Timothy Keller Sermons Podcast by Gospel in Life

Paradise Lost

Oct 16, 2024

42:20

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The discussion dives deep into the nature of human evil, contrasting optimistic views with the darker tendencies inherent in humanity. By examining Genesis, the conversation reveals how Adam and Eve's story reflects our ongoing struggles. Key concepts such as the joke, the lie, and the tree illustrate the complexities of temptation and disobedience. The irony of belief challenges listeners to navigate skepticism while holding onto faith. Ultimately, the tension between trust and deception is explored, emphasizing the transformative power of grace.

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Quick takeaways

The podcast emphasizes that human nature contains an inherent darkness, challenging the belief that people are essentially good.

It discusses how the biblical narrative of Adam and Eve illustrates contemporary human disconnection from God and the hope offered through Jesus.

Deep dives

The Purpose of Creation and Human Nature

The discussion begins by addressing fundamental questions regarding the purpose of creation and human existence, emphasizing a shift in intellectual thought regarding human nature. The speaker highlights Steven Pinker’s assertion that historical patterns of cruelty and evil challenge the idea that human nature is inherently good. This recognition forces a reconsideration of the relational dynamics between humans, evil, and social structures, suggesting an inherent darkness within human nature. By referencing the consequences of events from history, the speaker proposes that understanding human evil requires revisiting the biblical narrative of Genesis.

Intro

2min

The Nature of Evil: A Biblical and Contemporary Analysis

5min

Exploring Human Fallibility Through the Lens of Genesis

4min

The Irony of Belief

10min

The Paradox of Christian Inclusion and Exclusion

4min

Trust, Sin, and Redemption

17min

At street level there’s still this saccharine view that human beings are basically good and our problems come from our environment. But the Western intellectual world is beginning to see evidence that there’s something inherently evil and violent in us. And if that’s true, there’s almost no hope.

But if you look at Genesis, you have the only hopeful answer for how evil got here: it’s not natural, and therefore, there’s something you can do about it. The Bible says Adam and Eve lost their oneness with God, with their true selves, and with each other. And it says that the way they lost it then is still the way we lose it now.

Let’s look at the three ways Adam and Eve lost things, which are the ways we still lose things: 1) the joke, 2) the lie, and 3) the tree.

This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on November 5, 2000. Series: Genesis – The Gospel According to God. Scripture: Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-8.

Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.

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