Reason for God - Book Cover

Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism

By: Tim Keller (Dutton, 2008)

Inside the Pages

In his relevant, honest book, Tim Keller tackles the big questions, questions like – Does a God really exist? Why do people suffer? How can a loving God send people to Hell? Keller interacts with his reader in a question and answer format, asking the question he thinks his reader would ask (and knows they would ask- he is a NYC pastor at Redeemer Church who deals with peoples’ hard questions on a daily basis), and then answers the question. Part One informs the reader of some basic principles and helps the reader to see that in any world view there is so-called leap of faith involved. In Part Two, Keller jumps with the reader into the answer that the God of the Bible gives to mankind. He defines natural and special revelation and explains to the reader how to know the God who really exists.

Worth Repeating

“Religion, generally speaking, tends to create a slippery slope in the heart. … There are calls to outlaw religion, condemn religion, or at least to radically privatize it. Many people are investing great hope in them. Unfortunately, I don’t believe any of them will be effective. Indeed, I’m afraid they will only aggravate the situation.” (5)

From My Perspective

Tim Keller writes to his readers in a comfortable, conversational tone, passing back and forth questions and then giving straightforward, honest answers. (I mean look at the quote above – he uses contractions!!) His tone really surprised me in this book – I usually think that with serious questions comes a consternated answer, but Tim Keller looks his reader in the eyes and answers with his heart – lovingly – and head – knowledgeably and discerningly. He gives outstanding, simple answers to questions like “How can a loving God send people to Hell?” and then shows his readers how they too can know the true God and live in the abundance of the Creator, Savior God and have the hope of eternal life with Christ to come.

This book is a must read for all of those who do not know if a God exists, for those who are struggling with doubt, and even for those who are sure in their faith and want to share the “Reason for God” with others, like their family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers.

As you complete the first quarter of the new year, I encourage you to consider this book a first priority on your reading list, so that you may know the hope to which you have been called and so that you can share this great hope with others.