The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism

by Timothy Keller

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650 ratings, 4.19 average rating, 234 reviews (more data...)

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4		38%
3		12%
2		4%
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published

February 14th 2008 by Dutton Adult

binding

Hardcover, 293 pages

isbn

0525950494 (isbn13: 9780525950493)

description

The End of Faith. The God Delusion. God Is Not Great. Letter to a Christian Nation. Bestseller lists are filled with doubters. But what happens when y...more

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03/04/08

Paul rated it:

bookshelves: apologetics, mere-christianity

Read in March, 2008

Tim Keller's The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism (TRG, hereafter) is the result of the many questions about God and Christianity pastor Keller has received over the years during his time at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, New York. Keller writes in a smooth, conversational tone. He addresses in clear language, 'real' questions from those who have crossed his path over the years, using every day examples to illustrate his points, and he does so with a pastoral heart (whi...more

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03/21/08

Josh Crews rated it:

Read in March, 2008

I was converted from "educated" secularism in 2003. Every objection I had is addressed by this book for my background AND it's done by showing God in Jesus, and Jesus crucified.

When I became a Christian, 3 other books: the New Testament, The Case for Christ, and Desiring God were primary in my conversion. The Case for Christ proves the Resurrection as a historical event. The New Testament self-authenticates itself as God's Word and shines Jesus Christ out to the reader. ...more

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05/30/08

Jori rated it:

Sitting across the table from a Christian friend, I find myself again and again shaking my head in wonder at our different paths, beliefs and motivations. There are differences between us that I suspect we both pray over in our own ways. Conversations sometimes reach a point where we can only look at each other from a distance as over a river raging with spring melt. We wish to bridge that gap and yet, often, cannot. Still, I want to be engaged in these differences. The antagonism between "...more Sitting across the table from a Christian friend, I find myself again and again shaking my head in wonder at our different paths, beliefs and motivations. There are differences between us that I suspect we both pray over in our own ways. Conversations sometimes reach a point where we can only look at each other from a distance as over a river raging with spring melt. We wish to bridge that gap and yet, often, cannot. Still, I want to be engaged in these differences. The antagonism between "sides" that dominates most public discussions related to faith yields too few attempts at mutual understanding and produces even fewer solutions. In my own life, I want to build relationships with "those people" on the other side of so many issues that matter most to me. It was within this context that I was loaned and read Tim Keller's apologia, _Reason for God_. The book is perfect for anyone yearning to listen to a Christian answer to seven fundamental doubts that people express about Christianity (the first part of the book) and to an intelligent and compassionate Christian's defense of his Bible-based faith. I imagine that Christians reading this book might find their own faith bolstered and deepened and so would recommend it to them, too.
Keller challenges non-Christians to doubt their doubts and recognize the unprove-able beliefs (faith) upon which their own relativist/humanist/etcist values rest. It is this challenge that I value most from the book, as well as a stronger understanding of how a Christian might respond to some of my own doubts. As far as whether Keller's reason swayed my own-- we come again to that river between us. If you only knew what I know, if you only read what I read, if you only had the conversations and the courageous, intelligent contemplation that I have had, you would believe what I believe. This is what divides all us believers. I found myself deeply sad at several points in the book where I saw the river grow too wide for any bridge. And I often felt sheer love for Keller's faith and kindness. This is obviously a subjective reading. I am not interested right now in an intellectual debate about faith (like all of us, I've had those conversations) because right now I am just seeking understanding and connection. Is this irresponsible? Intellectually weak? Perhaps. But listening w/ out reacting is where I am in my practice right now. (less)

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04/07/08

Ryan rated it:

bookshelves: non-fiction, philosophy-history, religion-theology

Read in April, 2008

recommended to Ryan by: Grandview Public Library
recommends it for: Phil Meredith Julie Becky Lucas

I really enjoyed reading this book for a number of reasons, but primarily because it seems to fit the level of many of the conversations I've had with non-Christians. Although it is obviously written at a somewhat general level because it covers so many topics, I find it much more useful than books like Strobel's "Case for Christ" because it does a better job of acknowledging competing worldviews and philosophical viewpoints. That being said, this book is definitely not for everyone. K...more

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08/16/08

Ty rated it:

Read in August, 2008

Keller's book came recommended by virtually every thinking Christian I know, billed as the theological answer to recent mass-market agnosticism. Indeed there are many out there who have artfully defended a belief in the Christian God, but Keller does not meet the mark. The first half of his book, written for skeptics, is very soft on logical/rational arguments. His response to evolution (a whopping two and a half pages), for example, is to say that if you pin him down, he believes in the proc...more

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08/25/08

Brent rated it:

Read in September, 2008

The book is a good spiritual and religious book especially for the non beliver and people who question God and the trinity. The thing I totally disagree with the author is that we are NOT saved just by our faith. I believe we are saved by our faith and works. Example is Mother Teresa who had strong faith but if it was not because of her works, she would have been non existent. I believe we will be judged on faith (love God) and on works (love neighbor). Good book even though the author miss...more

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04/08/08

Regina rated it:

bookshelves: to-read

After Kirill heard Tim Keller speak and defend the belief in God so concisely to a highly critical audience, he ordered this book written by my friend Erin's NYC pastor from Redeemer Presbyterian Church. I can't wait to read it, I hear he is a modern-day CS Lewis. Hoping to hear him in person when I visit New York next month.

