Discussion Q:2

One of the interesting points brought out by Keller in The Reason for God, is how the message of Christianity impacts culture. In Chapter 3, "Christianity is a Straightjacket", Keller explains how the gospel moved in parts of Africa:

When Africans become Christians, their African-ness is converted, completed, and resolved, not replaced with European-ness or something else. p. 42

He goes on to say how the same type of thing happens in Manhattan:

I am repeatedly asked, "How are you reaching thousands of young adults in such a secular place?" The answer is that Christianity has done in New York City what it has done in all the other places that it has grown. It has adapted significantly and positively to the surrounding culture without compromising its main tenets. p. 42

Through your reading, how does the message of Christianity effect our culture? For the better or for the worse?

Discussion Q:1 - The Reason for God

In Chapter 4, The Church is Responsible for So Much Injustice, Keller addresses the idea of Fanaticism in religion, particularly in Christianity. This is a hot button issue for many people. How can the church promote fanaticism that seems to manifest itself in hate, violence, and intolerance?

Keller writes on the bottom of pg. 57:

Think of people you consider fanatical. They're overbearing, self-righteous, opinionated, insensitive, and harsh. Why? It's not because they are too Chrisitan but because they are not Christian enough.

What is your reaction to that statement, and how does Keller further unravel what he means in saying, "not Christian enough?"

Happy reading!

The Reason for God

Here's a link to a video of
Tim Keller, author of
The Reason for God,
our book of the Summer. In this short video he gives the basic reasons for writing the book.

There will be a few more posts coming soon with some fresh discussion questions.

For now, what have been your opening impressions of the book?

Enjoy the clip!
The Reason for God-Clip