This is one of the most useful books I have read in recent years. Keller very skillfully unpacks the big issues which many people have to overcome before they will accept there is a God, and then looks at the evidence that there is for believing the Christian God. The book has numerous good illustrations to help get the points being made across, and it is clear that Tim Keller has a wonderful grasp of the real issues of life along with many years of helping people to grapple with them. It is essential reading for anyone who seriously wants to communicate the gospel.

With this book, Tim Keller has written a great resource for both Christians to use and non-Christians to engage with. Preachers will find a treasure trove of illustrations, Christians will be helped to share their faith and respond to critics, and non-Christians challenged to see that their doubts about Christianity are based on unreasonable assumptions.

The first seven chapters are an exercise in what has been called presuppositional apologetics i.e. demonstrating that behind these common objections are presuppositions that do not hold together, or in fact demand that there be a God. But this is no wrecking ball at work; Keller shows a genuine concern for skeptics, answering with understanding and respect. He shows that the (often genuine) concern behind the objection is best answered by following Jesus, not rejecting him. This is apologetics with Jesus and the gospel central, unlike so much apologetics that ends up defending some bland theism.

The second half presents a case for Christianity, and it is Tim Keller at his best – proclaiming the gospel in a way that really engages with contemporary thought (preachers will benefit here!). You could say that 'Reason for God' is C.S. Lewis' 'Mere Christianity' written for a new generation and its concerns. Tim is not promoting any 'brand' of Christianity; for example, one chief concern is to argue for Christianity that is both orthodox and engaged with social concerns. That said, anyone reading this will hear the message of the cross, the reality of judgment, justification by grace through faith, repentance, New Creation etc come through loud and clear. This book is soaked in the gracious gospel of Jesus Christ and him crucified.

Keller quotes everyone from Bono to Dostoevsky, and engages squarely with recent publications from Dawkins, Hitchens etc. It is a book written with (fairly sophisticated) New Yorkers in mind, so some people will not find every part accessible. However, no chapter is particularly long; Keller wanted to write a book that does not demand long sustained arguments being developed.

The Reason for God website (www.thereasonforgod.com) has more about the book, including sermon mp3 files that go with the first half of the book (answering objections) and also a useful study guide which would be great for a discussion / reading group. This book would be a great one to give to non-Christians (who have the literacy level to engage with it) although, given the current price, maybe a book to lend rather than give away!

As of writing (March 2008) this book is number 11 in the New York Best Sellers list (Hardcover Nonfiction). I hope it will be as popular here in the UK; it deserves to be!