Introduction: 

We begin this course with reading Chapter 1 of The Reason for God followed by viewing several video clips of Tim Keller addressing some of the issues raised in his book. In this chapter Keller targets “exclusivity“ as one of Christianity's biggest problems - meaning that many faithful assert that one faith (their fairth) is better than orthers. From Keller's perspective this  is both intolerant and obstructive to world peace. While he agrees that religion generally leads to division he qualifies this assertion by observing that each because each religion regards itself the bearers of ‘the truth'” this too often creates a sense of superiority that can produce isolation and separation among faiths. Keller then proceeds to talke abour religious divisiveness by focusing upon what he calls "outlaw religion," "condemn religion," and "privatize religion."

After having completed the readings for this session and reviewed the accompanying video you may choose - on a purely optional basis - to answer the study questions and submit them at etwimber@hotmail.com or to contact Dr. Wimberley by phone or email to request a time for dialogue about what you have learned. You may do so by phone or dialogue via Skype or Facetime. Dr. Wimberley's phone number is 239.405.4164. We may convene group meetings of the class using the Zoom application on our computers. You can enroll in this course by emailing etwimber@hotmail.com or by texting Dr. Wimberley at 239.405.4164.

Readings: 

Keller, Timothy (2009) The Reason for God. New York, NY: Penguin, Chapter 1. Chapter Slides; One True Religion? Can There be One True Religion White Paper;

Scripture:

Ephesians 2:8-9

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God— 9 not because of works, lest any man should boast.

Matthew 5:16

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

1 Peter 2:12

12 Maintain good conduct among the Gentiles, so that in case they speak against you as wrongdoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.

Video: 

Tim Keller on Belief in the Age of Skepticism; Tim Keller on Other Religions; The Reason for God, Session 2: "How Can You Say There is Only One Way to God? What About Other Religions?" (Download the video from the home page. Session 2 on "How Can You Say There is Only One Way to God" begins at 28:36 minutes and runs until 46:31 minutes)

Study Questions: (Keller Questions)

1. Keller says he has often asked non-Christians, “What is your biggest problem with Christianity? What troubles you most about its beliefs or how it is practiced?” Do you make a habit of asking non-Christians questions similar to that? Why or why not? If yes, what questions do you ask? Sometimes such questions evoke strong emotions—where do these come from?
2. Keller agrees with the notion that religions claiming exclusivity of their beliefs are a barrier to world peace. Do you agree with Keller? Do you find his agreement surprising? Can you understand why exclusivity can be a concern of many in our culture?
3. Define, as objectively and carefully as possible, the three approaches to try to deal with the divisiveness of religion: to outlaw it, to condemn it, and to restrict it the private sphere of life. Where have you noticed or encountered such approaches? What does Keller identify as the flaw in each approach? Do you agree they are flaws? How would you present each flaw to a skeptic who is making the argument?
4. “Ironically, the insistence that doctrines do not matter is really a doctrine itself." What is a good, winsome way to present this truth to a skeptic without seeming arrogant or insensitive or offensive?
5. Given the refutation of the “story of the blind men and the elephant”, how do we make this argument while maintaining the humility appropriate to knowing we see only in part, through a glass darkly (see 1 Corinthians 13)?
6. Keller says, “The reality is that we all make truth-claims of some sort and it is very hard to weigh them responsibly, but we have no alternative but to try to do so”; “We are all exclusive in our beliefs about religion, but in different ways”. How do we lovingly move skeptics to see this truth? How do you weigh your truth-claims? How responsible have you been in this regard?
7. “The historian C. John Sommerville has pointed out that ‘a religion can be judged only on the basis of another religion.’ You can’t evaluate a religion except on the basis of some ethical criteria that in the end amounts to your own religious stance”. What religious stance or ethical criteria have you found your unbelieving friends using to evaluate Christian faith? Do your non-Christian friends see their evaluation as based on a religious/ethical stance?
8. Because “all of us have fundamental, unprovable faith-commitments that we think are superior to those of others,” Keller argues that we must ask, “which fundamentals will lead their believers to be the most loving and receptive to those with whom they differ?”. What “fundamentals” would apply to Christians? Why do so many Christians tend to act as if such fundamentals do not apply to them, since they are neither loving nor receptive?
9. Does it shock you when Keller says that Christians should expect to find nonbelievers who are “much nicer, kinder, wiser, and better than they are”?
10. Review the title of this chapter—does Keller fully answer this question, or does he primarily level the playing field for conversations with skeptics? What is the difference and why does this matter?