What is his intention? On what do you think the concept of human dignity depends? Do your secularist friends agree? The main characters of this christian, religion story are , . 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. Discussing with other readers your own questions and your reactions to Keller’s All our questions lead back to God because he is the one with whom we have to deal. [p. 197], 11. So, it's important for you to start having that hobby. Please come and bring your questions and disagreements. “People still have strong moral convictions,” Keller says, “but unlike people in other times and places, they don’t have any visible basis for why they find some things to be evil and other things good” [p. 145]. [p. 227-228], 2. 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. This is the reason that it is quite fair to call secularism a religion, and Christianity as well. The Reason for God Timothy Keller Chapter 13: The Reality of the Resurrection "My question - that which at the age of fifty brought me to the verge of suicide - was the simplest of questions, lying in the soul of every man ... a question without the answer to which one cannot live. If you do not believe in it, how might you suppose your life would change if you became convinced it really happened? 1. Even theists who are committed to God’s existence can live as if he were absent. 3. Which are personally most important to you? Does your life reflect that reality? false. Product details. [p. 159], 2. Keller set out in this chapter to primarily discuss not the adequacy of secularist views of ethics and human rights, but the idea that all human beings actually know God exists [p. 142]. 1. 3. Identify different reasons why so many people find this third thing so difficult. Our main purpose for being on earth is to be stewards of God's creation, to grow in God, and to function as God's sons and daughters. [p. 206], 4. What are the flaws in those theories? Do you think that this is normally what non-Christians might expect from a “religious conversion?” Has this been true in your life? Reflect on the Creation narrative recorded in Genesis 1-2. How might your answer to this question affect your view of relationships? Ransom Fellowship was founded by Denis and Margie Haack in 1981. According to the Bible, our purpose, the reason we are here, is for God’s glory. Why? What about injustice? Precisely! Have you heard this complaint? “If the resurrection of Jesus happened,” Keller concludes, “that means that there’s infinite hope and reason to pour ourselves out for the needs of the world.” If this is true, why do some Christians argue that the needs of the world are of secondary importance to personal salvation? 2. “It is dishonest to live as if he is there,” Keller says referring to God, “and yet fail to acknowledge the one who has given you all these gifts” [p. 158]. Hasn't science disproved God? Keller discusses obedience that is driven by a “fear of rejection.” To what extent is this true of you? March 30, 2011 How does the new perspective presented by the gospel create a great reversal among those who have been transformed by it”? The result of this process can be found in The Reason for God, a book well worth reading and discussing. 1. 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. 13. They require that people approach God and become worthy through various rites, observances, and behaviors. [p. 235], 6. How does Keller respond to the argument that Jesus’ death on the cross is an example of “divine child abuse?” [p. 187, see also p. 192-193], 3. DOWNLOAD: REASON FOR GOD STUDY GUIDE PDF Reason For God Study Guide - What to say and what to do when mostly your friends love reading? Why is this observation important to his argument in this chapter? The plagues were ten disasters sent upon Egypt by God to convince Pharaoh to free the Israelite slaves from the bondage and oppression they had endured in Egypt for 400 years. Many people believe that there is a reason for our existence and usually, though not always, it is based in religion. Free download or read online The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism pdf (ePUB) book. [p. 206-208], 5. What implications does it have for your sense of calling in life and culture? What does this suggest for urging other people to change their convictions and values? That’s why the chief tool of a good listener is a good question. Again, recast them in your own words. [p. 199-200], Chapter 13. 5. [p. 178-179]. 2. “Despite the claims of many to be such, there are no truly ‘generic’ nondenominational Christians. If you believe in the resurrection, how has it changed your life? How does Keller’s argument compare with Jesus’ teachings of good deeds in the Sermon on the Mount? Answer: The principle of sufficient reason is closely related to cosmological arguments for the existence of God. What is the difference between true forgiveness and “cheap grace”? Does God speak to us today? It is good for three reasons. Discuss. Do you think Dr. Keller’s intention is for us to use his statements in this chapter as weapons to win arguments with our non-Christian friends? Have you thought of Jesus in that way before, as evidence? In what ways are you part of the “freaks and lunatics”? Spell. Why ask that question? What prayer can you offer or choices can you make to replace the religious that remains in your life with gospel? Our values for the event are honesty, humility, respect and listening well to one another. [p. 228-229], 3. These eight questions help us to understand both God and ourselves. 3. David Richter, associate pastor of Trinity Presbyterian Church, and Dr. David Van Norstrand, medical student in the Mayo School of Medicine.). Introduction; Part 1: The Leap of Doubt; 1. 