If you argue that Christians don’t look down on non-Christians, why then do Christian parents believe non-Christians are not good enough to marry their children? Might this list surprise some evangelical Christians? Download a really helpful Reader's Guide with discussion questions. A review of The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism by Timothy Keller Dutton, New York, 2008 . 3. To what extent would a stranger who follows you around for several months say this sort of love is your primary characteristic? Keller contrasts the notion of a “loving God” with a “judging God” [p. 72]. Because “all of us have fundamental, unprovable faith-commitments that we think are superior to those of others,” Keller argues that we must ask, “which fundamentals will lead their believers to be the most loving and receptive to those with whom they differ?” [p. 19-20]. Indeed, you can’t have it both ways” [p. 25]. Mark is saying, ‘Alexander and Rufus vouch for the truth of what I am telling, if you want to ask them’” [p. 101]. In response to the objection that a God of love cannot be a God of anger, Keller says “all loving persons are sometimes filled with wrath, not just despite of but because of their love.” “Anger isn’t the opposite of love,” Keller quotes Becky Pippert saying, “Hate is, and the final form of hate is indifference” [p. 73]. “If this [revisionist] view of the New Testament’s origins and development is true, it would radically change our understanding of the content and meaning of Christianity itself. Keller describes the relationship of the Trinity as a mutual dance of love and joy. Second, it gives reasons for Christian faith that are accessible, thoughtful and never overstated. How do we know which of the two we are actually trusting? Discussions on Part 2 of the book beginning in January 2009: January 7: Chapter Nine – “The Knowledge of God”, January 14: Chapter Ten – “The Problem of Sin”, January 21: Chapter Eleven – “Religion and the Gospel”, February 4: Chapter Twelve – “The (True) Story of the Cross”, February 11: Chapter Thirteen – “The Reality of the Resurrection”, February 18: Chapter Fourteen – “The Dance of God”, February 18: Epilogue – “Where Do We Go from Here?”, 3835 Burton St SE To what extent do non-Christians find your reconciliation of the two compelling? What is your response? “Skepticism, fear, and anger toward traditional religion are growing in power and influence. Is his proposal truly new? The Reason for God – Chapter Eleven: Religion and The Gospel “Christianity teaches that our main problem is sin, ” according to Keller (p. 180) he continues if this is true than why must one select Christianity and Jesus? Why? Does that belief make sense?” [p. 112] Christians often say such things when non-Christians have objections to things like the Trinity or the necessity of Christ’s death for forgiveness. Which short story/essay did you like best? How does this challenge make you feel about the Christian faith? “Christianity answered this historical challenge by a reorientation of the worldview,” Sanneh says, “People sensed in their hearts that Jesus did not mock their respect for the sacred nor their clamor for an invincible Savior, and so they beat their sacred drums for him until the stars skipped and danced in the skies. Do you think any of the stories could be expanded into a full-length book? What is a good, winsome way to present this truth to a skeptic without seeming arrogant or insensitive or offensive? Science has Disproved Christianity. 2. of God raising someone from the dead… [This] argument… is like the drunk who insisted on looking for his lost car keys only under the streetlight on the grounds that the light was better there. How does this cause you to see other people? … Keller claims that the notion—“If Christianity is all it claims to be, shouldn’t Christians on the whole be much better people than everyone else?”—is actually based on a “mistaken belief” [p. 53]. Even in this life we can see the kind of soul disintegration that self-centeredness creates. Do you share it? Do you think Christianity should be understood to be a form of moral improvement? Please note: This posting includes questions for the first half of the book, chapters 1-7, which covers Part 1: The Leap of Doubt. Which short story/essay did you like least? The Reason for God challenges such ideology at its core and points to the true path and purpose of Christianity. Define freedom (saying “being in Christ” is not allowed—though true, in this setting it is a platitude). If that is true, should churches reward children for good attendance in Sunday school? Do you agree? 1. “Good character,” Keller says, “is largely attributable to a loving, safe, and stable family and social environment—conditions for which we were not responsible.” Because people with greater needs are often the ones attracted to Christianity, Keller concludes, “we should expect that many Christians’ lives would not compare well to those of the nonreligious” [p. 54]. The first edition of the novel was published in 2007, and was written by Timothy J. Keller. If you find that little or nothing in the world angers you, what does this say about you? 7. Many Christians have read and thought about defending their faith, but have done so in terms of questions that were relevant in the decades between the end of World War II and the Sixties. Summarize each objectively and clearly in language that would be readily understood and appreciated by a non-Christian who does not have a churched background. And third, it approaches the topic with a quiet, confident winsomeness that is all too often missing in the ungodly rhetoric of culture warriors. 