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Customer Reviews for Dutton The Reason for God: Belief in God in an Age of Skepticism
Dutton The Reason for God: Belief in God in an Age of Skepticism
How could a loving God send people to hell? Why does he allow suffering? Can one religion be "right" and the others "wrong"? Responding to the questions of open skeptics and ardent believers, Keller draws from literature, philosophy, reason, and real-life conversations to explain how faith in a Christian God is a soundly rational belief.
Average Customer Rating:
(42 Reviews) 42
Rating Snapshot (42 reviews)
5 stars
33
4 stars
8
3 stars
0
2 stars
1
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24 out of 24100%customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for The Reason for God: Belief in God in an Age of Skepticism
Review 1 for The Reason for God: Belief in God in an Age of Skepticism
Overall Rating:
The half-believers and their Stepford God
Date:March 2, 2013
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
Can anyone look at the world objectively? According to this author, no, definitely not. Working from that assumption (which I happen to agree with), he proceeds to deconstruct the deconstructionists, proving that all people base their worldview on certain unproved (and unprovable) assumptions. The skeptics who like to bash religion for being irrational and unscientific are not exactly the gold standard for rationality themselves.
I doubt the book would change the beliefs of the hardcore theophobes, since their biggest beef against God is that they don’t like competition, plus they enjoy feeling intellectually superior to everyone else. I do think the book serves the admirable purpose of strengthening the faith of the faithful, much as C. S. Lewis’s books Miracles and The Problem of Pain do. I read this book in 2009, and recently re-read it after witnessing the kerfuffle over Year of Biblical Womanhood and its author’s emphasis on believing in a God she is “comfortable” with, which apparently struck a chord with a lot of ex-evangelicals. Timothy Keller, by contrast, is content to take the God of the Bible “as is,” knowing that that God isn’t some adorable spiritual pet that 21st-century “spiritual but not religious” people can cuddle with on a rainy day. Keller has a very high opinion of God, and a very low opinion of the human ego – in other words, he has the right priorities.
Rather than drag out the review, I’ll let the author speak for himself:
All doubts, however skeptical and cynical they may seem, are really a set of alternate beliefs.
God's grace does not come to those who morally outperform others, but to those who admit their failure to perform and who acknowledge their need for a Savior. p 19
Any community that did not hold its members accountable for specific beliefs and practices would have no corporate identity and would not really be a community at all. p 40
When the idea of God is gone, a society will transcendentalize something else, some other concept, in order to appear morally and spiritually superior. p 55
Because Christians think wrongdoing has infinitely more long-term consequences than secular people do, does that mean they are somehow narrower? p 81
And, these two gems directed at the half-Christians or “spiritual but not religious crowd”:
Any community that did not hold its members accountable for specific beliefs and practices would have no corporate identity and would not really be a community at all. p 40
When the idea of God is gone, a society will transcendentalize something else, some other concept, in order to appear morally and spiritually superior. p 55
Because Christians think wrongdoing has infinitely more long-term consequences than secular people do, does that mean they are somehow narrower? p 81
And, these two gems directed at the half-Christians or “spiritual but not religious crowd”:
To stay away from Christianity because parts of the Bible's teaching is offensive to you assumes that if there is a God he wouldn't have any views that upset you. p 112
If you don't trust the Bible enough to let it challenge and correct your thinking, how could you ever have a personal relationship with God? In any truly personal relationship, the other person has to be able to contradict you. . . . You'll have a Stepford God, a God essentially of your own making, and not a God with whom you can have genuine interaction. p 114
I highly recommend the book for any Christian who feels uncomfortable about sharing his faith with his nonreligious friends, who is guilty of sharing the secular culture's contempt for Christians and their "irrationality" and "intolerance" and "exclusivism." If you ever feel the urge to ditch the label "Christian" and start calling yourself "spiritual but not religious," this book might well help you maintain your loyalty to the God revealed in the Bible.
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Review 2 for The Reason for God: Belief in God in an Age of Skepticism
Overall Rating:
A book that every inquiring mind should read.
Date:January 22, 2013
Kingger
Location:Sierra Vista, AZ
Age:Over 65
Gender:male
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Dr. Keller reasons from an oustanding depth of knowledge. He s extremely well-read and logically counters anti-Christian arguments.
