetorical techniques with examples from the Gospels and elsewhere.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews