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

Best-selling author and pastor, Tim Keller, fields many tough questions from two heavy-hitting interlocutors, NBC journalist Martin Bashir and Columbia University's David Eisenbach. | Columbia University, 2008 | Explore more at www.veritas.org.
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Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
00:18 - Why did you write Reason for God now?
02:22 - Are faith and reason contradictory?
05:35 - Is God just a projection of our cultural circumstances?
09:10 - Is belief in God a mental defect?
11:39 - Is it narrow to believe in one God? Is everyone else going to hell?
18:30 - Is the Bible trustworthy?
23:59 - What about the behavior of so-called Christians?
30:33 - Are you resolutely convinced today that Christianity is true?
35:25 - How could God allow evil and suffering?
44:04 - Is there any reason to believe in God in a chaotic world?
45:48 - Does giving a reason for faith undermine its value?
48:49 - Does it take faith to be an atheist?
50:48 - What does Christianity have against homosexuals? Are they going to hell?
57:29 - Why is Christianity so exclusive?
01:03:58 - What do you believe about politics?
01:11:25 - How do you get to heaven?
01:13:13 - Why would God make people who sin?
01:16:58 - Why did God put that tree in the Garden of Eden to begin with?
01:19:34 - What happened for you to have so much peace?

[@mapsandviolins1]

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

[@j919or]

even Obama was calm and respectful... wake up !!!! there is such an abundance of self serving fools and u are one and making more. It wouldve been better if you were never b8rn

[@PaDutchRunner]

Decent poise perhaps but the content lacks biblical accuracy

[@iain5615]

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.

[@paulwest8583]

Christ is saving us from ourself. Jesus is love. What do you do with that. Is Jesus Christ God! Yes He is...belive to believe that is to re rice etrenal life

[@PaDutchRunner]

@@paulwest8583 Jesus is primarily reconciling us to God by satisfying the penalty due for our sin.

[@micu1544]

He;s actually a Christian he just tries the british journalistic idea that you have to ask opposing questions in order to be impartial.

[@caseychupinski7553]

You sound as though you yourself have an approach similar to Mr. Keller, and I very much appreciate it! ^_^

[@TribeCalledJake]

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.

[@chikkipop]

It's sad that people think that. He's a garden variety apologist. For those who don't know any better I suppose he comes off as impressive.

[@emacapota1835]

@@chikkipop know what exactly?

[@chikkipop]

@@emacapota1835 How bad his answers are.

[@emacapota1835]

@@chikkipop ...Well, your answer isn't any better😅

[@chikkipop]

@@emacapota1835 What's my answer, and what's wrong with it? Let's discuss! 😉

[@JesseCaudill]

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.

[@ruths.5544]

Jesse Caudill You're right, thanks for sharing!

[@CountJinsulaOfficial]

Jesse Caudill I would take it a step further and say that our mission is to reflect Jesus in this world. It doesn't just stop at glorifying God, it is a part of the bigger picture. Christianity is all about grace, not self-righteousness. It is what the world needs. The way we bring grace to the world is through God being at the center, that we consent to his love shown to us at the Cross! :)

[@JesseCaudill]

I agree. Our greatest mission here on earth is to reflect the light of Jesus through which we may be able to love others more than ourselves. Jesus casts this mission in Matthew 5:16 and many other verses. The end of verse 16 says we do this “so that, they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Therefore, from this verse, the root of our mission is to give glory to our Father. Being a light in the world, is the avenue in which glory flows to God and grace flows from him. My aim here is just to clarify in everything we do, we do all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:23-33; Colossians 3:17 Count Jinsula

[@cba6084]

@@JesseCaudill Thanks for those verses.

[@trafficjon400]

@@JesseCaudill People don't get a chance to know God , never mind knowing or loving them self. Millions to billions of people don't get any type of spirit in to them by the creator in any shape it seems . the Creator God Jesus must Give a little boost in order to get things going. Bible is a little off when it comes to how billions of people try to put it the way they order it out of context. LOSS of christian believing is dropping like hot potato's, for we today get no spirit of God like Bible explains in bible day's 70AD God came and PROVED And still they did not believe. God cares enough it need to come for its been over 2000 years and people are all going to fall away. our grand children are at big risk of ever knowing Creation and the big bang is growing with out an intelligent force. i will never believe big bang with out an intelligent creator Causing this to happen be for all was finished , in a way it never will be finished for Creation continues and never ends. 1 or 3 verses in scripture only explains meaning of the verses and not really knowing all the reasoning of why those veres meant what they did. some thing could have changed be for or after a verse and people still fallow the verse that was changed be for or after ,don't truly know what they are doing and eventually start loosing interest . people better understand the entire bible be for they start telling others how to live it. Yes Grace in Jesus is the main thing in changing ones mind about how to go about what God love might possibly be.