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03/11/09

Lee rated it:

Read in March, 2009

I didn't get this book to try to refute it. I was actually as excited to get it as I am with any non fiction book. The introduction was great and I thought it was going to be a good read. It's about 10 pages or so and I thought it was really well written.

Then starts the doubts and questions he has received and his reasoning against them. The questions are great ones that are very typical, so it's not like he's throwing himself softball questions. Another good point. To me a lot...more

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04/22/08

Wade rated it:

bookshelves: christian

Read in April, 2008

This is an excellent book that addresses many of the common objections to Christianity today. First of all, Keller points out how common doubt is to the Christian faith and how so many people allow doubt to push them away from Christ. But, he points out that “a faith without some doubts is like a human body without any antibodies in it. People who go though life too busy or too indifferent to ask hard questions about why they believe as they do will find themselves defenseless when tragedy ...more

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04/12/08

Jason rated it:

Read in March, 2008

Fewer adjectives probably describe the present age better than polarized. Nowhere is this more evident than the struggle between secular modernism and traditional Christian faith. There are probably fewer people who have more understanding of the depth of that struggle and the difficulties in communicating across that polarized gap than Timothy Keller. Reason for God takes the approach that you communicate not between believers and unbelievers, but between believers and skeptics, for he argues e...more Fewer adjectives probably describe the present age better than polarized. Nowhere is this more evident than the struggle between secular modernism and traditional Christian faith. There are probably fewer people who have more understanding of the depth of that struggle and the difficulties in communicating across that polarized gap than Timothy Keller. Reason for God takes the approach that you communicate not between believers and unbelievers, but between believers and skeptics, for he argues everyone believes in something. In short, he wants believers and skeptics to look at doubt in two different ways. He urges believers to struggle and come to grips with their doubts, so that an accepted faith is not just passively agreed upon, but plausible and understandable. And he urges skeptics to doubt their skepticism and compare their belief system with what they oppose, and to see just how solid their skepticism is.

So Keller writes like a pastor as much as he does an apologist for the Christian faith. The church the helped to found 20 years ago, and where he serves as senior minister, Redeemer Presbyterian (PCA) in New York City has sought to address doubts and skepticism seriously and winsomely, within the context of traditional, Reformed Protestant Christianity. Much of this book is obviously based on discussions held during counsel or during his well-known after worship service question and answer periods, so the book represents fresh attempts to communicate with a modern, urban culture.

Keller writes that two large influences in his life are the 18th century pastor Jonathan Edwards and the British professor CS Lewis, and that show up well. He presents afresh, much of the doctrines about God and man, as taught by Jonathan Edwards, and he holds a fresh grip on the reasoning style of CS Lewis. Yet he also makes good use of presuppositional apologetics, where he doesn't try to argue people into the Kingdom of God, but rather challenges people to see where what the suppose comes from and where it is going.

This is a literate, smart, witty, well-written, and winsome book, accessible and challenging to Christian and non Christian alike. The author makes good use sources ranging from Flannery O'Connor to U2's front man Bono to make his case. Again, going back to the premise of the work, of trying to communicate calmly between portions of a polarized world, you find an author that actually likes and enjoys the skeptics he encounters and learns a lot from them. But what he presents, and challenges his readers with is a full embrace of traditional Christian faith. Other writers might just stop with a basic, "Apostles Creed" faith, but it can best be said that Keller argues for an "Apostles Creed" plus faith, or fleshing out a more fuller faith; for example, he presents a great argument for what is known as the doctrine of penal substitution and the necessity of growing in an individual faith within a community of other believers (something sorely needed to be taught to believer and skeptic alike).

The book is divided into two sections, the Leap of Doubt and the Reasons for Faith, with an intermediary chapter between. The first section is an examination of what quite a few skeptics in this age presuppose, the second is a fresh appeal to traditional Christian faith. His section on the knowledge of God is exceptionally strong. He argues that no one is really relativistic, as many in the culture world might argue for, but instead, again drawing on Edwards (with help from play write Arthur Miller), that men know God, they just suppress what they know. He cannot prove that God exists, for everyone already acknowledges that he is there.

Not everyone will agree with all that Keller has to say. Some will say that he is too strong on some points, and too weak on others, or would prefer a more fleshed out thought on some issues; but this work should at least get conversation started; which appears to be his goal as much as anything.

