BOOK REVIEW: The Reason For God

The Reason For God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism
Timothy Keller, Dutton

In his profound, yet conversational "apologetic" book, pastor and teacher Tim Keller takes an in-depth look at some of the most common objections that skeptics have about Christianity.

The book is conversational and full of first-hand accounts of Keller's experience as a pastor who has maintained a commitment to open dialogue with skeptics throughout his career. Keller addresses these concerns and objections with logic as well as grace.

Although skeptics tend to color claims in all sorts of styles, the author consistently combats them with the logic that some one simply cannot declare "There are absolutely no absolutes." Granted, he finds many unique variations of this response, but his consistent responses to those claims is pretty singular.

When he moves to actual "reasons for God," it gets great. You won't find Keller battling from a scientific viewpoint, but you will find him to be completely in control of what academic study and philosophy have to prove about the reasons for God.

The most surprising element of the book was the gracious way Keller addresses the reader. I enjoyed this book, but there is no doubt that it's written for the skeptic. The way Keller wraps up such a detailed, thoughtful presentation and segues into what following Christ really looks like is great. I would think even the most cynical of non-Christians would find this book thought-provoking and kind in its delivery.

I think it's a great book and think that any Christ-follower would benefit from it, but I'd also urge those that have questions about Christianity to check it out. I don't think you'll find a more concise, kind, perfected collection of thoughts on the reason for believing in the God of the Bible.