The Reason for God

The Christian community I am part of tends to go through phases of books it reads. A year ago it was Mere Christianity (C.S. Lewis), last semester it was Crazy Love (Francis Chan), and this past semester it has been The Reason for God by Timothy Keller. I heard it was a great book, so I bought it and gave it a chance.

I didn't really know what it was about, apart for giving a reason for God (obviously). It never hit me that this could be an apologetics book, but once I really got into it, it all came together. Apparently I've been getting into apologetics, and I'm really starting to like it. Anyways, let me go through this book.

Keller splits his work into 2 parts: The Leap of Doubt and The Reasons for Faith. The leap of doubt section recognizes that it is not only ok, but good that both skeptics and Christians have doubts. With that in mind, he goes through several of the most-often asked questions regarding Christianity. First he explains why skeptics think that, and then gives a Christian perspective to it. Questions like how could a good God allow suffering? and How can God send people to Hell? are addresses wonderfully.

The second part gives reasons for faith, including clues for God, gospel versus religion, the true story of the cross, and the reality of the resurrection. Each point is great in solidifying your faith and answering questions you didn't even know you had.

Overall, I highly recommend everyone to read this book. Christians and non-Christians alike. For the Christian, it gives you deeper understanding of your faith as well as answers to the tough questions you will probably get asked. I know I didn't have good answers to a lot of these questions, and I will probably reference this book for answers to some of those. For the non-Christian, it accepts your doubts but gives you legitimate reasons for questioning your skepticism. It also gives a very strong argument for faith in Jesus Christ.

Honestly, I was living with some blind faith, but this helped me recognize that and build my faith up solely in Jesus. A lot of beliefs come from ignorance, regardless of how correct that belief is.

A couple of other points that may get you to read this:

1. He cites C.S. Lewis extensively

2. He uses questions that he has actually gotten from people in the ever-skeptical New York City

3. He starts the book with a quote by Darth Vader. Any guy who utilizes Star Wars quotes has to be legit.

¹²But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? ¹³If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. ¹⁴And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. ¹⁵More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. ¹⁶For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. ¹⁷And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. ¹⁸Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. ¹⁹If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men. (1 Corinthians 15:12-19)

Praise God that Jesus Christ raised from the dead! He has come to restore true shalom on earth

Also, I am contemplating where I go with this blog. I can either go into detail into every book I read or I can delve deep into some of them and give a more cursory review of the rest. If you would, please comment with your opinion. It would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!