The Veritas Forum God Might Be Real—But Is He Personal? | Tim Keller & Anthony Kronman
Dec 18, 2025
Tim Keller, a renowned pastor and author, and Anthony Kronman, a Yale Law professor with a humanistic outlook, engage in a thought-provoking dialogue about the nature of God and human dignity. Keller argues that a personal God is essential for understanding inherent dignity and love, while Kronman questions if theism might hinder unconditional love. They discuss grace, the tension between divine sovereignty and human agency, and how gratitude is shaped by love—culminating in a reflection on the transformative power of the Christmas message.
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Individual Dignity Rooted In Biblical Personalism
- Anthony T. Kronman argues the modern idea of individual dignity traces back to biblical personalism rather than classical philosophy.
- He sees “born-again paganism” as blending ancient wisdom with biblical individualism to restore meaning.
A Relational God Grounds Human Dignity
- Tim Keller contends the concept of equal human dignity makes most sense in a universe with a personal, relational God.
- He argues a triune God grounds love as fundamental, making creation an expression of sharing divine love.
Divine Scaffolding Can Complicate Human Love
- Anthony T. Kronman warns a theological claim about God can undermine the integrity of human love by making it derivative.
- He fears framing human love as dependent on divine scaffolding may weaken unconditional human commitment.