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 you actually doubt your doubts? Although a vocal minority continues to attack the Christian faith, for most Americans, faith is a large part of their lives: 86 percent of Americans refer to themselves as religious, and 75 percent of all Americans consider themselves Christians. So how should they respond to these passionate, learned, and persuasive books that promote science and secularism over religion and faith? For years, Tim Keller has compiled a list of the most frequently voiced "doubts" skeptics bring to his Manhattan church. And in The Reason for God, he single-handedly dismantles each of them. Written with atheists, agnostics, and skeptics in mind, Keller also provides an intelligent platform on which true believers can stand their ground when bombarded by the backlash. The Reason for God challenges such ideology at its core and points to the true path and purpose of Christianity. Why is there suffering in the world? How could a loving God send people to Hell? Why isn't Christianity more inclusive? Shouldn't the Christian God be a god of love? How can one religion be "right" and the rest "wrong"? Why have so many wars been fought in the name of God? These are just a few of the questions even ardent believers wrestle with today. In this book, Tim Keller uses literature, philosophy, real-life conversations and reasoning, and even pop culture to explain how faith in a Christian God is a soundly rational belief, held by thoughtful people of intellectual integrity with a deep compassion for those who truly want to know the truth.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
Honeyed words signifying dogmatism, not intellect.:
As an atheist, I looked forward to reading this book to find what an intellectual and sophisticated believer would say to a skeptic. Keller leads with a convincing presentation of both skeptical and dogmatic viewpoints, and leads the reader to believe that he will "explode" the case for atheism and otherwise answer skepticism with convincing and highly reasoned arguments. However, for all his good writing and insistent good will, the intellectual tenor of this book is as hackneyed as they come- as classic... more info
A masterful and clear explanation of Christianity:
Not a complete explanation of God, of course. But it must be one of the most clear and comprehensive ones. The author relies heavily on the Christian writers C.S. Lewis and G.K. Chesterton. But he does not ignore the opposition. Timothy Keller also very clearly explains the reasoning of popular atheist writers like Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris and Christopher Hitchins. Also other religions are not ignored. You can gain a hell of a good religious education from just this one book.
It's a great read:
This book is very thought provoking and insightful. Tim Keller seems to have a very good ability of addressing some very difficult questions, fairly and humbly. I recommend this book to anyone who is wrestling with some of the big questions in life.
Not Christianity, but a nice modernized religion nonetheless:
The Bible isn't so warm and cozy as the author would make it out to be -- that's the problem with newage Christianity and this book; all lovey-dovey and no law. Jesus himself said "you cannot follow me unless you know scripture." As the New Testament wasn't created yet -- the Roman Catholics put it together a couple centuries later, then Jesus was referring to the Old Testament with all of its nastiness. In addition, the New Testament has some pretty scary bits in it too. I think the nastiness has it's... more info
