Reason for God? Belief in an Age of Skepticism | Q&A with Tim Keller at Columbia University 

I'm a Christian and found Martin a great interviewer, unlike many commentators below. Obviously he was an atheist but he asked decent, rational questions that any Christian should ask themselves. I didn’t find him obnoxious just incredulous, which is fine for anyone who has reached a different conclusion about life, the world, etc.

Mr. Keller did a phenomenal job here. Calm, respectful, intelligent in his responses. A good exchange of thoughts.

1:13:15 The moderator says the mission is to get to Heaven. The mission is not to get to Heaven. The mission is to glorify God. When we see that the mission is not about us but everything to do about the glory of God, then we can begin to ask the real questions: Since we are not reflecting his glory, why doesn’t he destroy all of us? If the mirror in our bathroom doesn’t properly reflect our image, do we keep the mirror, or do we not toss is out and replace it? Why does God allow people to curse his name and hate everything about him, and at the same time God gives those same people the experience of love, pleasures, happiness, etc.? These type of questions put ourselves out of the center, which I find imperative in order to begin to understand the ways of God.

I think Keller was being very modest and very 'need to know' the entire session. I listen to him regularly. And its an understatement to say that he is 'brilliant'. He's answered tougher questions. The man is anointed with knowledge.

Martin is so obnoxious I have increased respect for Tim for not losing it

What is awesome is that people were listening to what Dr. Keller had to say rather than trying to shout him down.

This is great. I’m really grateful for Tim Keller. He understands philosophy in such depth , and has thought through the deeper problems, that I am able to listen and learn. I have a bachelor’s in philosophy and have always struggled to understand Christianity as even plausible. This is really helpful. And I appreciate the interviewer, he knew the questions that we really want answered.

Lovely to behold a real Christian in action. This is how it's done follks. Must watch

Keller killed it here. Praise God!!

Tim Keller, smart rational & makes sense.

As a believer in Christ this gave me great comfort, that there are people who are willing to actually sit and have a conversation with Christians without a malicious intent, but an honest and reasonable approach. It was peaceful and great! thank you for posting!

lovely discussion, a breath of fresh air in the realms of debate… then for the youtube comments where we open it up to the floor…. God help us.

Tim Keller is one of the best theologians and ambassadors or the faith that we have in America. His focus on Jesus is without question. "If Jesus is who HE says HE is then yes He is the only way", Keller says. That is a a great response. Keller knows who is but he delivers the message in a way that will get the listener to ask the question. Who did Jesus say he was? If Keller gets people to ask themselves that question then he is doing a great job. I think he does.

My question: Why did they allow a drunk person to film this?

What model of potato was used to film this?

Wow, this was amazing, Pastor Tim’s humility and love for God is inspiring

Most excellent interview! Hosts asked informative questions, Dr Keller was masterful at truly explaining his reasons and not rely on cliches and Christianese.

Excellent responses from Pastor keller! God bless him!

I completely understand his heart, basement, elevator analogy. Every day I feel the depths and layers of God and The Word in my life and I am so grateful 🙏

Keller's great. Shows it takes a faith leap even to believe there is no God. Interviewers were awesome too. Some really good, well thought out questions!

Barshir did an excellent job as a questioner here. What’s awesome is that he himself attends Kellner’s church! What a great forum!

Worst camera man ever

Martin Lloyd Jones interview with Joan Bakewell presented the truth so clearly. There are no preachers like him today.

I think the last question and answer are possibly the most important. Thanks for hosting, thanks for filming, thanks for sharing, and thanks to my friend for sharing it with me.

Great answers from Timothy Keller.

Am I the only one who feels that Martin was exceptionally hung up on the issue regarding people from other religions not getting into heaven? I feel like that was a personal question that he wanted to ask haha

The was some hard questioning for a full hour and half. I didn't see Tim on the defensive once - his answers wre honest and thoughtful.

All these “revivals” happening in different countries is what I believe Jesus meant when talking about the gospel being preached to all nations.

