The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism (original 2008; edition 2008)

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. ( )

Can Christianity survive in the 21st century? Is Christianity still credible? Is it even reasonable? In "The Reason for God," Keller offers a concise yet compelling defense of the Christian faith. In the first part of the book, Keller tackles seven contemporary objections to faith (e.g. "There Can't Be Just One True Religion," "Science Has Disproved Christianity," and "How Can a Loving God Send People to Hell"). While not a thorough treatment of any given doubt, Keller consistently demonstrates that these objections rest on unexamined presuppositions and their own sort of faith beliefs. In the second part of the book, Keller unpacks some of the reasons for faith. Although these reasons don't settle the argument, they are helpful clues as to work and nature of God in the universe. Keller makes some very interesting and forceful arguments here, and then turns his attention to the gospel, offering a clear and compelling telling of the gospel story. An engaging and thoughtful read. A+ ( )

How can there be just ONE true religion?

How could a good God allow suffering?

Hasn't Science disproved Christianity?

A dancing God.

This is the best book I have ever read and/or listened to on the topic of apologetics. Keller explains concepts in a way that makes them appealing & understandable. I have heard similar explanations for some of the concepts that Keller goes over, but they did not seem nearly as profoundly true as how Keller explains them here. In other words, I still doubted the philosophy when hearing it told by others, but Keller seems to leave no holes. ( )

This is a rather polemical book that shows the relevance of conservative Christianity in a large secular city like New York. It is a little too polemical for my taste and uses tricky logic to prove its claim for his Evangelical style. ( )