2. What answers have you heard that you find insufficient? Jesus has come to redeem where it is wrong and heal the world where it is broken. Christians will be challenged to wrestle with their friends and neighbors' hardest questions, and to engage those questions in ways that will spark an honest, enriching, and humbling dialogue. In giving specific examples of how Christianity has used self-correction to stop injustice and oppression, Keller mentions: William Wilberforce and the abolition of slavery; Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Civil Rights movement; Desmond Tutu and the end of apartheid in South Africa; Catholic leadership in the Solidarity Movement in Poland; the martyrs Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador and Dietrich Bonhoeffer of Germany. Most of these are non-specific, designed to work for any book, (although, of course, some will work better than others for particular books). It contains an opening thought and summary of the objection, scripture references, and extensive discussion questions. Why not? What about injustice? 14. Some Christians may find this troubling, wanting to see Jesus as (super)heroic in every way—how would you answer their concerns? Inside this guide, you'll explore questions for group discussion and personal reflection, and exercises that will help you experience the truths of Jesus' parable in your own life. Do you find this argument convincing? 5. 8. Do you find the doctor’s thoughts and actions frustrating? And it is a fine one, at that. Would you be comfortable suggesting them to a non-Christian friend? Session 6-The Reason for God Study. What reason does the monster give for “punishing” Justine? Why? The perennial issues may not change, but different generations in different cultures may raise strikingly different questions in their quest to make sense of things. Have you ever heard someone say that miracles were easily believed by the “more primitive” people of biblical times? “The church has a history of supporting injustice, of destroying culture… If Christianity is the true religion, how could this be?” [p. 51]. The Reason for God – Chapter Twelve: The (True) Story Of The Cross “The primary symbol of Christianity has always been the cross, ” begins Chapter Twelve. With whom does God speak, questioning him as to where he has been? Have you held it? Here is a far better set of tests: Which community has beliefs that lead its members to treat persons in other communities with love and respect—to serve them and meet their needs? Welcome to The Reason for God. How does Keller describe the ministry of Redeemer Presbyterian Church? Do you find this surprising? Excellent resource for helping the non-believer have a better grasp of common misconceptions of Christian principles. The Bible tells us that God did not originally make the world to have disease, hunger, and death in it. If this is oversimplified, how so? “Mark,” Keller says, “says that the men who helped Jesus carry his cross to Calvary ‘was the father of Alexander and Rufus’ (Mark 15:21). 616-956-7611, This Sunday Worship How does the church fare by this standard? The Church is responsible for so much injustice. How does this impact your view of world missions? Is this extreme or realistic? Does this seem to be the normal way Christians understand and speak about the incarnation and crucifixion? The Reason for God small group Bible study can be used individually, with groups, or by any believer who is engaging with friends who don’t share his or her beliefs. Verses 20-33; Discussion Questions Do you understand why non-Christians might react the way they do? Is that how you would have responded if someone you knew raised that accusation? How satisfied are you with your resolution? 8. The Reason for God Summary. The DVD features a culturally diverse group of people meeting to discuss the most common objections to Christianity. The Reason for God small group Bible study can be used individually, with groups, or by any believer who is engaging with friends who don’t share his or her beliefs. Have you heard this objection to faith? [p. 57]. What unholy alliances between Christian faith and cultural values or political ideologies are present in our own society? Do you agree? 15. It ensured that God was the priority and people gave to God first before keeping for themselves. COM RESOURCE DIRECTORY. Have their excuses been compelling? What reasons does Keller give for this assertion? Do Christians ever fail to understand this distinction? To what extent do you agree with him? What is the difference and why does this matter? Were you happy with your response? Is this normally how Christians answer this objection to the faith? Together, they have created a ministry that includes lecturing, writing, teaching, feeding, and encouraging those who want to know more about what it means to be a Christian in the everyday life of the 21st century. More specifically, Keller sees Genesis 1 & 2 as similar to Judges 4 &5 and Exodus 14 &15. 17. 5. If you have any questions about the study, or about God in general, feel free to email me from the link in the right sidebar. What is your response? Keller proposes, “All doubts, however skeptical and cynical they may seem, are really a set of alternate beliefs.” To doubt one idea is to have faith in another. 