[@brokenbutfixable]

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!

[@chikkipop]

Do people really have malicious intent? I'd be interested in hearing some examples.

[@jessewallace12able]

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.

[@paulcameron6920]

Philosophy(science)and Bible(Faith)is not the same. If you gotta play mind games to preach your message. Let’s go. Do you want your soul to go to heaven when your body dies?

[@paulcameron6920]

Agreed!! It takes more faith to not believe in God

[@JoeBuck-uc3bl]

@@paulcameron6920philosophy was very much alive throughout the NT. Strictly speaking, it’s impossible for anyone not to have philosophical positions…it’s an arena for all worldviews to intellectually challenge each other. Matter of fact Pilate asking “What is truth?” is the foundational question in epistemology.

[@plusbonus1165]

​@@paulcameron6920nah, just a big ego. Satan's best weapon.

[@johnnafunkhouser5999]

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

[@johnnafunkhouser5999]

+erepsekahs Christianity is a way of life. Real Christians who follow the example of Jesus Christ are easiiy identified by their fruits. This man is one--that's all I meant. Not trying to get in some kind of beatdown with a stranger on the internet.

[@johnnafunkhouser5999]

+erepsekahs Well. yeah that much is obvious. We have the same problem with gangs here in the US. They think they are all powerful because they have the gang members on their side. We must remain vigilant and watchful--contemplative and humble. I think it's neat how all the false Christians are getting outted. Gotta admit I've got a bit of Shadenfreude :)

[@johnnafunkhouser5999]

Yeah I was for cleaning house in 1996. As a woman I take it personally when nations ruled by bastardized religion mistreats my sisters. As I remember we were too busy watching the OJ Simpson Trial back then to take on the Taliban. I am glad we are fighting them now.

[@MRKetter81]

"HOWEVER fundamentalists are dangerous because they KNOW they have God on their side, and as I said....that justifies anything..even today." How is that dangerous? to say, "Religious reasoning must be kept out of the public square because it's faith based and it's controversial," is itself a faith-based statement which is incredibly controversial and therefore on its own terms ought to be thrown out.

[@MRKetter81]

"I have no prejudice against anyone who is not prejudiced against me." As your prejudice demands... how ironically circular. The very thing you profess to be wrong is what you use to put out the flame? How religious of you

[@E3kiel]

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

[@sean-yb5hc]

I think its so frustrating dealing with people like Martin who attack Christians and their beliefs with supposed "intellect" and a subversive tone that shouts "I am undermining you and I am smarter and therefore I am better".... can't stand the haughty nature of people like that.

[@llewelynlawton]

Sean, Martin is a Christian he was playing the role of the sceptic

[@kimdburns]

Martin attends Redeemer. LOL. He’s playing the devils advocate.

[@taowaycamino4891]

Everybody, including ourselves, with the exception of God, is obnoxious to some degree. That's partly the reason why life is so difficult. But I agree, Tim comes across as a very patient sort of person, while Martin seems obnoxious at times. But remember, and back to my initial point...maybe neither one are any of those things either.

[@willrosch3627]

kimdburns That is interesting I had no idea.

[@thecarolinaherald]

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.

[@alicelindborg5096]

I am starting to wonder why Pastor Keller doesn’t bring up the issue of the fall of man into disobedience around minute 20.

[@PaDutchRunner]

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.

[@julianbentayeb3972]

He is not fundamentalist. That is why his talk seems watered down.

[@PaDutchRunner]

@@julianbentayeb3972 I wouldn’t call it fundamentalist - I would just call it being biblical - as in, do we believe the Bible (and its inherent supernaturalism) or not?

[@jessie9192]

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

[@davidsaid3476]

Keller killed it here. Praise God!!

[@Zennyy4K]

Tim Keller, smart rational & makes sense.

[@wikieditspam]

That's the general reputation of presbyterians.

[@markryan3018]

Nothing "rational" about a magic man in the sky.

[@yekkub9425]

Mark Ryan Magic man in the sky? Why do atheists straw man so much? They hate it when Christians straw man evolution.