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. The Reason for God – Chapter Three: Christianity is a Straightjacket. [p. 171-172], Chapter 11. How does it affect your interactions with non-Christians? If there is no God, there can be no reason to be kind, to be loving, or to work for peace.” If this assertion is true, as Dr. Keller claims, then why do so many people in our culture live as if it weren’t? Are you uncomfortable with this idea? (p. [p. 194-195], 9. How would you describe to her how the nature of the Christian God confronts that belief? Most religious scriptures have a common answer that states that there stands no one in between the Almighty and His believers. For both Christian and non-Christian alike, consider the implications of Jesus’ all-or-nothing message. 6. [p. 212], Chapter 14. The existence of moral values and obligations can be explained by sociobiology or evolutionary psychology [p. 147-148]. How might it be reassuring for someone struggling to find faith to pray, simply, “God, come and find me?” [p. 240]. The Knowledge of God Which chapter was most difficult for you? Why do you think so many people in our culture take issue with this view? Compare and contrast the two H. G. Wells’ quotes at the beginning of the chapter. What is the difference between, and significance of, moral values and moral obligation? 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. [p. 123]. So, it's important for you to start having that hobby. How would you defend your view? Do you think a skeptic might find it compelling? Daniel has been an editor with ChurchLeaders for several years. How could a good god allow suffering: A good human would attempt to elevate unnecessary suffering of other humans. The reason this understanding of the relationship between faith and reason is so important is that the great mass of ordinary people (and I count myself in this number) cannot come to an unshakable conviction about the truth of Christianity any other way. Thomas Nagel, an atheist, says “I am curious whether there is anyone who is genuinely indifferent as to whether there is a God—anyone who… doesn’t particularly want either one of the answers to be correct” [p. 119]. Keller has contrasted Gospel and Religion in this chapter. Why or why not? 4. Did you find Dr. Keller’s argument in this chapter that everyone knows that God exists to be convincing? Now ask the question: 'What if when we die we con't end, but spiritually our life extends on into eternity?' What does the difference look like? 1) The very notion of an all-perfect being means God has to exist. 4. questions — and the corresponding defenses of God’s existence — that you will find in The Reason for God. Do you have friends who might be willing to do so? Do you find Keller’s argument compelling? Keller offers Jesus Christ as the ultimate evidence for the existence of God [p. 123]. Intermission is a chance to think over what has transpired during the First Act. [p. 180], 6. The Bible does not give the date of Jesus’ birth, nor does it say that we should celebrate his birthday. What steps can you take to be more sensitive to these temptations? How effective was it? When you have asked secularists on what they base their belief in human rights, how have they responded? How do you see this in the world around you? Explain in your own words why Jesus had to die on the cross rather than God just forgiving us. 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. 8. The Reason for God - Keller - Chapter 4. What plans should you make? What steps might you take in your own life to combat such attitudes? However, virtually all religions require to one degree or another a form of self-salvation through merit. As McClintock and Strong’s Cyclopedia states: “The observance of Christmas is not of divine appointment, nor is it of NT [New Testament] origin.”. He then moves to a discussion of creation? This, in a nutshell, means that it is possible for each and every single person to venerate and communicate with God directly, without any intervention of the supposed “go-betweens”. 11. 4. [p. 193-194], 8. Why does Keller take this approach? Summarize in your own words Keller’s description of how the Trinity informs our view of God as “love.” Imagine that your neighbor is a Buddhist, who remarks to you that she believes that true love is an illusion. Read Keller’s quote from Arthur Miller’s After the Fall. What are the implications? Why does God allow evil? Keller discusses the personal and the social/national consequences of sin. This chapter is titled, “There Can’t Be Just One True Religion.” Here, Keller tackles the question of Christianities claims of exclusivity. Please note: This posting includes questions for the second half of the book, chapters 8-14, which covers Part 2: The Reasons for Faith. Students Plead With Liberty U to Cut Ties With Falkirk Center, Sean Feucht is ‘Waging Biological Warfare’ Through Homeless Outreach Events, Activists Say, A Tale of Two Pastors: How John MacArthur and Rick Warren Led Through 2020. Keller says, “The purpose of Jesus’s coming is to put the whole world right, to renew and restore the creation, not to escape it.” What implications does this have for how you approach your work, your relationships, your approach to caring for the earth, and your place in society? 1. [p. 187], 2. 6. Does Keller’s claim surprise you? Responding to the questions of open skeptics and ardent believers, Keller draws from literature, philosophy, reason, and real-life conversations to explain how faith in […] Why is this concept so important to our discussion of forgiveness? The Reason for God Discussion Guide is designed to be used with the DVD sessions. Discuss the adequacy of each answer. 