The Reason for God is divided between two section answering objections and then presenting a positive case for the Christian faith. Of the two, the first section is the more successful. The objections and the responses are contemporary in focus, and the presentation is positive and winsome. Keller's tone is the strongest aspect of the work, as the arguments are emotionally compelling even if they are not so intellectually. The faults of the church are not glossed over, but the picture of the church and the faith is presented in its most ideal form, appealing to the desire for the claim to be true even if it cannot be established to be true beyond all doubt. While not all of the arguments are equally persuasive, Keller offers a cumulative case for acceptance of the faith. The second half presenting the positive case for Christianity is less effective than the response to objections. However, the work does not attempt at a definitive proof of the Scripture's reliability or the truth of the resurrection. It offers an invitation to deeper engagement with the faith. The Reason for God represents one of the most compelling and effective apologetic works that is actually addressed to the skeptic

Using literature, philosophy, real-life conversations, and potent reasoning, Keller explains how the belief in a Christian God is, in fact, a sound and rational one. To true believers he offers a solid platform on which to stand their ground against the backlash to religion created by the Age of Skepticism. And to skeptics, atheists, and agnostics, he provides a challenging argument for pursuing the reason for God.

Reason For God.
Why does God allow suffering in the world? How could a loving God send people to Hell? Why isn't Christianity more inclusive? How can one religion be 'right' and the others 'wrong'? Why have so many wars been fought in the name of God?
These are just a few of the questions and doubts even ardent believers wrestle with today. In The Reason for God, Keller uses literature, philosophy, real-life conversations and reasoning to explain how faith in a Christian God is soundly rational belief, held by thoughtful people of intellectual integrity with a deep compassion for those who truly want to know the truth. It also provides a platform to help true believers when speaking to skeptics, agnostics and athiests. ( )

With more people pulling away from Christ, there has to be a NEED for God and the reasons the cross is so important.

A Popular, Easy accessible writing by Keller.

Most of the content, is response to popular conversation on this topic.


For Science & Religion, I'd recommend:

1. Divine Action Project, Religion and Science, Special Divine Action Project by Oxford University

2. My Review of McGrath, Science and Religion by Alistair McGrath

3. My Review of Professor Jerry A. Coyne's work, Jerry A. Coyne

Deus Vult,
Gottfried ( )

awesome! ( )

Extreemly well written and understandable. It's taken me a long time to read and I feel I should start over again. You don't feel he is shoving theology down yout throat, but he is sitting next to you having a chat. Well reasoned and acceptable arguments. ( )

It took me a long time to read this over about a year 1/2. I can't say I thoroughly enjoyed it as it being an easy or intermediate read. Yet Keller addresses a lot of questions and thoughts that are pertinent to our culture/age.

I would like to review the passages I underlined in my kindle as I've forgotten most of it except what I recently read. I really did like the last two chapters and plan to read some books by Flannery O'Conner after Keller mentions some of her work. This is a very intelligent book that is well written and articulated. Yet it wasn't an easy or light read. I doubt that was the author's intent, and I appreciate Keller's goal in writing this book. Well written. ( )

I checked this book out of the library expecting not to like it. Then I looked at the quote at the beginning of the first chapter and figured it couldn't be ALL bad: "I find your lack of faith disturbing. - Darth Vader". Any pastor who starts out his book with a Star Wars quote has caught my interest. Not all of Keller's arguments were completely convincing, but he forces you to look at things in new ways, whether you are coming from a place of belief or unbelief. He is daring enough to tell us all that we actually believe in God deep down, even if we profess disbelief, and explains why. He does a good job of respecting people's doubts and questions, but isn't wishy washy about the truths of the Bible. It's a pretty good balance. I may be a believer, but I came at this book with the attitude of a skeptic, trying to ascertain whether his explanations would fly. To me, most of them make sense. He certainly explains stuff better than I can. But I know that, like everything in life, this book will speak to some and not to others. I hope the "some" outnumber the "others". :) ( )

Had to read this book for class. Surprisingly good. I like the honesty of the writer, who not only shares popularly held beliefs but also his personal views. ( )

We read this book during my first trimester Bible class. Very thought provoking; I really enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone. Keller presents his arguments in an intelligent yet readable way. ( )

Overview: The Reason For God is mostly an apologetic for the existence of God. The author has pastored in NY city and has been engaged in evangelizing atheists, agnostics, seekers, and a host of different religions; his explanations to those types of individuals form the basis for this book.

Pros: I really enjoyed this book. Tim Keller is an engaging writer, at least according to my preferences. He is also very logical and irrefutably presents his arguments, yet with an unmistakable kindness and respect. The book is divided into two main sections followed by a lengthy epilogue.

Part One - The Leap Of Doubt ("Help Thou Mine Unbelief")
Here Keller answers the arguments and questions:
1 - There Can't Be Just One True Religion
2 - How Could a Good God Allow Suffering?
3 - Christianity Is A Straightjacket
4 - The Church Is Responsible For So Much Injustice
5 - How Can A Loving God Send People To Hell?
6 - Science Has Disproved Christianity
7 - You Can't Take The Bible Literally
Part Two - The Reasons For Faith
8 - The Clues Of God
9 - The Knowledge Of God
10 - The Problem Of Sin
11 - Religion And The Gospel
12 - The (True) Story Of The Cross
13 - The Reality Of The Resurrection
14 - The Dance Of God
Epilogue - Where Do We Go From Here?