This book cannot be more highly recommend to believers and skeptics alike, especially those active in the early 21st century, globalized world, with all its strains. Time will tell how it will age, for it does dialogue with many of the issues of our time with traditional truth in a fresh way.
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02/23/08

Elizabeth rated it:

Read in April, 2008

recommends it for: Believers and non-believers alike

As a member of Redeemer Presbyterian Church, founded by the author, Tim Keller, it seemed a requisite that I read his recently published book. I probably wouldn't have bothered to pick it up otherwise. It was written mostly as a rational argument to answer the skeptics' disbelief of the existence of God, so as someone already deeply rooted in my Christian faith, I didn't expect it would have much to offer me. I was totally wrong. The first half of the book, in which Tim debunks the seven main ar...more

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03/31/08

Karen L. rated it:

bookshelves: apologetics, christianity, homeschool

recommended to Karen L. by: I think our friend Tim W.
recommends it for: Homeschool high schoolers

This is a wonderful book for skeptics. Finally one you can give a friend and not be embarrassed about any overly didactic preaching. His skillful speaking abilities and knowledge come from years of pastoral experience at a large Presbyterian Church in Manhattan. His method of persuasion is gentle, pastoral, and a very "Socratic" approach. What I liked about Keller's way of handling the questions of skeptics, is he is highly respectful in his treatment of people who do not have faith,...more

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03/01/09

Bev. rated it:

Read in March, 2009

This book is thought-provoking and profound. Mr. Keller's take on fanaticism on pages 56 and 57 is simply amazing. It should be read by everyone who longs to grow in their Christian faith.

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03/31/09

Judith rated it:

This is one of those, "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus" books. i didn't pick up this book to make fun of it. i read it because i would like to hear an intelligent plausible argument for the existence of God. I am sure there is one, but you won't find it in this book. To paraphrase the author: why did Jesus have to die for our sins? Well, if your neighbor accidentally ran into your wall and it wasn't covered by insurance, someone would have to pay for the damages. So even if ...more

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02/08/09

David rated it:

bookshelves: apologetics, christian-life-and-spirituality

Read in February, 2009

Tim Keller, pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York, spends the first half of this book answering some of the most common and difficult questions that seekers and skeptics ask about Christianity. Then in the second half of the book he puts forth the positive case for Christianity. Overall this is a very readable and helpful book. Keller writes as a pastor, not as a scholar. He does not say that he will conclusively answer your every objection to faith or that he can convince you b...more

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12/29/08

Trevor added it

bookshelves: audio

Read in November, 2008

One of the best, most gracious responses to questions raised about the legitimacy of faith in God as a worldview. He addresses the claims of Dawkins ("The God Delusion") and Hitchens ("God Is Not Great") with precision and tact.

In the first seven chapters Keller looks at seven of the most common objections and doubts about Christianity and discerns the alternate beliefs underlying each of them. This section is titled “The Leap of Doubt” and answers these seven...more

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05/06/09

Neal Tucker rated it:

Read in May, 2009

There are a ton of reviews for this, so I will keep this short, in the hopes that someone might actually notice its brevity and glean a bit from it. Here goes.

THE GOOD
Keller writes fairly conversationally, implements a fantastic range of quotations from a handful of authors, and, in a few chapters, actually makes a point or two worth noting.

THE BAD
Keller produces enough straw men to populate all the world's fields, his logic is poor at best and disingenuou...more

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11/25/08

Kenny rated it:

Read in December, 2008

recommended to Kenny by: Megan Barker

Having spent three years in New York and occasionally going to Redeemer on Sunday night just to hear him speak (i.e. after attending my own church in the morning), I have very high expectations for Tim Keller, and consequently his book as well. The first half, in which he defends Christianity from its most common secular criticisms, is spectacular. Those who have heard him preach three-point sermons will find that his writing style is similarly systematic and rationally presented. The influence ...more

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06/30/08

John rated it:

Read in November, 2008

Up there with 'Mere Christianity' as books that I'd hand an unbeliever in a heartbeat. Keller takes his faith seriously, yes, but he also manages to do what few apologetic authors do: take the skeptic's faith seriously as well. One might want a little more theological bite, but as long as one is expecting a well written book directed at an intelligent unbeliever one won't be disappointed. A wonderful read.

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03/10/09

John Casteel rated it:

(review of isbn 1594483493)

This is definitely the best apologetics text I have ever read. It is the only non-fiction book I ever remember being sad to finish. I would recommend it heartily to anyone, Christian or non-Christian which is not something I can say about many books.
Keller's content is quite good, but his method and tone also very instructive. He defends Christianity with a considerable amount of kindness and respect for non-Christians. In the midst of doing so, he tells a number of stories about non-C...more

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"If Jesus rose from the dead, then you have to accept all that he said; if he didn't rise from the dead, then why worry about any of what he said? The issue on which everything hangs is not whether or not you like his teaching but whether or not he rose from the dead." More quotes...