[@Eisenbison]

Then kindly explain to me what you think God is. What most people describe to me as "God" literally is a magical anthropomorphic deity who can see, know, and do anything at all, and who conjured the universe out of nothing with what amounts to a magical incantation. They say they can't imagine the universe coming into being without their being a creator and that the universe is too "fine tuned" to be the result of coincidence. But blaming everything we don't understand (yet) on Gods and magic does not actually explain anything, has no evidence to support such a conclusion, and has a perfect record of 100% failure once we actually expand our knowledge in areas once thought to be beyond human knowledge, and which where once blamed on Gods and magic. But they argue that something can't come from nothing, and when I agree with them and ask them why they're so sure that the catalyst for the Universe and everything in it was a magical omnipotent anthropomorphic deity who fine-tuned the universe like a scientist adjusting the conditions of an experiment, they can never provide a good explanation outside of personal faith. There's certainly no real evidence that the universe was fine tuned for our existence at all. As I said, I agree that it's impossible for something to come from literally nothing at all, and that's not what ANY leading universal origin theories postulate if you actually take time to look at them, yet that is exactly what theology seems to postulate: that a God or Gods that have existed forever one day decided to create something other than itself/themselves and poof the universe *literally* out of nothing with a magical spell. If nothing can come from nothing, then where did God come from? Rather than answering the Origin paradox as theists claim God does, God only plunges the paradox back to infinity, if the fine-tuned universe needed such a powerful, omnipotent, and all-knowing creator to craft it like an artistic masterpiece, then who or what was powerful enough to create such a being in the first place? The only way theists get around this paradox is to state, as if they knew for a fact, that God transcends time and space and the need to have come into existence at one point himself, essentially saying that in order for God to exist, we have to ignore logic itself to allow for him. I can answer that question of where God came from even though theists can't: God as he's commonly understood is obviously the invention of the human imagination, created in our own image to conveniently answer all the questions we don't have answers to or just don't want to think too hard about, without actually answer anything at all. Science doesn't have all of the answers. Religion doesn't have *any* of the answers.

[@Eisenbison]

The burden of proof lies on the person making the positive claim. An extraordinary claim like the existence of God would literally apply to everything in every field of study and profoundly change the way we would need to objectively look at our reality. Without any proof, we can't have a logical reason to believe this aside from superstition. Just because we cannot definitively prove that there is no God does not mean that the probabilities of his existence vs non-existence are equal. We cannot definitively disprove the existence of fairy or unicorns whose magical powers allow them to be undetectable if they so wish it in the presence of humans. Instead, we view the probability of their existence, given what we understand about nature, and the human mythologies in which we know they arose, to be so small as to be insignificant. Not to attack your personal beliefs directly, but from what I've learned about theological and anthropological studies, there is every indication that God is a man-made mythical creature as well. I'm an atheist not only because I haven't found any compelling reasons to believe in a God, but because I've found several compelling reasons NOT believe in a God, much less the God of Abraham or a personal God as most theologians argue he must be. People are free to believe whatever they want to believe, but you cannot make the claim that you believe in god for logical reasons if you can't show any objective, scientific, or exclusive evidence for your convictions. That's what being rational is.

[@dsplodge86]

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!

[@AllDayML]

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

[@JoeyGloorTV]

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.

[@chikkipop]

What god?

[@SStupendous]

@@chikkipop oooh edgy keyboard boi doubts the existence of God, dang cool stuff

[@chikkipop]

@@SStupendous Nah, not really all that edgy. Just common sense.

[@Isaiah49.16]

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 🙏

[@nietzsche1991]

Excellent responses from Pastor keller! God bless him!

[@fittguy]

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)

[@chikkipop]

Nah. He's a typical apologist.

[@markmooroolbark252]

As opposed to a typical Atheist.

[@suddenlysusan7128]

Fairly decent falls short of the glory of God.

[@dylanrogers2085]

@@chikkipopI’ve seen your replies to several comments on this video. It’s evident that you’re here by no means to engage in a conversation. You’re here to discredit and deceive. Every comment you say he’s a typical apologist. But are you so wise to have the cleverest knowledge above all? You’re not. Education doesn’t matter, but it’s ironic to call Keller who has a doctorate average when your subjective opinions are completely your own! And I doubt you even have any theological training. Just ager, shame, and guilt fueling your atheism and a need to discredit Tim Keller. There are atheists much much smarter than you who are willing to listen and have dialogue. But you make apparent to go after everyone in this commenter section. Instead of projecting your anger, fear, and insecurity i hope you take a deep dive into your own heart.