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Review 3 for The Reason for God: Belief in God in an Age of Skepticism
Overall Rating:
Apologetic - not for the average reader
Date:September 8, 2012
Brian Elmer
Location:Toledo, OH
Age:45-54
Gender:male
Yes, as another reviewer stated - "not for the average reader". Keller is in NYC and encounters a more diverse audience. So he addresses several questions that secularists raise. He answers well, but you must slow down as you take in the information. If you are looking to deepen your understanding of reasoning with the secular world, this book is for you. I love the challenging read!
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Review 4 for The Reason for God: Belief in God in an Age of Skepticism
Overall Rating:
it's a very worthwhile read
Date:May 16, 2012
renee
Location:canada
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I found the book to be a very worthwhile read. It was thought provoking and I thought the author's points well presented.
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Review 5 for The Reason for God: Belief in God in an Age of Skepticism
Overall Rating:
Date:April 17, 2012
underfoot
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
An excellent intellectual treatise for belief in God.
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Review 6 for The Reason for God: Belief in God in an Age of Skepticism
Overall Rating:
A great evangelistic help
Date:January 6, 2012
Michelle
Location:Hugoton, KS
Age:55-65
Gender:female
For anyone who wants a great apologetic tool for sharing Christ or needs an excellent resource to give to those who have fallen for the world's concept of God, this book is wonderful!
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Review 7 for The Reason for God: Belief in God in an Age of Skepticism
Overall Rating:
Outstandingly insightful
Date:November 21, 2011
John Hunt
Location:Memphis, TN
Age:45-54
Gender:male
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Keller makes many sound arguments, but one particularly stood out to me. He makes an argument for God loving from all eternity past because he has always existed as three persons and how it could not really be said that he "is love", otherwise. This is a new thought for me, but I must admit a powerful one for the truth of the trinity in addition to irrefutable passages as such as John 1:3 and Colossians 1:15-16.
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+2points
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Review 8 for The Reason for God: Belief in God in an Age of Skepticism
Overall Rating:
Dr. Keller delivers the faith with charity & logic
Date:November 17, 2011
mikeharloff
Location:Priceville, ON
Age:25-34
Gender:male
This book has, so far, been the most accessible book in giving sound and sensitive reason for believing in Jesus Christ and accepting the gospel. I'm a big fan of apologetics and I listen weekly to a selection of podcasts that give reasons for why it's logical and of eternal significance to believe. This book would be the first thing I'd give to anyone who's interested in hearing the gospel from an intellectual and heartfelt perspective. Dr. Timothy has done an excellent job in presenting the truth in an age of religious plurality and relativity.
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Review 9 for The Reason for God: Belief in God in an Age of Skepticism
Overall Rating:
A great explanation of Christianity
Date:October 17, 2011
revgary1
Location:Tiffin, Ohio
Age:Over 65
Gender:male
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
For either the seasoned Christian, someone new to the faith, or someone seeking to understand what being a Christian means, this is a terrific explanation and well-written book about what Christianity is all about. It's easy to read. The quotes and examples that help illustrate the reasons for the Christian faith draw upon sound biblical information and a well-chosen variety of quotes from scholars, philosophers, theologians, and others. Well done! A valuable resource for anyone!
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+3points
3of 3voted this as helpful.
Review 10 for The Reason for God: Belief in God in an Age of Skepticism
Overall Rating:
This book met the mark for our classroom teaching
Date:July 6, 2011
Shiloh Bible College
Location:Oakland, CA
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
We used this book as a teaching tool for our Apologetics class. It met the mark for discussion and logic in understanding how to minister to people in a time and season when so many are unsure if God even exists.
Thank you. This is our second order for a future class.
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+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
Review 11 for The Reason for God: Belief in God in an Age of Skepticism
Overall Rating:
great book
Date:June 10, 2011
happytobemomto3
Location:Chicago area, IL
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
We had gone through this book in our Adult Sunday School class. It was a great book to help confirm why we believe what we believe and give us some talking points to help discuss with sceptics what the truth is. I wanted to have a copy to refer to in the future.
Share this review:
+3points
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Review 12 for The Reason for God: Belief in God in an Age of Skepticism
Overall Rating:
Its a great book
Date:June 10, 2011
Samara
Location:Philadelphia, PA
Age:18-24
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I purchased this book as a gift to my co-worker (who is a non-believer). She said she loved this book and it answered alot her questions about Belief & God
Share this review:
+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
Review 13 for The Reason for God: Belief in God in an Age of Skepticism
Overall Rating:
A clear reasoning for God/sin/Christ/salvation.