70-71]. How does Keller’s discussion of Sommerville’s example of the mugging highlight what our motivation for helping people should be? 19. Have Christians always fared well in taking their faith into different cultures? Do you ask perceptive questions of opponents to help them clarify their arguments against Christianity? “In the most profound way, God has said to us in Christ, ‘I will adjust to you. Chapter 5. Keller quotes Bonhoeffer: “It is not a religious act that makes the Christian, but participation in the sufferings of God in the secular life. 3. What if God is just an illusion of the mind? Chapter 1: There Can’t Be Just One True Religion. Questions for Discussion and Reflection: 1. To what extent have you read about the opposing views of the historicity of the biblical documents? Review the illustrations. To what extent do evangelicals actively submit themselves and their churches to Christianity’s own resources for critiquing itself? Where are we headed? According to Satan, what has he been doing recently? If you are a non-Christian, how would you respond to this definition of hell? How do you weigh your truth-claims? Discussion If you could ask God one question right now, what would it be? Questions for the first half of the book are posted on our website under The Reason for God: Questions for Discussion (I). How do this provide a better answer than every other worldview? Printable Book Club Questions . Why? “Many people who take an intellectual stand against Christianity,” Keller says, “ do so against a background of personal disappointment with Christians and churches. How was it expressed? 1. How is this significant for the reliability of the biblical texts? When Keller says that complete inclusiveness is an illusion, does that make you uncomfortable? How can God send good people to hell? Keller argues that the existence of evil and suffering is an even bigger problem for the one who disbelieves in God [pp. Genesis 2 is an account of how it happened” [p. 94]. The book was published in multiple languages including English, consists of 293 pages and is available in Hardcover format. The Reason for God small group Bible study can be used individually, with groups, or by any believer who is engaging with friends who don’t share his or her beliefs. Do you think a skeptic would find it convincing? Why or why not? 5. But it needs to be overcome every time, and thus there is an even holier angel than the one of pain, that is the one of joy in God” [p. 66-67]. In the past, when you read such details in the gospel records did you see that the author meant this? 11. Christians will be challenged to wrestle with their friends and neighbors’ hardest questions, and to engage those questions in ways that will spark an honest, enriching, and humbling dialogue. 11. Celebrating Jesus’ birthday: “The early Christians did not celebrate [Jesus’] birth because they considered the celebration of anyone’s birth to be a pagan custom.”—The World Book Encyclopedia. Given the refutation of the “story of the blind men and the elephant” [p. 8-9], how do we make this argument while maintaining the humility appropriate to knowing we see only in part, through a glass darkly (see 1 Corinthians 13)? What plans should you make? Do you agree they are flaws? The Reason for God Discussion Guide is designed to be used with the DVD sessions. If you are a Christian, is this how you have understood the biblical concept of hell? Give examples of rhetoric from the side of skepticism; from the side of Christian faith; from the side of faiths other than Christianity. 21. Since so many highly knowledgeable scholars are convinced this is the only possible conclusion, given the historical evidence, does this make you nervous? Each asks students to read a short, high-interest nonfiction piece … January 14 - January 30, 2020 | 6:30PM - 8:00PM. Well-crafted questions can stimulate, draw out, and guide discussion. Why or why not? PDF Study Guide The Reason For God, discussion guide, softcover (9780310330479) by Timothy Keller “Because doubt and belief are each on the rise, our political and public discourse on matters of faith and morality has become deadlocked and deeply divided. Is this a compelling argument? People who raise the objection that God couldn’t send anyone to hell, Keller says, often believe that “any Christian who thinks there are people bound for hell must perceive such people as unequal in dignity and worth” [p. 69]. You can’t take the Bible literally. Does this statement by Keller surprise you? How does Keller’s understanding of the biblical story of Lazarus and the rich man compare with how you’ve normally thought of it or heard it explained? A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality study guides that feature detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, quotes, and essay topics. Old arguments that seemed so certain now seem less so, and challenges are raised which the old answers don’t address adequately. The book was published in multiple languages including English, consists of 293 pages and is available in Hardcover format. [p. 99] What did they specifically challenge or doubt in the biblical texts? A common image of hell in the Bible is that of fire. What is the difference between being lovingly exclusive and narrow-mindedly oppressive? What do think of Barth’s statement that it was the church, not the world that crucified Christ? Keller agrees with the notion that religions claiming exclusivity of their beliefs are a barrier to world peace [p. 4] Do you agree with Keller? What does this suggest? 3. Keller claims, “Christianity has been more adaptive (and maybe less destructive) of diverse cultures than secularism and many other worldviews” [p. 40]. As objectively as you can, restate in your own words those steps. What is his logic? Christians will be challenged to wrestle with their friends and neighbors’ hardest questions, and to engage those questions in ways that will spark an honest, enriching, and humbling dialogue. How did you respond viscerally to the illustration Keller goes on to describe? We all bring to issues intellectual predispositions based on our experiences” [p. 52]. Why might this be? Do you find this argument surprising? Every community must do the same” [p. 40]. Which do you have the most trouble accepting? 8. Tuesday and Thursday nights during IAP. I know what they are like. 11. When people bring up their disappointment, what is usually your first response? What reasons would you give if a non-Christian challenged it as untrue or implausible? Is this usually how people tend to think of science and modernity?