I've had this at the top of my watch later list for over 6 years and finally got around to watching it. He really called it with Huckabee and Republicans becoming more populist and less conservative.

Tim Keller

I love this argument that God shows that suffering does not happen because God does not care otherwise he would not have sent his son. That is such a great argument.

What a wonderful mind He has such a good memory a man for skeptics today Let’s have a revival Lord

I understand the frustration that so much evil is allowed to go on but I also think as C.S. Lewis once said, "Pain is God's megaphone to rouse a deaf world."

Thank you Dr Timothy Keller! Need to brainstorm and process all this. Much appreciated!

Good to hear from Tim Keller, who is on point as usual. I still remember that review on Yelp of Redeemer Presbyterian Church from some ten years ago. Nothing I've ever heard or read about Redeemer has ever been proven more accurate or cogent. Excerpts edited for brevity and clarity: 1/17/2011 I have been to Redeemer West side and East side services. I still go from time to time. I used to take part in several of the volunteer opportunities at Redeemer. First, I will start with the founding Pastor Tim Keller. Tim Keller's sermons are some of the most thought provoking you will ever hear in your life anywhere! He is also an author. I would go so far as to say that he is one of the great thinkers of our time. He is also a visionary in many ways. My husband and I regularly purchase and listen to his sermons. So why only 3 stars? Because a church is more than just a pastor. Now there is no perfect church. But there are some serious things lacking here: First of all, there is no prayer meeting or focus on corporate prayer for the entire church. The very basic part of the Christian faith that Jesus himself said with his own lips was Matthew 21:13. "It is written," He said to them, "'My house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a den of robbers." Prayer is just talking to God, it doesn't require any special talent, skill or training. So the lack of prayer at this church is very alarming to me. And I haven't heard anyone speak of repentance at Redeemer --- ever. Again, I have listened to hundreds of sermons and been to at least a hundred services both on the W est and East sides. The church ministries are called "ministries" but are run like any secular organization. Redeemer Presbyterian is run like a business, a well-oiled corporate machine, and not a church. The other 2 things which are cultural and not spiritual but are off-putting to me are: 1. Most of the members and regular visitors to Redeemer are transplants, not New Yorkers, so the church is a large city church but run like a small town church where there are very few native New Yorkers. It seems most of the members are not established in the city and are just passing through. 2. The other is that it seems the majority of the congregation is looking for a spouse, and very aggressively. When you walk in, the first thing people do is look at your hand for a ring, and then are bold enough to ask if it is a wedding ring. That experience is not unique to me, but to all of the guests I bring here. In addition, in any volunteer group I have been to, the small talk from both men and women centered around trying to find a spouse. Then the few married people were usually complaining about their marriages. The pastor knows about this, and does see it as a problem because he addresses it in his sermons. But people don't seem to listen. It is like they are all living in 1950's rural America. One other major problem I have with the church is that it is mostly white and Asian. I believe the reason is that the congregation ---- and this is not the pastoral team's fault --- seems to be focused on their careers and making money, and not on God at all. God is there to bless their agendas; this is how they seem to operate. I believe this is true for a few reasons. One, the culture of the church and focus of the congregation seems to be on Whites and Asians who make good money and have high-end careers, rather than on God. A huge basic tenet of the Christian faith is Death to Self. But at Redeemer, when you hear testimonies approved by the pastoral staff, they usually start with the person's professional credentials. I do not see any Death to Self there, but actually the opposite: It's "Look at what I can do for God because of my high income and education." It is not wrong to have a high income or education as a Christian. But the focus (at Redeemer) is wrong. So for these reasons, I think the church is best for those who are not Christians yet but are seekers of God, or those established in the faith already. It is not good in my opinion for the average believer looking for a home church. But by all means, purchase Tim Keller's sermons and do something that the congregation fails to do: Learn from his sermons. The church in my opinion is more intellectual than spiritual. end

Great job Tim! I pray to praise the Lord with you in heaven when my time comes.

Excellent!

