Tim Keller

Of all the pastors and authors I’ve read and listened to over the years I’ve been a Christian, Tim Keller would have to count as one of the most influential in my life. I’ve read some of his books, and back in the first few days I began writing this blog nearly three years ago, two of them were one and two on my list of books one should read for a basic understanding of Christianity.

Tim Keller died on Friday from cancer (read the Washington Post obituary), and from a personal standpoint (and this might sound odd), I’m not really too sad about it. The man wrote some fantastic stuff. He gave incredible lectures on a wide range of Christian topics. And I think his work is done. He deserves the rest into which he has gone, and I’m actually more thrilled for him than anything. Of course I feel sorrow for those closest to him, but knowing him as they do, I’m sure they too have cause to celebrate. He’s left no gaping holes in the fabric of American Christianity with his departure. If you need what he had to offer, it’s easy to find.

And I recommend that you start with The Reason for God (I own it, but have checked out the audio version on Libby too). If you’re a Christian, I’m sure you’ll find it refreshing. If you are not, I pray that you see something in it that opens your eyes to the truth.