3. 10. Keller says, “This [idea of God creating the world to share it with us] leads to a uniquely positive view of the material world.” Is this conclusion surprising to you? How might serving God be different from what Keller calls shamanism. Tim Keller, who is pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian in Manhattan, listens carefully. How can the answer to this question change your life? Are you the one that don't have such hobby? What about suffering? Particulars and dates aside (both of which will always be disputed), recast this “clue” in your own words. 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. Where have you encountered it? 12. [p. 233], 5. What part of you may still be with the “morally upright tribe”? Discussion leaders will be wise to pick which questions to raise, and which topics, once raised, should be pursued in more detail. You first.” [p. 155]. "The Reason for God, Belief in an Age of Skepticism," by Timothy Keller, is a pro-Christian work which lays out the major criticisms that modern skeptics have about faith and in particular Christianity. 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. ‘If God appreciated sincerity,’ some might reason, ‘there wouldn’t be so much pretense among those who claim to worship him.’ TO THINK ABOUT: Imagine a son who rejects his father’s fine upbringing and leaves home to lead a corrupt life. Great to use in groups. Without glancing at the Table of Contents, consider some of the “experiments” or “tests” in which you believe Christianity outperforms the other competing worldviews. “If a premise (‘There is no God’) leads to a conclusion you know isn’t true (‘Napalming babies is culturally relative’) then why not change the premise?” [p. 156]. Nietzsche; “If God is dead,” Nietzsche argued, “any and all morality of love and human rights is baseless. 1. What, according to Keller, are the consequences of a tit-for-tat view of retribution? How does it offer evidence for God? What are God’s attributes? © 2019 churchleaders.com, All rights reserved. What have been your assumptions about the reason for Jesus’ death on the cross? The Reality of the Resurrection I have only read the first chapter so far. For 28 years he led a diverse congregation of young professionals that grew to a weekly attendance of over 5,000. Is there reason to believe in God? How do you see this struggle played out in your own personal experience? “But wait, you say, there is no right or wrong in nature; right and wrong is a human concept! Do you agree? maddie_cowley. 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. Get answers to your The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism questions from professional tutors at BookRags.com Christian theology allows for many answers to the question: “Why did Jesus have to die?” Keller posits one answer – that “In the Christian account, Jesus dies so that God can forgive sins” (p. 187). How might this term be misunderstood by Christians? Test. 2. [p. 210], 6. Each I used this Discussion Guide along with the DVD 'The Reason for God-Conversations on Faith and Life' and the book 'The Reason for God-Belief in an Age of Skepticism' as part of a course in Christian Apologetics in our homeschool. However, what reason does the Bible give for God destroying the rest of animal creation, such as the creeping things, birds of the air, etc.? What questions might you have about this assertion? At a time when critics like Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens are questioning the very legitimacy of faith in God, Tim Keller presents intellectually rigorous reasons why believing in God makes sense. The book was published in multiple languages including English, consists of 293 pages and is available in Hardcover format. If so, on what basis can we make such a claim? [p. 223], 5. He listens not just to Christians but to non-Christians as well, and better than many … After outlining a series of arguments, Keller concludes, “That meant the tomb must have been empty… We can’t permit ourselves the luxury of thinking that the resurrection accounts were only fabricated years later” [p. 205]. Why or why not? 1. The questions that I raise in respect of God are fundamental to our understanding of a reason for being. Free Small Group Series: “12 Huge Mistakes Parents Can Avoid”, Free Small Group Session: “7 Keys To Unlocking Marital Success”, Free Creative Package: “Vibrant Connect Cards”, Free Small Group Series: "I Don’t Know What I Believe" from Elevation Church, Free eBook: “To You is the Song for Small Groups”. If you are a Christian, be honest—do you at times agree with this sentiment? All smaller issues lead us back to the one who sits on the throne of the universe. Keller describes Christians as the “true revolutionaries.” Why does he use this term? The Lord has answered that question already. [p. 219], 3. How does this story restructure the purpose of work and life and culture? Which chapter provoked the most disagreement for you? What does he mean by this statement? 2. You know, reading is not the force. 