Inspiring and Holy Spirit lead. Jesus is so good to lead to me this.

I enjoyed this interview. I love how the questioners didn’t interrupt, badger, or try and straw man him. They really let him go, and then moved on, for the most part. Very respectful all around. I do take exception with several things the pastor said, and wonder why the questioners didn’t press him in follow ups. Ive heard Tim before and he repeats a lot of the same arguments, but I can respect that he has thought about his beliefs more than anyone else I’ve talked to.

Met a Protestant seminarian from Astoria NY the infamous restaurant zone, You are a very interesting and effective communicator Dr Kelly.considering conversion

When the guy asks why God would allow "innocent people to endure suffering" he doesn't realize that the Bible says that ALL have sinned, we were all enemies of God, there is none righteous, no not one... The only person who didn't deserve to suffer (Jesus) willingly endured it so that we could be reconciled to God

The definition of Hell, for the most part, is eternal separation from God, most other stereotypes of what hell is come from 'Dante's Inferno' and 'Paradise Lost.' I guess my question is, if you don't want to follow God while you are on earth, why would you want to spend eternity with him. Isn't it fair to say that they are actually being given what they wanted all along?

Martin Bashir in case you weren't aware is part of Tim Keller's (former) church - he is a Christian and his questions as Keller himself says articulates the questions and views of those who disbelieve in God and the Gospel. Bashir does a sterling job here and I appreciate him coming back to the UK to work for the neo-liberal BBC.

What an incredible man.

In my life's experiences I've often found it interesting how people want to view God and insist that He fit the mold they have cast for Him. If He does not line up with their view or philosophy He is unfair or even non existent. I personally believe ther real issue is rebellion and wanting things their way or forget it.

Thank you for posting this video! It was very helpful.

The brilliant Tim Keller

After watching it again, I agree with you haha. Makes total sense now, thank you!

In fact Pascal's wager is the single most brilliant outlook on the subject. Out of reviewing the subject for 30 years can't beat Pascal's summation.

Somebody should fire the cameraman!

I am listening and find it thef irst few minutes quite helpful.

I agree with you there but at the same time you never know what seeds will grow into questions that God will use to bring that heart revelation.

Thank you Tim Keller for holding the truth, fixing the eyes on Jesus Christ and defending what true Christians believe. God bless you.

I truly don’t understand how any Christian can like Keller’s responses here. Sure, he seemed calm and articulate (which I’m sure I could not do in this situation) but his responses are incredibly watered down in terms of biblical truth, accuracy and completeness.

Great discussion,thanks!

Go Tim!!

That was awesome. Thank you Tim Keller!

I believe Timothy Keller addressed this in another one of his speech's.

I thoroughly enjoyed a respectful debate between people who disagreed.

I would have loved to see Dr. Keller ask the same type of questions to the interviewer about atheism. It was almost as if the interviewer thought he had Dr. Keller and all Christians stumped. Big L O L

7:35 - That laugh is unforgivable

What a wonderful mind, well spoken, Thank-you

i luv this guy. Bless him Love

awesome talk . timothy keller is a true disciple

Tim Keller is Awesome. What a gift. many of those questions were tough,. However, he managed to give fairly decent responses.(excellent responses in my opinion)

Tim thank you this guy, asking these question does not have an agenda?

Martin Bashir (who happens to be a Christian) does a great job asking the tough questions about Christianity. Timothy Keller presents his Christian beliefs in a thoughtful, intelligent manner. This give and take helps us better understand things, even if it still leaves some questions unanswered. I wish two atheists would have the courage to ask the tough questions about atheism. Can we look at Neitzsche's atheist philosophy? His ideas were appalling. Even atheists would cringe at his atheism.

However, everytime when we are in the need or going through sadness, we come back to God to read the Bible and again we find comfort for our hearts. Therefore, as we can see God never leaves or deny His love since in the begining, and he never stop the sun to not give us the daily energy. We are the one who stop looking for him, reject, and disobey him.

