Christianity is a straightjacket: This section does not apply to me. The church is responsible for so much injustice. ", Alvin Plantinga "Could there really be any such thing as horrifying wickedness [if there were no God and we just evolved]? I don't see how. About The Reason for God. . “It is hard to avoid the conclusion that there is something fundamentally wrong with the world,” Keller says. 3. So he might be either all-powerful but not good enough to end evil and suffering, or else he might be all-good but not powerful enough to end evil and suffering. But the hidden assumption is that if it appears pointless to me, then it must be pointless. Making Sense of God: An Invitation to the Skeptical, is a prequel to The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism. Because, after all, no one can see 'em. . I won't believe in a God who allows suffering, even if he, she or it exists. God Rebukes You (Chapter 2) 15 A Challenge for All Times – ... Look at the last part of this verse. Job 14:1 Trouble is … Are you the one that don't have such hobby? . 4. Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 Paul's thorn in the flesh. Have you ever been guilty of giving God less than what He ... in the next 2 chapters, just how bad it had gotten. . I have started reading this new book. At the end of Lord of the Rings, Sam Gamgee, discovering Gandalf was not dead asks: "Is everything sad going to come untrue?". On October 1 a class began to review Tim Keller’s thought-provoking book, “The Reason for God”. 5. If our minds can't plumb the depths of the universe for good answers to suffering, well, then, there can't be any! For one, he locates this objection within the context of Western individualism. ", "Joseph was an arrogant young man who was hated by his brothers. In our discussion, it was pointed out that the above deals particularly with suffering that has no apparent purpose. Doubtless Joseph prayed to God to help him escape, but no help was forthcoming, and into slavery he went. Intermission PART 2 - The Reasons for Faith 8. Eventually he rose up to become a prime minister of Egypt who saved thousands of lives and even his own family from starvation. It has hit the NY Times bestseller list. The clues of God 9. This Study Guide consists of approximately 29 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of The Reason for God. Questions for the first half of the book are posted on our website under The Reason for God: Questions for Discussion (I). The Reason for God, Chapter 2 Quite a few people have recommended that I read the book The Reason for God. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Our suffering is temporary, our glory eternal. Bible literally. It contains an opening thought and summary of the objection, scripture references, and extensive discussion questions. Without God to provide this perspective, evil would simply be natural [And natural's good, isn't it?]. Psalm 34:19 The Lord will deliver us. 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 a Christian God is a soundly rational belief. The Reason for God Discussion Guide is designed to be used with the DVD sessions. So, it's important for you to start having that hobby. And in the New York Times bestselling The Reason for God, he addresses each doubt and explains each reason. (p. 193) Keller goes on to say that what we as Christians see as Good News – the Gospel – our … . If there were a god, it should be held to the same standards. In conclusion on the topic of evil and suffering . If God had not allowed Joseph's years of suffering, he never would have been such a powerful agent for social justice and spiritual healing.". The Reason for God – Chapter Ten: The Problem of Sin. The knowledge of God 10. Many assume that if there were good reasons for the existence of evil, they would be accessible to our minds, more like St. Bernards than like no-see-ums, but why should that be the case? Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 Paul's thorn in the flesh. And when you say the world is unjust, you have to ask where your concept of justice came from. . But robust reli-gious beliefs dominate the world. Why does he allow suffering? . (Keller p. 34). Lewis for the 21st century” (Newsweek). ", "This isn't a philosophical issue to me," added Rob, Hillary's boyfriend. The main characters of this christian, religion story are , . These are generally included in the discussion above. . Evil … Many people cite the misery in the world as evidence that a benevolent god … "This is personal. There is no reason to expect that to change. 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.. From The Reason for God site: Suffering designed to enable us to grow, give us patience, humility, and a heightened appreciation of the times of joy. Science has disproved Christianity. . Christianity is a straitjacket. And the Christian answer is YES, YES, YES! There can be such a thing only if there is a way that rational creatures are supposed to live, obliged to live ... A [secular] way of looking at the world has no place for genuine moral obligation of any sort ... and thus no way to say there is such a thing as genuine and appalling wickedness. We hope you find our discussion guide to The Reason for God helpful. The Reason for God by Tim Keller: Chapter 5 | provocations He argues that this objection is based on very specific, alternate beliefs. Suffering that comes as a consequence of our sin and rebellion. We may not know what the answer is, BUT We know what it is not. But if he does, he can't be trusted. You can't have both! . 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. The Reason For God – Chapter Fourteen Posted February 18, 2009 by ... Chapter 14 – “The Dance of God ... 2. Intermission PART 2 - The Reasons for Faith 8. 5. It can't be that he is detached or unconcerned about our condition. A good God could not allow suffering. Romans 8:35-39 Nothing can separate us from God's love. . 2. The Biblical view of the resurrection is not one of escape or consolation. Thanks for exploring this SuperSummary Plot Summary of “The Reason for God” by Timothy J. Keller.