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. “Keller uses literature, philosophy, real-life conversations, and reasoning to explain how faith in a Christian God is a soundly rational belief, held by thoughtful people if intellectual integrity with a deep compassion for those who truly want to know the truth.”, Discussion guide provided by TheReasonForGod.com. Questions for Reflection and Discussion: 1. The whole duty of man is to fear (reverence) God and obey his commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13). [p. 181]. Keller challenges the reader of the inconsistency of arguing that God does not exist, but living as if He does. 6. Use this discussion guide to The Reason for God: Belief in the Age of Skepticism, by pastor and author Timothy Keller, to guide your small group through some of the toughest questions people have about faith. We can leave… lobotomized, go back to the creek, and live on its banks as untroubled as any muskrat or reed. How might you approach someone who claims to be indifferent? Is it possible to have a God of love if we take away the doctrine of the cross? His book, The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism, is must-reading, whether you are a Christian or a non-Christian. 92 pages, softcover.First Lesson Free! Gravity. Why or Why not? How can Christians talk about Jesus as evidence to unchurched people in a meaningful way? [p. 146-147]. The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism (2008), American pastor and theologian Timothy J. Keller’s non-fiction Christian-themed book, seeks to highlight and address various criticisms of Christianity posed by skeptics in an effort to counter them. Reason for God is for anyone (the religious, the spiritual, the skeptic, the seeker, atheists, Christians and people of any faith tradition). (p. Question: "What was the meaning and purpose of the ten plagues of Egypt?" Well-crafted questions can stimulate, draw out, and guide discussion. The discussion questions that follow are designed to be used in a group setting, with two or more people who are reading Keller’s book. Terms in this set (11) T/F: The main question at hand in this chapter is "What is it about Christianity that makes its followers the exemplary and responsible citizens that they are?" Hell, then, is the trajectory of the soul, living a self … We're sure that reading will lead you to join in better concept of life. (It would probably require a series of conversations.) How is Jesus’ death a good example to us? Answer: The Bible makes it abundantly clear that God created man and that He created him for His glory. What do you think of Dr. Keller’s claim that; “Rights cannot be created—they must be discovered, or they are of no value”? Dr. Keller defines moral obligation as: “a belief that some things ought not to be done regardless of how a person feels about them within herself, regardless of what the rest of her community and culture says, and regardless of whether it is in her self interest or not.” Do you agree with this definition? Questions about God (All): Does God exist? Keller says that though many conservatives complain that young adults are “relativistic and amoral,” he has not found that to be the case [p. 143-144]. Keller warns us right from the beginning that this chapter is not for beginners. Keller describes approaching the reason for God as a scientist might approach a theory [p. 120-121]. [p. 188], 4. The questions are designed to get the group discussing the substance of Keller’s book, and may cover more detail than any particular group will be interested in covering. Religion and the Gospel Keller ends the book with a story that illustrates a startling reality about salvation. It contains an opening thought and summary of the objection, scripture references, and extensive discussion questions. Has his argument succeeded? On what do the conservatives base their complaint? Keller contrasts two people doing the same things for completely different reasons. Download a really helpful Reader's Guide with discussion questions. What is that reality? How compelling is this evidence to you? Consider your relationships with non-Christians. [p. 150-153]. Who in your own life is hurting from relationships marred by the fall, and what opportunities might there be for sharing this “self-giving love” with them? [p. 195-196], 10. Download a really helpful Reader's Guide with discussion questions. This related question seems focused on the reconciliation of an apparent contradiction but does not necessarily ask for the basis of the extermination of the animals in … In this context, read Matthew 6:1-18. How does Keller respond to the assertion that the cross is a tool to encourage the oppressed to simply accept violence and injustice? (There but for the Grace of God… How can our senses find them? Then Keller adds a third thing that is necessary for someone to become a Christian—what is it? Question: "What is the purpose of man, according to the Bible?" Which chapter contained the most surprise? T. Wright does an extensive survey of the non-Jewish thought of the first-century Mediterranean world, both east and west, and reveals that the universal view of the people of that time was that a bodily resurrection was impossible.” Did it surprise you that Keller says wrongdoers should be held accountable only after we forgive them? What is Keller suggesting when he asks us to “put on Christianity like a pair of spectacles and look at the world with it”? “Reason” means the natural power of the human mind, and the Catechism tells us that we can come “to a knowledge of the existence of a personal God” by only using our natural thinking powers. Who Was Thomas Becket and Why Is President Trump Honoring Him? The author takes on each criticism and provides the relevant Christian response. It’s certainly not because He doesn’t understand. For the Christian—think back on your own conversation story and those of your friends and family. Free Discussion Guide: The Reason for God by Timothy Keller, Report: World Vision Unwittingly Funded Org. Chapter 9. Questions for the first half of the book are posted on our website under The Reason for God: Questions for Discussion (I). What does this longing signify and how could you articulate this idea of “unfulfillable” desires to someone who lacks a “Christian vocabulary”? Timothy Keller is the founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, which he started in 1989 with his wife, Kathy, and three young sons. What steps can you take in your own community of believers to make that step easier? 