Wow they asked some pretty tough questions and Keller did a pretty reasonable job considering he's a pastor and not an apologist. I'm sure if they had asked Ravi Zacharias these questions he'd answer it more concisely.

The conflict in Northern Ireland is primarily political and concerned with nationalism, not religion.

Very good answers on suffering!

excellent tim keller

So much hate in these comments. Tim is not compromising anything Jesus/The bible taught, just because you may not like his form of approach. He teaching "LOVE" with his approach to people who are unbelievers. Anyone can say "this is how it is and your going to hell if you don't follow" and be self-righteous or a bigot... a sin in it self... He has people hating him from both sides unbelievers & from these comments it looks like believers. If your a believer in Christ as Tim is, you should love your neighbor and love him as you love yourself. Proverbs 25:8-18 I know its hard if you don't agree with someone, but you must look beyond that. And forgive as Christ does. Even though in this case I believe Tim Keller to be just. And the haters to be in the wrong. As the haters in Christ & the haters who follow Christ. Much love to everybody, Believers in Christ or not.

an uncanny amount of respect and honesty was displayed here by both parties. Very interesting to watch. Thank you for the video

Wonderful discussion, or Q & A...

Love this video!!!!!! Dr. Keller is so humble, articulate and forthcoming with his responses.

Just did a Wikipedia search on Martin Bashir and it says he goes to Kellers church now. Was this the case at time of the interview?

The cameraman covering this discussion needs to be slapped- absolutely THE WORST JOB ever....had to close my eyes and listen to the entire discussion as if it were only audio- else it was so difficult to focus with all the shakes.

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God

Much thanks for your time and knowledge and experience.

David Eisenbach makes no sense at 103:50 to say "I get it but I disagree". What is more reasonable than that perspective?

I'm very interested in the "scientific evidence" for two first parents, that scientists believe in.

Tim danced around some of the questions that should have been answered head on, with love. Like salvation through Jesus being the only way. He may have tried to be respectful to Martin. But if you don’t have Jesus, you will have nothing.... unless, God has mercy that we don’t yet know of.... this all said from a Christian perspective.

Keller rocks!

The question "Is Jesus the only way to God?" is a funny question and is like asking "Is God the only way to God?". Yes, of course Jesus is the only way to God. He is God.

God has given Tim Keller a brain that is capable of remember and relating. His books and talks are many levels above even the brightest...but at the same time is understandable by anyone. God teaches in the Bible, what and why Jesus provided a pardon for our sins and what you need to do for eternal salvation...look at John 3:3 to understand what "belief" means in John 3:16. Many play Christian...do what Jesus said and accept the pardon....plus the great joy of the new relationship.

Good point.

Yeah i never fully understood why people take such issue with Pascal's wager. It makes perfect sense to me.

The interviewer made this difficult to watch.

This is great... but who gave that man a camera!!?!? The shots are shaky and all over the place!!!!

Attaining in trust

Awesome!

Very interesting video and bringing up great discussions, but one thing....CAN THE CAMERA GUY JUST PLEASE HOLD STILL AND STOP POINTING AT TIM KELLERS CROTCH!!

Let the people who critique Christianity, do the same with other major religious views like Islam in Saudi Arabia or Iran. Let's see what happens. But they critique Christ because simply claim exclusivity amongst others. Secondly they expect followers to abide higher living before they listen. Like I said following Human is not the way to salvation. To follow God. Real repentance in your broken spirit & it must be meant in your heart not just because you say it. Because God wants you to earn it as well not just claim it through pride. Grace is given to you not owned. But @ same time you've got to commit your heart to real repentance

the thing is i was born in india and yet im still a christian

The church keeps moving the goal post. It should be simple and consistent.

Thank you for posted the whole footage of this interview! I found it so refreshing to hear actual answers to questions rather than the usual bickering you get in the debates... Loved it :)

Love Tim Keller, he did a great job. God has blessed him.

what happened at 44:03? It just kinda skipped, and I was really interested into that segment.

Remaining in attaining in trust