Questions & Considerations for Evaluating Persuasive Technique in the Alpha Course

1. Purpose and Transparency

• What is the stated goal of Alpha? Is it genuinely “to explore life, faith and meaning,” or primarily to lead attendees toward a specific conclusion?
  
  

• How clearly is that goal disclosed? Do participants know from the outset that Alpha is evangelistic, not a neutral discussion forum?
  
  

• Would the conversations feel different if that purpose were stated more directly?
  
  

2. Evidence and Authority

• When Alpha presents historical or scientific examples (Galileo, Newton, Pascal, etc.), are we told enough context to assess whether their faith was orthodox, cultural, or personal?
  
  

• Are any sources given? Could an attendee verify the information independently?
  
  

• Does the course ever cite dissenting experts or alternative viewpoints? If not, why might that be?
  
  

3. Use of Emotional Appeal

• How do the videos and testimonies make you feel? Do they use music, lighting, or storytelling to create mood before key messages?
  
  

• Is emotion being used to support evidence, or to replace it?
  
  

• Would the argument still persuade you if the emotional framing were removed?
  
  

4. Representation of People and Ideas

• When public figures are mentioned (scientists, artists, celebrities), is their actual belief or non-belief represented accurately?
  
  

• If Freddie Mercury, Gandhi, or Einstein are quoted, is it clear whether they identified as Christian?
  
  

• Would you consider it fair if another religion used selective quotes from Christians to claim those people as their own?
  
  

5. Handling of Dissent and Complexity

• Are difficult questions—such as alternative interpretations or historical criticism—explored openly, or quickly redirected?
  
  

• Do group leaders welcome prolonged uncertainty, or is there subtle pressure to reach the “right” answer?
  
  

• Would you feel comfortable disagreeing publicly with a central claim? How would that be received?
  
  

6. Informed Consent and Conversion Pressure

• Is there an implicit timeline for making a personal commitment (“weekend of the Holy Spirit”)?
  
  

• Do you feel free to attend simply to learn, without converting?
  
  

• How might it change your perception if you realised the course design assumes eventual conversion?
  
  

7. Ethical Communication

• Does Alpha meet the same standard of honesty you would expect from a journalist, teacher, or scientist?
  
  

• If someone used the same persuasive structure to promote a product or political view, would you consider it fair or manipulative?
  
  

• Is it ethical to present simplified versions of complex debates for the sake of persuasion?
  
  

8. Moral Reflection

• Is the method consistent with the values it teaches—truth, love, humility, respect for conscience?
  
  

• Does the end (conversion) justify any selective use of facts?
  
  

• What does intellectual honesty, (or more significantly Christian ethics) require from both the presenter and the participant?

If you are looking for a more informed overview of the Jesus legacy, please check out our Early Christianity resources.