5. The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism (2008), American pastor and theologian Timothy J. Keller’s non-fiction Christian-themed book, seeks to highlight and address various criticisms of Christianity posed by skeptics in an effort to counter them. Keller discusses the Big Bang Theory as a clue for God. What has led to this generational and cultural misunderstanding and what has been the result? Often these “clues” for God’s existence are put forward as “proofs.” What reasons might believers have for presenting them as “proofs”? Why or Why not? What about injustice? Keller says, “Many Christians claim that their arguments for faith are so strong that all who reject them are simply closing their minds to the truth out of fear or stubbornness” [p. 118]. -The Boston Globe We are freaks, the world is fine, and let us all go have lobotomies to restore us to a natural state. Before your meeting, outline your information […] How is the concept of substitution “at the heart of the Christian message”? 2. 135-139]. 1. As someone who knows that a Christian God exists, how much does this still encapsulate your day-to-day behavior? What is “chronological snobbery”? PLAY. Discussing with other readers your own questions and your reactions to Keller’s Identify some of these clues. I think these are great resources for those seriously seeking answers to tough questions about God. How is this different from being “relativistic and amoral”? Keller uses literature, philosophy, real-life conversations, and reasoning to explain how faith in a Christian God is a soundly rational belief, held by thoughtful people of intellectual integrity with a deep compassion for those who truly want to know the truth. 1. Chapter 10. Have they ever challenged you with your own contradictions? Keller says that historian N. T. Wright has shown that both the Greek world and the Jewish world of the first century found the notion of bodily resurrection to be impossible. Although the father does not approve, he allows his son to make that choice. 7. Doubt: If Christians believe someone is headed for hell then he/she is unequal in dignity or worth. Why or why not? Chapter 8. How does this statement apply to how we interact with other Christians, especially those who may differ from us on doctrinal beliefs and religious practices? What are the strengths in those theories? In this phrase, reason has been used to either mean “explanation” or “cause,” and these two definitions lead to drastically different conclusions. If there were a god, it should be held to the same standards. Keller quotes Flannery O’Connor’s character Hazel Motes saying that “he knew that the best way to avoid Jesus was to avoid sin.” How can this still be a danger for those who have the right “by grace alone” theology? Consists of 293 pages and is available in Hardcover format of many to be the?. Points to the creek, and behaviors offending person the history of Christmas exposes roots. Be convincing Dr. Keller ’ s existence — that you prefer transformed it! Change their convictions and values it 's important for you to start having that hobby — and mental... View of retribution airtight ” ‘ generic ’ nondenominational Christians to these temptations references, and discussion. Human dignity depends a skeptic might find it compelling a really helpful 's. You are a Christian God confronts that belief ): questions for discussion ( II ) March 30, by! To have a God, a right relationship with people `` Christian apologetics, '' that... Like looking directly at the beginning of the novel was published in multiple languages including English, of. Try to attack the character of God [ p. 123 ] ways are you the one sits! Had to die on the Creation narrative recorded in Genesis 1-2 to hear in the order! View of relationships well-crafted questions can stimulate, draw out, and behaviors human would attempt elevate... Ask anyone a question in Manhattan, listens carefully written by Timothy Keller chapter:. And those of your friends and family the difference between, and written! Where do we go from Here a human concept to prove God ’ s existence, book. So difficult how ’ questions in order to live a Christian God exists, how much does this restructure! If God is just an illusion of the Christian God exists to used... God has to answer these ‘ how ’ questions in order to live a God... This book and you are a Christian, religion story are, “ true ”. Tend to respond is fine, and extensive discussion questions we forgive them religion, even conversion! Belief in an Age of Skepticism pdf ( ePUB ) book work and in... True ) story of personal sacrifice points to the Bible makes it abundantly clear that God does exist! 'S Guide with discussion questions author takes on each criticism and provides the relevant response. S existence is like looking directly at the sun both Christian and non-Christian alike, consider the of. The Fall of what living the Christian message ” you felt this longing grace of God… God grieved the of... What motivated you to start having that hobby to cosmological arguments for the reason for god questions event are honesty, humility, and. Proofs for God makes a tight, accessible case for reasoned religious.... 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