Give examples of Christians denouncing something, rather than engaging in careful reasoning. As the founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City, Timothy Keller has compiled a list of the most frequently voiced “doubts” skeptics bring to his church as well as the most important reasons for faith. You had your chance! How does the creature persuade the doctor to create a companion? How can we love one another while holding differing positions on this issue? What troubles you most about its beliefs or how it is practiced?” [p. 3] Do you make a habit of asking non-Christians questions similar to that? How would you respond? Christians will be challenged to wrestle with their friends and neighbors’ hardest questions, and to engage those questions in ways that will spark an honest, enriching, and humbling dialogue. “The death of Jesus,” Keller argues, “was qualitatively different from any other death” [p. 30]. 10. Christians will be challenged to wrestle with their friends and neighbors’ hardest questions, and to engage those questions in ways that will spark an honest, enriching, and humbling dialogue. Why or why not? 9. A collection of 163 Student Opinion questions from this school year still open to comment on our blog. “In Jesus’ and the prophets’ critique, self-righteous religion is always marked by insensitivity to issues of social justice, while true faith is marked by profound concern for the poor and marginalized. Exodus 34:23-24 – God would protect their land while traveling to the tabernacle/temple. Have you ever heard excuses given for it by Christians wanting to defend the honor of their faith? Is civility in the public square possible if this is correct? Do you agree? Product details. Define, as objectively and carefully as possible, the three approaches to try to deal with the divisiveness of religion: to outlaw it [p. 5-6], to condemn it [p. 7-13], and to restrict it the private sphere of life [p. 13-18]. 4. The Reason for God small group Bible study can be used individually, with groups, or by any believer who is engaging with friends who don’t share his or her beliefs. Take the time to read (at least sections of) Beowulf or The Iliad and compare them to sections of Mark’s gospel. 8. In the last few years, there have been several apologetics books by Christians, each of whom has put his own ‘spin’ on the Christian message. Instead they were oral histories taken down from the mouths of living eyewitnesses who preserved the words and deeds of Jesus in great detail” [p. 102]. Croatian theologian Miroslav Volf says, “If God were not angry at injustice and deception and did not make a final end to violence—that God would not be worthy of worship… The only means of prohibiting all recourse to violence by ourselves is to insist that violence is legitimate only when it comes from God… My thesis that the practice of non-violence requires a belief in divine vengeance will be unpopular with many… in the West… [But] it takes the quiet of a suburban home for the birth of the thesis that human non-violence [results from the belief in] God’s refusal to judge. What’s the solution? Read each of the three texts and note similarities and differences. 5. He then goes on to give two illustrations. Are there miracles in the Bible that you have difficulty believing as true events? “We don’t reason with the other side; we only denounce” [p. xv]. As Keller notes [p. 108], a great of deal of “Biblical revisionism” seems to be filtering into Western culture in the form of archeological discoveries, studies of Gnostic gospels, and works of fiction. The Bible teaches us that our treatment of them equals our treatment of God” [p. 60]. What might this suggest for your next reading of the four gospels? The Reason for God small group Bible study can be used individually, with groups, or by any believer who is engaging with friends who don't share his or her beliefs. AbeBooks.com: The Reason for God Discussion Guide: Conversations on Faith and Life (9780310330479) by Keller, Timothy and a great selection of similar New, Used and Collectible Books available now at great prices. Keller says that, “freedom is not so much the absence of restrictions as finding the right ones, the liberating restrictions” [p. 46]. 37. Hasn't science disproved God? Why? “If our minds can’t plumb the depths of the universe for good answers to suffering, well, then, there can’t be any! This six-session small group Bible study (DVD/digital video sold separately) captures live and unscripted conversations between Tim Keller and a group of people to address their doubts and objections to Christianity. And never overstated statement as untrue in each approach rapidly changing, culture! Questions!, life 's questions!, life 's Journey! life! Gives initially Satan permission to do what to Job to work backwards?. Non-Christian challenged it as untrue or implausible, 2020 | 6:30PM - 8:00PM people who raise this?. And was written by Timothy J. Keller gospel records did you see yourself more as a characterized... Pluralistic culture like the United States feel alienated from disillusioned about a miracle occurring you list to support statement... How Christian missions works suffer! ’ this caricature misunderstands the very category truth. 