[@rickbrewer1911]

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

[@hannahrannah2739]

Tim Keller

[@Learning-with-Juan]

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

[@chikkipop]

It was only convincing to those who wish to believe.

[@dylanrogers2085]

@@chikkipop​​⁠I’ve seen your replies to several comments on this video. It’s evident that you’re here by no means to engage in a conversation. You’re here to discredit and deceive. Every comment you say he’s a typical apologist. But are you so wise to have the cleverest knowledge above all? You’re not. Education doesn’t matter, but it’s ironic to call Keller who has a doctorate average when your subjective opinions are completely your own! And I doubt you even have any theological training. Just ager, shame, and guilt fueling your atheism and a need to discredit Tim Keller. There are atheists much much smarter than you who are willing to listen and have dialogue. But you make apparent to go after everyone in this commenter section. Instead of projecting your anger, fear, and insecurity i hope you take a deep dive into your own heart.

[@elwingw4321]

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

[@markferrer3640]

The brilliant Tim Keller

[@timothyhart9244]

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

[@hjlydia]

What?! Really 😲! The interviewer attended Keller's church?

[@philliplee1500]

Along with many quite notable scholars, actors/actresses, writers, civic leaders - quite amazing the impact Redeemer has had on NYC.

[@SandraDawson]

Great answers from Timothy Keller.

[@BillWiltfong]

What model of potato was used to film this?

[@steveweltymusic5666]

What an incredible man.

[@junky802]

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

[@alanwatergate]

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

[@7timeless]

You need to have your head examined.

[@titabell360]

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

[@garcia_reid]

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.

[@thebestSteven]

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.

[@roxannemaggiacomo4513]

Glad you kept it on your list! What else do you have to find that's six years old or more...!

[@joeljoels3077]

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?

[@kauaifishing1365]

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

[@thefallout25]

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

[@richregan8911]

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

[@jmartin6514]

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

[@martinkoch4332]

Probably because only a drunk person would believe it.

[@iain5615]

Modern art. Everything is subjective and if the cameraman loves this style then it must be great. Objective truth no longer exists.

[@ArtyYeo]

More than drunk and has vision problems, too. :)

[@andrearebelo4275]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@DWHalse]

Now that is a scientific statement!

[@milels6917]

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

[@leadee2007]

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.

[@phoenixred4550]

Excellent!

[@cdespejo]

That was awesome. Thank you Tim Keller!

[@TheNewYorker360]

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

[@dwilliams319]

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.

[@ElAleman1234]

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

[@esnaosmanagaj3472]

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

[@kurilladesign]

Go Tim!!

[@jonesnicholos]

i luv this guy. Bless him Love

[@stayroxy]

What a wonderful mind, well spoken, Thank-you

[@junemarie5965]

Who ever you are may you find the truth about God and Jesus Christ lives and we need the HOLY spirit in us to guide us in all truth don't do wrong prayer in all you do I mean all love god bless you when you get your family and friends to church and may God help you and guides us through prayer for sinners to come to church and may God help you and may God help you with your friends and people about God and Jesus Christ lives in people prayed and the war ended thank God ended war God hates all evils and believe in God we trust help your and receive the HOLY spirit in us all ok receive the HOLY spirit in us to guide us in all you do

[@junemarie5965]

Don't be gossip monger and may you ready the holy Bible study tonight and tomorrow and always Go Will be happy to all truth about God and Jesus and Mary and Joseph do right and may you find the truth about God and addendthe church he churches and Jesus Christ lives

[@junemarie5965]

I believe in God and Jesus and Mary and Joseph and Go to church and may God help you and may God help you we most not sun any sin pray in the church about your sin and if you don't know your sin God Will convict us sin the yourselves and give to church and may God bless you when you do right is beautiful and may God bless you and may God help you and may God bless you when only do right not bad don't do wrong do right now because this is baddoingwrong and may we most do right now because this message is intended for All

[@junemarie5965]

Read the Bible study tonight and tomorrow and always and ask the HOLY spirit in through God bless you and tell people about God and Jesus Christ lives

[@ericday4505]

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

[@0610akang]

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.

[@andrewdiprose]

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

[@SHOOTandREVIEW]

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

[@SYK17.]

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

[@orionmyth]

awesome talk . timothy keller is a true disciple

[@shieldsff]

Yes, great point that it's all about Jesus and that our hope and joy lies in being with Him one day- He is fullness of joy, life and peace. Would you however provide some basis or proof for your assertion that Jesus' comments concerning hell were 'made up' .While some aspects of the description may suggest literary figures, it's still apparent from the relevant Gospel accounts that he wanted to convey strong warning and caution about judgment and the condemnation of rejecting Him.

