Undeceptions with John Dickson

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63. With Keller

Apr 3, 2022

Guest

Tim Keller

Tim Keller, the founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church and a bestselling author, discusses the complexities of faith in today’s secular world. He dives into how skepticism shapes modern belief and the church's evolution in the New York landscape. Keller tackles contemporary views of hell, justice, and sexuality, emphasizing the need for dialogue amidst changing ideals. He also reflects on compassion, personal health challenges, and finding hope in uncertainty, providing fresh clarity for believers and skeptics alike.

01:04:55

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INSIGHT

Autonomy Is The New Ultimate Value

Modern Western culture treats democratic self-determination as the ultimate spiritual value, making autonomy the highest good.
That elevation makes an omniscient, omnipotent God feel terrifying to many modern people.

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INSIGHT

Freedom Anxiety Fuels God Rejection

Philosophers like Sartre framed belief in God as incompatible with human freedom, influencing modern resistance to God.
Keller argues that fear of loss of autonomy drives much avoidance of belief in an everywhere God.

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ANECDOTE

Southern Ministry Revealed Moralistic Christianity

Keller recounts his southern-town ministry where Christianity often became moralism and enculturation rather than spiritual vitality.
He noticed churchgoing without deep spiritual life, shaped by God-and-country identity and anti-intellectualism.

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Exploring Authentic Christian Faith Amid Cultural Challenges

01:53 • 5min

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Skepticism and Faith in Modern Society

07:10 • 16min

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Exploring Modern Perceptions of Hell and Justice

23:24 • 4min

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Navigating Faith and Sexuality

27:43 • 17min

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Compassion Beyond Borders

45:08 • 16min

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Living with Hope amidst Uncertainty

• Mentioned in 2 episodes

Meditations and discourses on the glory of Christ

John Owen

John Owen's 'Meditations and Discourses on the Glory of Christ' is a profound exploration of the believer's relationship with Jesus Christ. Owen emphasizes the importance of meditating on Christ's glory and beauty as a means of experiencing God's presence in the heart. He argues that beholding Christ's glory is the key to transforming the believer's life and conforming them to His image. The book delves into various aspects of Christ's glory, including His incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. Owen encourages readers to engage their emotions and affections as they contemplate the loveliness of Christ, leading to deeper communion with Him.

#35333

Good News of Our Limits

Sean McGever

#2093

• Mentioned in 13 episodes

The Reason for God

Belief in an Age of Skepticism

Timothy Keller

In this book, Timothy Keller tackles various doubts and objections to Christian faith, such as the existence of suffering, the exclusivity of Christianity, and the role of science. He uses literature, philosophy, real-life conversations, and reasoning to explain how faith in a Christian God is a soundly rational belief. The book is divided into two sections: 'The Leap of Doubt,' which addresses common objections, and 'The Reasons for Faith,' which presents arguments for Christian belief.

#3594

• Mentioned in 8 episodes

The Mortification of Sin

John Owen

John Owen's "The Mortification of Sin" is a classic work of Puritan theology that delves into the spiritual battle against sin. Owen masterfully explores the nature of sin, its pervasive influence, and the believer's ongoing struggle against it. He emphasizes the necessity of relying on the Holy Spirit for victory over sin, highlighting the importance of spiritual disciplines and the transformative power of God's grace. The book offers practical guidance and profound theological insights for Christians seeking to live a life of holiness and obedience to God. It's a timeless resource for understanding the Christian life as a spiritual warfare and the role of the Holy Spirit in overcoming sin. The book's enduring relevance lies in its clear articulation of the ongoing struggle between the flesh and the Spirit, a struggle that resonates deeply with believers across centuries.

#43577

God of Love

Mirabai Starr

God of Love is Mirabai Starr's personal exploration of the three Abrahamic faiths, highlighting their shared teachings and practices that promote peace, justice, and lovingkindness. The book weaves together stories of saints, spiritual masters, and personal narratives to bridge the gaps between these traditions.

#155

• Mentioned in 88 episodes

The Righteous Mind

Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion

Jonathan Haidt

In this book, Jonathan Haidt draws on twenty-five years of research on moral psychology to explain why people's moral judgments are driven by intuition rather than reason. He introduces the Moral Foundations Theory, which posits that human morality is based on six foundations: care/harm, fairness/cheating, loyalty/betrayal, authority/subversion, sanctity/degradation, and liberty/oppression. Haidt argues that liberals tend to focus on the care/harm and fairness/cheating foundations, while conservatives draw on all six. The book also explores how morality binds and blinds people, leading to social cohesion but also to conflicts. Haidt aims to promote understanding and civility by highlighting the commonalities and differences in moral intuitions across political spectra.

#21046

• Mentioned in 2 episodes

Whose Justice? Which Rationality?

Alasdair MacIntyre

In 'Whose Justice? Which Rationality? ', Alasdair MacIntyre examines the concepts of justice and practical rationality through the lens of various historical traditions, including Aristotelian, Augustinian, and modern liberal thought. He argues that rationality is always embedded within specific traditions, challenging the idea of a universal rationality. The book is a continuation of his critique of modern liberalism, begun in 'After Virtue', and offers a nuanced analysis of how different traditions of thought shape our understanding of justice and morality.

#972

• Mentioned in 24 episodes

Being and Nothingness

Jean-Paul Sartre

In 'Being and Nothingness,' Jean-Paul Sartre delves into the fundamental categories of being and nothingness. He distinguishes between 'being-in-itself' (objects that simply exist and are unaware of themselves) and 'being-for-itself' (human consciousness, which is self-aware and free). Sartre argues that human beings are characterized by their freedom and responsibility, and that they must create their own being through their actions in the world. The book also introduces the concept of 'being-for-others,' highlighting the impact of others on our self-perception. Sartre rejects traditional notions of a transcendent reality and instead emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility and authenticity in human existence.

Tim Keller is the founding pastor of New York’s Redeemer Presbyterian Church and the author of several New York times best-selling books.

It's also fair probably fair to say that he is something of a Christian prophet for our secularizing 21st century.

This is a chat with one of our world’s most trusted ‘undeceivers’. Whether you believe or doubt, we're sure what you’re about to hear will bring fresh clarity about the Christian faith in doubting times.

This episode was sponsored by Zondervan’s new book Good News of Our Limits by Sean McGever.

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Undeceptions is the flagship podcast of Undeceptions.com: Letting the truth out.
Theme music: JS Bach's Cello Suites, Prelude, performed by the Undeceptions Band.
Hosted by John Dickson
Produced by Kaley Payne
Directed by Mark Hadley
Audio Editing by Richard Hamwi
Social Media by Sophie Hawkshaw
Administration by Lyndie Leviston

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