The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism

Consider the various kinds of objections that Keller deals with in the book—theological, scientific, philosophical, and historical. Which kind of objection do you think Keller addresses most successfully, and why? Which kind of objection is he least successful in addressing?

Which of the seven main objections to Christianity in The Reason for God (Chapters 1-7) did you find most compelling, and why? Did Keller provide a rationally satisfying answer for it? Why or why not?

How does Keller’s work compare to that of other modern Christian apologists? Choose one or two contemporary Christian thinkers. How is Keller’s approach to apologetics different or similar?

Choose one of the books from the “new atheists,” whose publications formed part of the background context for The Reason for God (e.g., a book by Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett, Christopher Hitchens, or Sam Harris). What are some of the differences in their approaches and worldviews compared to Keller’s? Which objections of theirs are addressed by Keller, and which ones does he overlook?

Assess Keller’s preference for “critical rationality” rather than “strong rationalism,” as described in the Intermission. Is his critique of strong rationalism valid? Why or why not?

Keller spends much of Part 2 making a case for Christian belief. What reasons does he give for a belief in God? What other reasons, if any, would you add? What objections, if any, could you pose to the reasons he explores?

Keller sometimes draws contrasts between Christianity and other religions in the course of highlighting the purportedly unique portrayal of God in the Bible. How does Keller depict other religions? Is his depiction accurate? Why or why not?

Research some of the postmodern arguments for a relativistic view of truth. What are the strengths and weaknesses of Keller’s critiques of relativism?