An Observation on Faith in Our Times Derived from an Unlikely Source
Reflections on Win Bigly
by Scott Adams
published by Portfolio, 2018
Having read Scott Adams’ Loserthink, I thought I would read another of his books, Win Bigly. The premise of Win Bigly is that people do not typically respond rationally to facts (as we think) but to persuasiveness. He uses the example of Donald Trump, not because he is pro-Trump (he isn’t), but to demonstrate that Trump’s skill is in persuasion as opposed to using facts and reason (an assessment which seems quite accurate).
I have not read much of Adams’ book yet, but it is interesting. Adams is writing from an atheistic, evolutionary perspective. His explanation for the way things happen in life and the world are based upon his premise that there is no God and we are all evolving while trying to make sense of our world. The book is Adams’ attempt to show that as evolutionary beings we are not concerned with facts (due to various factors) and therefore, the best motivators in society are not those who use facts but rather those who have the power to persuade people (like Trump).
Adams’ observation, that the power of persuasion is more effective than facts (truth) is problematic because God calls us to communicate His message (truth) and not rely upon persuasive technique. God does not expect us to be persuaders.
However, I was impressed that Scott Adams, without realizing it, agrees with the Apostle Paul. Paul mentioned the “wisdom” of this world (1 Cor 1:17-25), which was essentially a method of communication which had a primary goal of persuading the audience (not with facts and logic as much with method, skill, and delivery). Paul chastised the Corinthians for their love of such communication and stated that he did not use these methods. Rather, Paul relied upon the preached Word of God (i.e. facts).
So while philosophers seem to agree that facts don’t move or persuade people, God commands us to share His Word with people and promises that He will, by His Spirit, use those facts to bring them to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. The conversion of a soul through the preaching of the cross is demonstration of the power of the Spirit (not a demonstration of the power of worldly wisdom and rhetoric).
In a world unpersuaded by facts, God works by His Spirit and through His objective Word to bring people to Christ. We must not rely upon the wisdom of this age to persuade people, we must use the Word of God to convert people.
There is value in reading the book to learn how people think and why they think the way they do. We must read a writer like Adams with discernment, recognizing that ultimately it is the Holy Spirit who changes people, not the techniques of our teaching and preaching of God’s truth. One who is not careful might conclude that teaching and preaching God’s truth is not as important as persuading people.
Darren Hammermeister is a missionary church planter in Surrey, British Columbia, planting New Life Baptist Church, serving under Baptist World Mission.