Date:June 4, 2011
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
After reading this book, I now agree with a few other reviewers about the importance of Tim Keller's ministry in this Age of Skepticism to the many versions of non-believers. In this book, these ask questions and he both states, explains and identifies with clear logic and reasoning through literature, philosophy, anthropology (and other disciplines) the compelling case for God-His truth-our Creator-Sovereign, All Authority/sin-lostness, separation from God/Christ-the cross-death, resurrection-salvation-being declared justified, away from His eternal wrath (damnation, eternal hell).
One question he asks that almost no one wants to consider deeply in this ever increasing violent world: what is holding all out evil and destruction (by man and nature) back? And what determines which cells in man will bring about death, one person before or after the other? (For we know that death is no respecter of life).
This is an incredible present day generational apologetics, easily understood; a clear and defining defense for God's truth, sovereignity and total authority in lieu of His authority to eventually bring unbelievers and evil to their final conclusion-destined eternal suffering.
One question he asks that almost no one wants to consider deeply in this ever increasing violent world: what is holding all out evil and destruction (by man and nature) back? And what determines which cells in man will bring about death, one person before or after the other? (For we know that death is no respecter of life).
This is an incredible present day generational apologetics, easily understood; a clear and defining defense for God's truth, sovereignity and total authority in lieu of His authority to eventually bring unbelievers and evil to their final conclusion-destined eternal suffering.
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Review 14 for The Reason for God: Belief in God in an Age of Skepticism
Overall Rating:
Easy read. Practical theology.
Date:April 29, 2011
Stanley Hall
Location:Fosom, CA
Age:Over 65
Gender:male
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Tim Keller writes from personal experience in ministering to a present generation of seeking, questioning adults. Each topic is developed from conversations with individuals who were questioning the nature of God.
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+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
Review 15 for The Reason for God: Belief in God in an Age of Skepticism
Overall Rating:
Date:April 29, 2011
Lolo
Location:Seattle, WA
Age:18-24
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
This is an absolutely AMAZING book! A great resource for anyone who is already a Christian, or still questioning. I would recommend this book to anyone. Easy to read and very thought-provoking.
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+2points
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Review 16 for The Reason for God: Belief in God in an Age of Skepticism
Overall Rating:
Date:April 18, 2011
Suzanne Murany
Location:Victoria, Australia
Age:35-44
Gender:female
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
An excellent book for both sceptics & christians...perhaps those more philisophically inclined. The Reason For God presents great defense/reasoning for most claims of sceptics. Very logical & extremely helpful.
I have passed this on to a number of people.
I have passed this on to a number of people.
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+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
Review 17 for The Reason for God: Belief in God in an Age of Skepticism
Overall Rating:
Date:April 8, 2011
gagetsmom
Location:British Columbia Canada
Age:Over 65
Gender:female
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
I had a little trouble with some of the wording and had to use a dictionary to find some of the means.
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+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Review 18 for The Reason for God: Belief in God in an Age of Skepticism
Overall Rating:
Excellent Service
Date:April 1, 2011
Jetboy
Location:Toronto Ontario Canada
Age:Over 65
Gender:male
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
The books arrived safely in good condition and the delivery was prompt. Thanks
Share this review:
-1point
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Review 19 for The Reason for God: Belief in God in an Age of Skepticism
Overall Rating:
clearly understanding the reason for God
Date:March 5, 2011
petie
Location:Oak Grove, KY
Age:25-34
Gender:male
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
As I look back on the words and thoughts of this book I can remember clearly understanding the reason for God. It is chock full of philosophy, Facts and faith. The Authors knowledge of world religion and philosophy is incomparable. He will challenge you to think more deeply about your current belief whether you believe in a god or not. I would highly recommend reading this book if you are interested in religion, philosophy or getting a closer look in to Christianity. You will be surprised and delighted about the information in this book. When you read it to discover you will find something, whatever that might be is up to you and your own experience. Non-the-less it is a profound read and will be worth reading through it to the end.
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+3points
3of 3voted this as helpful.
Review 20 for The Reason for God: Belief in God in an Age of Skepticism
Overall Rating:
One of The Best
Date:February 27, 2011
iamfree
Location:Windsor, ON
Age:55-65
Gender:male
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I have to honestly say that this book is one of the best Christian philosophy books that I have read in a very long time. Until now my favourite Christian philosopher was Francis Schaeffer. Timothy Keller is, in my opinion, what today's North American Christian church really needs. The Lord indeed works in mysterious ways.
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+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.