[@lovjoyxce]

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

[@andos50]

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 :)

[@kwall1464]

Great discussion,thanks!

[@Isaiah49.16]

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

[@beckyvanstensel7032]

Wow! This message was amazing. I think that I just went a few floors deeper. I was also helped so much by The Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis. Many of Dr. Keller's explanations remind me of that book. I liked the 45 year old- 10 year old explanation. There are many reasons that show me that God is a good God, and that He loves me, and that He was willing to suffer for me. For the things that are beyond my understanding, I just have to trust Him.

[@kathrynstiles3509]

Agree! The Problem of Pain is amazing. Changed my view of everything.

[@annchovey2089]

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."

[@BirdNatureView]

To make a world possible where the free will of man and Gods sovereignty cojointly mysteriously makes way for humans to get to know God voluntarily evil is inevitable to also be present.

[@Fred_the_Head]

The fact that evil exist means that good exists unless you are a relativist which makes anything good and evil purely a matter of opinion. Without a standard for evil there is no standard of good. If there is standard of good and a standard of evil then it exists outside human opinion.

[@Mr.Storytime959]

Yeah if there is evil there is good but who says the Bible is the source of good? Satan could very well be just a lower dimensional spirit than God but both existing in the plain of evil still…the classic good cop bad cop technique that both wind you to jail…afteralll they do seem to work together quite often in the Bible…the question is who is the real God and does he even have a book…I’m not trying to bash on the Bible but these r some serious questions I need answered…

[@Mr.Storytime959]

For a God that is all good he sure uses a lot of evil to get his point across…if love is the answer why tf is evil the tool…again I would appreciate if someone could explain this otherwise yeah it’s game over time

[@annchovey2089]

@@Mr.Storytime959 He is good but we are evil. He doesn't interfere with our freewill. If He did, we wouldn't understand how evil we are and need redemption. Our world has asked Him to get out and He is answering that prayer. We are what we are.

[@JesusIsGodAmen]

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

[@drdork5543]

I thoroughly enjoyed a respectful debate between people who disagreed.

[@dlivengood59]

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.

[@jacoblee5796]

Well doesn't that make sense!? America didn't like Britain so they rebelled against them. The French didn't like their rulers so they rebelled against them. To be honest if the Christian god was real, I would acknowledge it was real but I wouldn't worship the evil bastard!

[@dlivengood59]

@@jacoblee5796 I think you will find the answer to your question in the book of Romans 1:18- 32 you won't like it but I hope it will bring clarity. It's my opinion that Everyone becomes a believer, the question is which side of eternity will it be for you. It is appointed into man once to die, there after the judgement. Once you cross over to the other side it's too late, there is no redemption

[@jacoblee5796]

@Donald Livengood You're right, I don't like it. It doesn't make any sense. Like an all good and loving god hating something or having wrath!? Is god a married bachelor? Its funny you think "everyone becomes a believer" I was once a devote Christian but I broke my indoctrination.

[@neilrhode5968]

7:35 - That laugh is unforgivable

[@lovjoyxce]

LMAO

[@mingmorales]

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.

[@jjroseknows777]

Wonderful discussion, or Q & A...

[@joeytirado7704]

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.

[@EricGreniervideo]

Worst camera man ever

[@mickknight6963]

Very good answers on suffering!

[@donnamiles8990]

In talking about who will be going to Heaven, I wish that Pastor Keller had quoted John 14:6 "Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Jesus said that belief in Him is the very narrow path to Heaven and the only way. Whether that offends others of different religions or not, that is what Jesus clearly said. I have not listened to the very end of this video yet, so hopefully that will come up in the interview.

[@calebf6]

Somebody should fire the cameraman!

[@eduardopipinel]

Poor guy! I think he's not even in payroll! LOL I think it's just someone who taped and for his own, with no special equipment...

[@benson0509]

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

[@SHOOTandREVIEW]

Yeah it's really interesting, this one guy uploaded part of his speech and I was listening to it the other day. I feel he really expands upon the wager, it's interesting if your a believer or not. I will message it to you.

[@lourensmaritz2334]

wrap him up in a blanket , bless him

[@lesliecunliffe4450]

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

[@GustAdlph]

Hi Leslie, check out John Lennox's debates. He grew up in Northern Ireland and his father's shop was bombed because he hired both Protestants and Catholics.