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Give examples of Christians denouncing something, rather than engaging in careful reasoning. As the founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City, Timothy Keller has compiled a list of the most frequently voiced “doubts” skeptics bring to his church as well as the most important reasons for faith. You had your chance! How does the creature persuade the doctor to create a companion? How can we love one another while holding differing positions on this issue? What troubles you most about its beliefs or how it is practiced?” [p. 3] Do you make a habit of asking non-Christians questions similar to that? How would you respond? Christians will be challenged to wrestle with their friends and neighbors’ hardest questions, and to engage those questions in ways that will spark an honest, enriching, and humbling dialogue. “The death of Jesus,” Keller argues, “was qualitatively different from any other death” [p. 30]. 10. Christians will be challenged to wrestle with their friends and neighbors’ hardest questions, and to engage those questions in ways that will spark an honest, enriching, and humbling dialogue. Why or why not? 9. A collection of 163 Student Opinion questions from this school year still open to comment on our blog. “In Jesus’ and the prophets’ critique, self-righteous religion is always marked by insensitivity to issues of social justice, while true faith is marked by profound concern for the poor and marginalized. Exodus 34:23-24 – God would protect their land while traveling to the tabernacle/temple. Have you ever heard excuses given for it by Christians wanting to defend the honor of their faith? Is civility in the public square possible if this is correct? Do you agree? Product details. Define, as objectively and carefully as possible, the three approaches to try to deal with the divisiveness of religion: to outlaw it [p. 5-6], to condemn it [p. 7-13], and to restrict it the private sphere of life [p. 13-18]. 4. The Reason for God small group Bible study can be used individually, with groups, or by any believer who is engaging with friends who don’t share his or her beliefs. Take the time to read (at least sections of) Beowulf or The Iliad and compare them to sections of Mark’s gospel. 8. In the last few years, there have been several apologetics books by Christians, each of whom has put his own ‘spin’ on the Christian message. Instead they were oral histories taken down from the mouths of living eyewitnesses who preserved the words and deeds of Jesus in great detail” [p. 102]. Croatian theologian Miroslav Volf says, “If God were not angry at injustice and deception and did not make a final end to violence—that God would not be worthy of worship… The only means of prohibiting all recourse to violence by ourselves is to insist that violence is legitimate only when it comes from God… My thesis that the practice of non-violence requires a belief in divine vengeance will be unpopular with many… in the West… [But] it takes the quiet of a suburban home for the birth of the thesis that human non-violence [results from the belief in] God’s refusal to judge. What’s the solution? Read each of the three texts and note similarities and differences. 5. He then goes on to give two illustrations. Are there miracles in the Bible that you have difficulty believing as true events? “We don’t reason with the other side; we only denounce” [p. xv]. As Keller notes [p. 108], a great of deal of “Biblical revisionism” seems to be filtering into Western culture in the form of archeological discoveries, studies of Gnostic gospels, and works of fiction. The Bible teaches us that our treatment of them equals our treatment of God” [p. 60]. What might this suggest for your next reading of the four gospels? The Reason for God small group Bible study can be used individually, with groups, or by any believer who is engaging with friends who don't share his or her beliefs. AbeBooks.com: The Reason for God Discussion Guide: Conversations on Faith and Life (9780310330479) by Keller, Timothy and a great selection of similar New, Used and Collectible Books available now at great prices. Keller says that, “freedom is not so much the absence of restrictions as finding the right ones, the liberating restrictions” [p. 46]. 37. Hasn't science disproved God? Why? “If our minds can’t plumb the depths of the universe for good answers to suffering, well, then, there can’t be any! This six-session small group Bible study (DVD/digital video sold separately) captures live and unscripted conversations between Tim Keller and a group of people to address their doubts and objections to Christianity. And never overstated statement as untrue in each approach rapidly changing, culture! Questions!, life 's questions!, life 's Journey! life! Gives initially Satan permission to do what to Job to work backwards?. Non-Christian challenged it as untrue or implausible, 2020 | 6:30PM - 8:00PM people who raise this?. And was written by Timothy J. Keller gospel records did you see yourself more as a characterized... Pluralistic culture like the United States feel alienated from disillusioned about a miracle occurring you list to support statement... How Christian missions works suffer! ’ this caricature misunderstands the very category truth. 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