Author and former Presbyterian pastor Tim Keller is widely regarded as an intellectual giant of evangelicalism. Sunday School teachers are quick to quote him. Conference organizers are quick to book him. Secular media agencies are quick to seek him for insight into Christian thought and culture. However, a cursory review of his Twitter feed reveals the sad reality the emperor has no clothes.
For $7.99, you can get more sensible wisdom than that and some General Chicken, Egg Drop Soup, and fried rice at your local Chinese restaurant.
Seriously, how hard is it to grasp the gospel? Even aisle-walking Baptist children can be made to understand the gospel. You can find Down Syndrome people at your local church who understand the gospel. It takes professional intellectuals like Keller to complicate it.
Christ died for our sins, according to the scriptures, so that we can be reconciled to God. This reconciliation is by grace, through faith, and the righteousness of Christ, not of works. If you believe in your heart that God raised Christ from the dead and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, you will be saved. Repent and believe.
That’s the gospel. Beware of men like Keller who create doubt out of overly complex theologies. It may sell books and justify interperative dance performances at church (that really happened at Keller’s church) but it doesn’t advance the Kingdom and edify believers.
*Please note that the preceding is my personal opinion. It is not necessarily the opinion of any entity by which I am employed, any church at which I am a member, any church which I attend, or the educational institution at which I am enrolled. Any copyrighted material displayed or referenced is done under the doctrine of fair use.
Editor’s Note (4.18.19):
The reference to people with Down’s syndrome was insensitive. We intended no offense, but we thought it best to add a clarification that we have always vocally and actively supported those with Down Syndrome.
