The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism

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.

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"The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism" by Timothy Keller.

In this apologia for Christian faith, Keller mines material from literary classics, philosophy, anthropology and a multitude of other disciplines to make an intellectually compelling case for God. Written for skeptics and the believers who love them, the book draws on the author's encounters as founding pastor of New York's booming Redeemer Presbyterian Church. One of Keller's most provocative arguments is that all doubts, however skeptical and cynical they may seem, are really a set of alternate beliefs. Drawing on sources as diverse as 19th-century author Robert Louis Stevenson and contemporary New Testament theologian N.T. Wright, Keller attempts to deconstruct everyone he finds in his way, from the evolutionary psychologist Richard Dawkins to popular author Dan Brown. The first, shorter part of the book looks at popular arguments against God's existence, while the second builds on general arguments for God to culminate in a sharp focus on the redemptive work of God in Christ. Keller's condensed summaries of arguments for and against theism make the scope of the book overwhelming at times. Nonetheless, it should serve both as testimony to the author's encyclopedic learning and as a compelling overview of the current debate on faith for those who doubt and for those who want to re-evaluate what they believe, and why.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• God
• Jesus
• Christ
• Messiah
• Holy
• Spirit
• faith
• skepticism
• atheist
• atheism
• agnostic
• agnosticism
• unbelief

[NorwegianKafir]

@TheRationalizer first of all, you obviously haven't looked into the numbers. Secondly, a placebo effect is short term, not long term. There has never been proven that a placebo effect has an impact long term, on the contrary. Placebo tends to worsen the situation long term. It seems to me that you have no clue what you are talking about.

[TheRationalizer]

@NorwegianKafir

I have explained my position a couple of times, yet instead of addressing my point you harped on about a typing error. Feel free to explain to me the difference between

A: A person who gives up drugs without medical help or god.

B: A person who gives up drugs without medical help but attributes their recovery to god.

And please try to state your case without ad hominen attacks.

[zzx2555]

@NorwegianKafir Brother, Luther did say "sin boldly," but, of course, not because it's our duty to sin--it isn't (Romans 6:1-14). He simply means that we're saved from punishment for our sin only by faith in the atoning death of Christ. Our own efforts not to sin, or to only sin lightly, count for nothing. In God's eyes, all sins weigh the same (James 2:10). So "sin boldly" is Luther being ironic. He just means, relax--your sins, big and small, are covered solely by your faith in Christ.

[NorwegianKafir]

@Dynamic0381 I asked for the original quote in German, with documentation. You did not give me that. I repeat that the sin boldly statement is a fabrication.

So Luther says we must sin as a duty. Is that what you mean? More lies from you.

If you wilfully sin you plan to sin and don't care that it is a sin. This in contrast to being overcome by temptation. Which is a sin that you fight.

[NorwegianKafir]

@Dynamic0381 no. You have absolutely NOT answered my questions. ALL you have done is running away from my questions and just continue with your mudslinging against Christianity. ALL your attacks have been based on lies and your own ignorance/stupidity.

I would like to return your compliment. YOU are an asshole.

[NorwegianKafir]

@Dynamic0381 please explain how they were NOT murdered, tortured and raped by atheists. You argue as if atheism and communism was mutual exclusive. Again either a stupid position or you are just lying. Furthermore, I gave you clear causality between atheists killing and raping. You gave NO causality for your false and retarded claim that communism and not atheism is to blame. Just some wishful thinking.

[NorwegianKafir]

@Dynamic0381 if everyone lives by consequences there would be no one in jail. No wars etc. Your claimed that atheists follow this code of moral, which again is a lie from you. Nothing within atheism says that they mus 'live by the concept of consequences'.

Your definition of atheism is false. That is agnosticism.

So when I say.. they are communists and NOT atheists. Your claim is illogical and makes no sense. A complete fallacy.

[NorwegianKafir]

@Dynamic0381 no you can't do that. You are a pathetic liar. Show me ONE renowned Christian theologian ever that has advocated that position. If you willingly sin, you can't ask God for forgiveness. If you don't repent in your heart your will not be forgiven. I am sure that your quote from Martin Luther is a fabrication. Give me the original version in German and with documentation. Liar.

[NorwegianKafir]

@Dynamic0381 really, atheists live by the concept of consequences? So where within atheism do I find this concept. Care to give any documentation? *facepalm* You are a sad liar.

It didn't work out so good your atheist concept of consequences, did it. With more than 100 million innocent killed, raped and tortured by atheists within the last 100 years. More than any other group in the history of man.

[NorwegianKafir]

@Dynamic0381 listen stupid. I asked you questions form the very first retarded comment you made. Questions you have not answered. You don't answer my questions, you just continue your mudslinging based on your own ignorance and stupidity.