[@erty1100]

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?

[@lucalamorte9324]

Tim Robinson no

[@2TellAStory]

excellent tim keller

[@ahouston349]

As someone from Northern Ireland I 100% agree on Kellers point on how the protestant and Catholic war truly didn't understand what it means to be a protestant or Catholic. The average protestant wouldn't have a single clue about who martin Luther was or what the reformation was and likewise the average Catholic knows nothing more about catholism than going to mass confessing to a priest and then spending the remainder of the week practicing the sins they just asked for forgiveness for! It was never about religion!

[@jakehackel5832]

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

[@joebrinson5040]

Must have been his first day on the job.

[@JustForViewing1]

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.

[@kristopherjon6496]

Well said.

[@ianyboo]

How is it teaching love to stand in front of people and tell them his god will torture many of them for eternity? I realize he didn't say exactly that, despite the questioners trying to get him to be honest, instead he dodged the question because he knew how hateful it would sound. So you accuse US of being hateful in the comments... WE are not the ones threatening torture to our fellow humans...

[@howlingwaters2741]

Virtual Willis There are two types of people...those who look to God and say, Thy will be done; and those who shake their fist and say, My will be done. Hell is a choice.

[@ianyboo]

Alison Klein that assume that a god exists in the first place. I don't make that assumption.

[@KatieGimple]

@@ianyboo I know this is a year late, but Klein's point is that we aren't just standing there telling you that you will be tortured in hell. We are saying that there is a bus flying at you at 60 mph and you have one chance to get out of the way or face the consequences.

[@robertjasso6673]

From listening to the plausibility of a Christian view here it sounds reasonable and the rational choice to become a Christian.

[@samapak7]

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

[@sethcoffing4093]

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

[@CarrieArt7]

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

[@robertdouglas8895]

"Judge not by appearance but judge by righteous judgment." Jesus Christ. The world of senses does not contain truth.

[@TheB1nary]

Awesome!

[@kalvinshum8297]

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!!

[@mackdmara]

Kalvin Shum The camera person is either making a statement in their choices of the shot, but are new to it OR they are eating a hoggy & one handing the camera. My guesses.

[@ChyeahWill]

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.

[@danbanjapan]

Every time I come to a red light I place my faith in the braking system of my car to work as they should. Before I got into the car, I place my faith in the mechanic who checked my brakes, that he actually checked them and is not lying and has no malicious intent to hurt me. Now it is reasonable that my breaks work and my mechanic is not out to kill me, but I must trust as well. You've actually provided a great example of how faith and reason work together!

[@chikkipop]

Faith and reason DO NOT work together.

[@sunnydaze1185]

@@chikkipop yes they DO

[@chikkipop]

@@sunnydaze1185 No. They don't.

[@TabletopJoe33]

Well said CC. And Keller knows this. In the introduction to this book he writes (p.xv) "Three generations ago people inherited rather than chose their religious faith". Yet just 2 pages later he starts this whole "relativism defeats itself with its own relativity" that he learned from Plantinga, and oh how he loves this argument. He tries the same turn around trick in maybe half the arguments in the book by wording the questions carefully then answering the letter rather than the spirit of them.

[@JukeBoxHero82]

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.

[@henrymeyer2874]

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.

[@romellyarde907]

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

[@junemarie5965]

We most have God and Jesus Christ in us and guides us to all truth don't make god's love complacated make God your ways put God first in your life may God help you AND PRAY in all you do

[@OkieAllDay]

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

[@chikkipop]

It's astonishing that adults believe such nonsense.

[@LizaFan]

. . . which is a profoundly indecent worldview.

[@hughjackson218]

The interviewer made this difficult to watch.

[@jy1733]

Amen

[@kaufmanat1]

He was playing devil's advocate

[@romellyarde907]

They asked critical questions which he avoided or diluted

[@suddenlysusan7128]

And so did the inarticulate answers by Tim Keller.

[@TabletopJoe33]

Part 2. (cont) We argue away from wrongs toward rights, we don’t discover rights then argue towards them. This is a collective experience, without borders. Everything you have ever experienced, read, heard of etc informs your decisions and judgements and everything you say and do has some effect on other people’s experiences. And so it goes on unto the 3rd and 4th generation, and the40th and the 400th. What we do today echoes on indefinitely.

[@joeljoels3077]

3) your preference does not determine reality. And yes, I realize it is the same for my side. As Keller is trying to say, Every side requires faith, wether it be the a belief or disbelief in God