The Reason for God

Belief in an Age of Skepticism

by Timothy Keller, Timothy J. Keller

Hardcover, 291 pages

English language

Published Feb. 14, 2008 by Dutton Adult.

ISBN:: 978-0-525-95049-3
OCLC Number:: 180204862

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.

4 editions

XolokReads reviewed The Reason for God by Timothy Keller

A well thought out case

5 stars

It has been a long while since I've encountered newer book that both takes a stand but also understands its limitations. Sometimes a book like this assumes a sympathetic audience and thus takes short cuts or takes certain things for granted. The other extreme is also unhelpful - that is a text that gets overwhelmed by the limitations of faith and thus makes no stand at all. While I'm not sure of some of the details, I can appreciate The Reason for God's approach. Keller is particularly strong when it comes to covering the case in favor of his faith rather than detracting from others. This is not simply a matter of propriety. The argument is just stronger when focused on Christianity - probably because it's what Keller is most familiar with.

SharonC reviewed The Reason for God by Timothy Keller

Review of 'The Reason for God' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

There are some good ideas in here about how to do evangelism--about how to present ideas about faith to skeptics who are willing to ask questions.

I enjoyed discussing this with a very wise group in my church. I learned a lot from our conversations about the book.

IAmCortney reviewed The Reason for God by Timothy Keller

Review of 'The Reason for God' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

Keller brought to light new perspectives on several age-old objections to Christianity. As an ex-Agnostic in the process of converting, this book fed my natural skepticism excellently. I've read many Christian apologetics, and Keller provides an excellent open-minded approach to soul searching and faith.