Making Sense of God

Starred review from August 15, 2016
Prolific author Keller (The Reason for God), founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, again reaches out to skeptics, inviting them to think through their suspicions of religion and/or God. Keller has written a number of Christian apologetics, and this one is aimed more at "nones"âthe religiously unaffiliated or uninterestedâthan at committed atheists; the polemical debate with hardcore atheist materialists has moved on. Keller is knowledgeable about contemporary philosophy and can offer intriguing arguments grounded in that discourse; the book is richer for those familiar with the work of philosopher Charles Taylor and other contemporary critics of hyperindividualism. Keller's clarity of expression rests on 60 pages of footnotes, roughly one fifth of the book. This is not for the drive-by reader looking for self-help gospel truths, but those interested in acquaintance and engagement with the use of reason in argumentation will find an open door, nagging questions, and a lot to learn. Agent: David McCormick, McCormick Literary.

October 1, 2016

Perhaps Keller (Redeemer Presbyterian Church; The Reason for God) should have titled his book "making sense with God," since he sets out to show that the world makes the most sense from a Christian perspective. First, he counters arguments that, in the face of reason, faith in God fades in favor of a secular perspective. Keller then presents what he considers difficulties in a secular worldview; a sort of series of inferences to the best explanation--not unlike theologian Alistair McGrath--though at times it takes the more militant style of Francis Schaeffer. The author concludes with arguments for the existence of God and the truth of the central tenants of Christianity. Keller doesn't leave a lot of space for this section and it suffers accordingly. His treatment of theistic arguments is cursory, and the attempt to summarize a case for the Gospel accounts of Jesus cries out for more depth. VERDICT Despite these issues, Keller provides a calm and measured invitation to examine convictions and assumptions in a way that both believers and skeptics could use as part of a reasoned dialog.--JW

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