This book is split into two halves - the first have deals with the objections sceptics normally have against those who trust in Jesus. It deals with things like; how can there be one true religion, if God allows suffering then how can he be good, science and Christianity etc. This half of the book I found readable and well thought out. It flowed really well and was easy to read.

The second half of the book seeks to provide some clues as to the existence of God. The author notes that it is impossible to prove the existence or non-existence of God. I found this second of the book was more difficult to read and the argument was less logical. It was still good - but I feel this is the section that non Christians will find more difficult to agree with.

Tim Keller in the chapter "Science has Disproved Christianity" states "I think God guided some kind of process of natural selection" when discussing the evolution vs 6-day-creation debate. Unfortunately, I think he caricatures those who believe in 6-day-creation though - he suggests that creationists believe that if you can't take Genesis 1-2 as historical then you can't take the rest of the Bible that way either. But this isn't what creationists believe! Also if you don't believe in a 6 day creation surely a literal first Adam doesn't make sense - but Tim Keller discusses a literal first Adam in the chapter "The Dance of God".

This has to be one of the best books I've ever read. Keller firstly deconstructs the skeptic's worldview by challenging the very (shaky) foundation from which they question Christianity, but with genuine humility and concern. He then builds a sequence of very powerful and persuasive arguments for the believability of the Christian faith. He quotes many respected thinkers, not assuming his readers hold the Bible in the same regard that evangelical Christians do, with the result a barrage of wisdom affirming the truths found therein. His writing is full of wonderfully fresh insights and profound new takes on well-worn subjects; in particular his view that all sin is rooted in a form of idolatry and his explanation of the Trinity. I highly recommend this as a book to lend your thinking skeptical friends - I defy them to come back to you with a rebuttal! Inspirational.

Keller's book is an excellent aid in communicating the gospel in a resonable and persuasive way in this generation. The style is easy to read, with questions not glossed over, giving easy answers to difficult questions, but tackled seriously and in depth. Thoroughly recommened for anyone intersted in communicating their beliefs in a more comphrehensive way, or to read together with someone interested in/sceptical of the Christian faith.

A very balanced examination of the questions and doubts that arise in the hearts of christians and non christians at times.Difficult questions are dealt with in a very direct but sensitive manner without "slagging" either side.I have found it very helpful with my contact with so many who are opposed to religion in any form as the book explains how christianity is really a soundly rational belief

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!