Cons: There are two major issues which give me pause in recommending this book. 1) Keller presents a very weak view of the reality of hell. He defines hell as "one's freely chosen identity apart from God on a trajectory into infinity." Perhaps he is speaking of earthly hell and simply not addressing a literal and eternal hell... I'm not sure, but it leaves a questions mark as to where he stands. 2) Keller accepts that "Christians may believe in evolution as a process without believing in philosophical naturalism." He acknowledges that many Christians believe that God brought life about through evolutionary science. Both of these concerns undermine the idea of literal view of Scripture.

Conclusion: Keller expertly answers the questions and arguments of unbelief (in all but a literal hell and creation). His demeanor is unwaveringly kind and respectful. However, because of the two concerns mentioned, I would be very careful to whom I would recommend the book. I would recommend the book to a mature believer as a resource/tool to help sharpen their own apologetic. Other recommendations would be on a case by case basis, depending on the individuals spiritual condition, knowledge, and attitude. ( )

A sensible, modern version, of the argument for the existence of God, based on the 'best explanation for what there is', approach. Deals with various counterarguments based on the traditional problem of evil. Philosophical jargon rare. Compare with C S Lewis. ( )

Got the book from a religious friend. Read about half. The book will definitely resonate differently depending on your beliefs going in. Found it interesting, but ultimately, unsatisfying. The author makes very circular arguments. And always come back to hypothetical, about how there might be something out there bigger than all of us, that we don't understand. It gets hard to have a discussion when everything comes back to "isn't it possible"? ( )

It's an apologetic book so it's a little bit deeper in content and not as easy of a read as some other books we've done but it really makes you think about what you believe and why. It poses some good questions for thoughts and you really have to dig deep to get something out of it, but because you are doing the hard work of digging deep, the payoff is that much more rewarding and your level of knowledge is that much deeper.
ACF: Todd Nagel, not currently in ACF's library. ( )

approaches apologetics in a relevant and contemporary manner. Bit weak on the chapter to do with evolution and origins, but still helpful throughout. ( )

I have not read a lot of books on apologetics, but this has got to be among the best there is. Keller writes with sensitivity, compassion and precision and includes a lot of references I like, such as C.S. Lewis and Flannery O'Connor. The beginning of the book is a little heavy with philosophical terms, ones I haven't seen since college days so I had to go back and refresh a little, but if you can get past that it's quite reasonable and easy to follow.
( )

Excellent apologetic discussion of the Christian faith that seeks to establish both the reasonability of belief and that there is reason to doubt unbelief. Though I don't agree with all of Keller's arguments (he comes down for theistic evolution) it does stop him from resoundingly accomplishing his goal. Masterful.
YouTube has a video of Tim Keller discussing this book at Google that is a good intro to this book and worth watching. ( )

Wrestling with doubts and objections to Christianity in such an engaging, warm, welcoming, non-threatening or demeaning way. This can also help Christians stand their ground against attacks - often illogical or contradictory - on Christianity. And for those who have doubts, strong arguments for pursuing the reason for God. A classic!

Another fabulous book by Mr. Keller - translating many of the tenets of the Christian faith to easily understood concepts, very convincing. ( )

Wow! What a great apoligetic. Very thoughtful - Keller is logical and answers many difficult questions. Now I know why this book was on the NY Times bestseller list for so long. ( )

The author doesn't understand atheism, evolution, basic science, the principle of forgiveness, or the bible. This was a really bad book with nothing but a lot of platitudes and bald assertions. ( )

Highly Recommended ( )

This book has a couple of simplistic moments, and its brief chapters can't exhaustively address objections to Christian faith. Yet it's a great discussion-starter for sincere inquirers, and Keller's stance is pastoral, respectful, and inviting. I really like his challenge to committed believers to take skeptics' objections seriously, and to skeptics to dare to "doubt their doubts." ( )

Overall, this is a decent book for skeptics and Christians alike, but seems to lack the facts and substance that can often be found in Lee Strobel's books. I think it also lacks the philosophical angle often found in C.S. Lewis' literature. This doesn't mean I care less for the author, but the approach didn't quite jive with my own personal style for the defense of the Christian faith. Here's why:

I didn't feel Keller answered a lot of the questions he posed. For instance, in chapter two he poses the question, how could a good God allow suffering? He only answers with the presupposition that Christ suffered with us. To say God suffered with us 2,000 years ago still doesn't explain why He allows suffering today. Never mind the fact that atheists don't believe in the deity of Christ. I did find it intriguing that Keller believes in much the same way Rob Bell does concerning hell. In chapter five Keller states, "Hell, then, is the trajectory of a soul, living a self-absorbed, self-centered life, going on and on forever" (page 79); and proceeds to use Jesus' parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man in Luke 16 to support his view. Ironically, I agree with this view, but remain perplexed how Keller escaped the vile attacks Rob Bell received for his similar views on hell in the controversial book, "Love Wins". Is this perhaps because Keller is firmly planted in and guarded by those within the neo-Reformed camp?

Would I recommend this book for seasoned apologists? Probably not. Many of the arguments he uses aren't new. Would I recommend this book for new Christians? Yes indeed. These are questions that you will be asked by skeptics, atheists, and those of other faiths quite often. Would I recommend this book for non-believers? Depends upon your style of reasoning. If you are looking for an intellectual style of reasoning sprinkled with a little bit of Socratic philosophy then this book is perfect for you. Do you need facts? Authors Lee Strobel and Josh McDowell can provide much better answers. ( )