The Reason for God
by Timothy Keller | Book Summary
![]() Author: Tim Keller |
This gulf of disagreement and disdain has resulted in fear. Religious people are afraid that secularists are taking over influential institutions. Secularists fear that religious people wield too much political power. Both sides genuinely believe their continued existence is threatened by those on the other side of the cultural gulf. "In short, the world is polarizing over religion." (p. x) If humanity is going to move beyond the current stalemate, two things must change. First, everyone must accept the reality that religious thought and secular thought are both "on the rise" (p. xvi). Second, religious people and secular people must, "look at doubt in a radically new way" (p. xvii). What would be involved in a new approach to doubt? For secular people, there must be an admission that "faith" is certainly part of the secular worldview. For religious people, there must be a willingness to wrestle with the questions being asked by the other side. |
Timothy Keller is the founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, which he started in 1989 with his wife, Kathy, and three young sons. For 28 years he led a diverse congregation of young professionals that grew to a weekly attendance of over 5,000. Dr. Keller's books, including the New York Times bestselling The Reason for God and The Prodigal God, have sold over 2 million copies and are translated into 25 languages.
Dr. Keller was born and raised in Pennsylvania, and educated at Bucknell University, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and Westminster Theological Seminary. He previously served as the pastor of West Hopewell Presbyterian Church in Hopewell, Virginia, Associate Professor of Practical Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, and Director of Mercy Ministries for the Presbyterian Church in America.
The Reason for God
by Timothy Keller
[ Book Summary ]
Author | Tim Keller |
Publisher | Riverhead Books |
Date | 2008 |
Pages | 310 |
Overview:
"There is a great gulf today between what is popularly known as liberalism and conservatism." (p. ix) People on either side of this gulf disagree with each other on a number of important issues. However, the gulf is bigger than mere disagreement. The gulf also includes disdain for the other side.
This gulf of disagreement and disdain has resulted in fear. Religious people are afraid that secularists are taking over influential institutions. Secularists fear that religious people wield too much political power. Both sides genuinely believe their continued existence is threatened by those on the other side of the cultural gulf.
"In short, the world is polarizing over religion." (p. x)
If humanity is going to move beyond the current stalemate, two things must change.
First, everyone must accept the reality that religious thought and secular thought are both "on the rise" (p. xvi). Second, religious people and secular people must, "look at doubt in a radically new way" (p. xvii).
What would be involved in a new approach to doubt? For secular people, there must be an admission that "faith" is certainly part of the secular worldview. For religious people, there must be a willingness to wrestle with the questions being asked by the other side.
Timothy Keller is the founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, which he started in 1989 with his wife, Kathy, and three young sons. For 28 years he led a diverse congregation of young professionals that grew to a weekly attendance of over 5,000. Dr. Keller's books, including the New York Times bestselling The Reason for God and The Prodigal God, have sold over 2 million copies and are translated into 25 languages.
Dr. Keller was born and raised in Pennsylvania, and educated at Bucknell University, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and Westminster Theological Seminary. He previously served as the pastor of West Hopewell Presbyterian Church in Hopewell, Virginia, Associate Professor of Practical Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, and Director of Mercy Ministries for the Presbyterian Church in America.