Book Review: The Reason for God

Yes, I know, I am way behind the evangelical reading curve because I just now got around to reading Tim Keller’s The Reason for God.  As one reading this book late in the game, it had much to live up to.  After all, The Reason for God has been called Mere Christianity for a new generation and has blurbs on the back from Rick Warren, Christianity Today, and the Washington Post.  So, how does it shape up for me?

First, Mere Christianity is what it is because it has stood the test of time.  Before we can give this title to Keller’s work, it needs also to stand the test of time.  However, I do believe that it will stand the test of time.  It is incredibly well written and enjoyable.  The apologetics in the book are approachable and the stories are captivating.  His synthesis of many of the best arguments in support of the resurrection in chapter thirteen is one of the best and most succinct that I know.  Keller does a good job of mixing his academic acumen with his pastoral heart in this book.

Second, Keller has done well to engage postmodern culture.  It is fairly obvious that the predominant sin of this generation (and probably of all generations) is that of idolatry.  Keller shows that materialism, self-love, and even inclusive are all forms of idolatry and that they simply do not stack up to good reason.  However, he presents his arguments in a way that can be appreciated in the postmodern world, he is dogmatic, but not preachy.  He teaches with questions as well as sermons.  he invites readers to discover the truth through his carefully guided questions and he refutes many of the typical stereotypes of Christianity such as the false belief that Christianity limit’s one’s personal freedom,

In many areas of life, freedom is not so much the absence of restrictions as finding the right ones, the liberating restrictions.  Those that fit with the reality of our nature and the world produce greater power and scope for our abilities and a deeper joy and fulfillment.

Finally, Keller clearly presents the gospel.  I couldn’t help but feel when reading the last few chapters that Billy Graham could have written them.  The gospel is proclaimed clearly and the necessary response to the gospel spelled out.  Keller leaves little room for anyone to walk away from this book and only appreciate it as literature.

This book is unlike any other that I can recall in my library.  Believers will be challenged to deepen their faith.  Skeptics will be shown that even their skepticism is rooted in faith or belief in something.  Keller offers a better way, faith in the one true God of the universe.  This is a great read.  I took a while to get to it, but I am blessed for having spent time with it.