It has been amazing to witness the ecumenical outpouring related to the death last week of Rev. Tim Keller. I have seen much of Protestant Christianity write positively of Tim Keller. But I have also seen several notable Catholic and Orthodox leaders praise Keller’s contribution to the Christian dialogue.
because of my schedule I'm reading this over a day late. What saddens me more than this man's death (which is joy for heaven and the kingdom of Christ) is the response of some in my convention (the SBC). I use Keller as a light to illuminate the dark recesses of pragmatism that has crept into our churches and leadership. I wholeheartedly agree with your statement that Keller was for life--because Jesus Christ is life. He represented Scripture truthfully in every instance. Yet here's the rub: (and like you Erick, I think more clearly as I type and talk) Keller would go out where "angels would fear to tread." Why? Because angels were not given the job to tell people of Christ. Too many Christian leaders want to "yeah, but" and then refuse to engage along certain ideological paths due to their fear of how those paths could be either used against them, or used "as the devil's hand tool."
Keller was unafraid of this. He knew God was sovereign. I do not believe he strayed from this, ever. He knew even if he was clumsy in his delivery of the truth (and again, I'm unaware of this) his Lord would use it to bring people to Christ. We know God's Word is given so humanity can know him. Yet as a professor I had said in defining the church as "the sign and instrument of God's kingdom," Tim Keller was the Church's master craftsman! Grace!
"For all the praise directed toward Keller’s legacy, some highly online mostly male Southern Baptists intent on seizing control of the Southern Baptist Convention and using it as a political instrument in American culture wars have criticized Keller. "
C'mon Erick, this is the type of amateurish description I would expect on Vox or Vice. Why don't you just say the "white-patriarchy" and maybe hint that they're racist while your at it.
I love Tim Keller and I have a great deal of respect for him. I am also a male Southern Baptist and haven't heard a peep about what you speak of in my congregation. I'm not doubting you, but it is certainly not "systemic" if you will...so let's not paint it that way.
"For all the praise directed toward Keller’s legacy, some highly online mostly male Southern Baptists intent on seizing control of the Southern Baptist Convention and using it as a political instrument in American culture wars have criticized Keller. "
I made edits last night to this and not only did they not take, but the post went out early. Sorry about all the emails, etc. The political portion at the bottom was moved to the morning post, but yet the edits didn't take till now.
As a ruling Elder in a PCA church I appreciated much of Tim Keller’s ministry from afar . There were some elements concerning women as deacons and his support of a less than solid, in my mind, stand on the historical reading of Genesis that gave me pause. But overall he was a bold witness for Christ.
Thank you for emphasizing Rev. Tim Keller's point that, as followers of Jesus, we have already won. That is central to our Christian faith. That means we can engage in the secular world and have discussion with people who think differently from us. That is what Jesus did in his ministry. And if we show love for our "neighbors" in thoughts, words, and deeds, even though we disagree with them, we become that light that may spark an interest in our "neighbor" and lead them to Jesus.
Great article! I loved Tim Keller and I am a Southern Baptist, but I am JESUS follower first! I have been blessed and I have learned so much listening and reading Tim Keller. He has done more than most in the church planting movement to reach the masses with the gospel. He was a WWJD man!
It's easier for me to remember that we are called to be in the world but not of the world. Keller's passing prompted me to listen to his sermons (podcasts) about pain and suffering, and Isaac and his family.
Thank you for this paragraph, it was an excellent article, but this pretty much covers it. I've already dismissed Trump. Just a matter of settling in on the right candidate to vote for.
Keller could engage with the left precisely because Keller knew Christians have already won. He could build friendships with those who rejected his faith because Keller knew his faith reigns supreme. Keller could engage for Jesus with a smile because he knew Jesus is coming back. Keller could ignore calls for Christian nation-building because he knew God is building His kingdom and Tim wanted to be a faithful instrument of that building project, not a repackaged America run by sinners.
I liked Keller and recently bought one of his books. He was a great man, who lived and shared his faith. I’m guessing he heard “well done good and faithful servant” when he went through the gates of heaven. I’m not saying those who worship Trump and criticize Keller won’t, but I think they are on shaky ground.
DeSantis’s announcement was not ideal, but I’m hoping and praying he or someone else can win decisively and convince enough people that there is a better alternative to Trump. Then everyone needs to rally around the chosen candidate. Trump won’t do that but we need unity and he only brings more division.
Looking forward to August and hope to hear from lots of candidates!!!
My minister in my PCUSA congregation mentioned to me that Rev. Keller was an influence on him. Like him, I am really suspicious of those who would attempt to base all their political beliefs on Scripture, as I feel that the danger of slipping over the line between Christians participating in the political arena and the advocacy of theocracy is very real. I also think that what the most radical of Democrats espouse is itself a form of belief system, and that they in their own way seek a sort of theocracy under the banner of secular humanism. Rev. Keller stood firm against that, and did so with style, grace, and occasional humor. He will be sorely missed.
As for President Trump's carrying on about the DeSantis announcement last night: The whole thing was, alas, strictly amateur hour in nature. I was surprised that Elon Musk couldn't do better, and believe that it definitely got the DeSantis campaign off to a rocky start. But as someone who voted Libertarian in 2016 and who came around to voting for Trump in 2020 when his performance as President far exceeded my expectations, I can't help but think that a candidate who can appeal to the "America First" populist crowd while doing so without the drama which inevitably accompanies Donald Trump is a welcome addition to the race. Yes, Trump IS apprehensive about DeSantis, as he should be. We'll have to wait and see how all this plays out as the campaign progresses, but of this I am sure: There is NOTHING more important than defeating the Democrats in both the Presidential and Congressional elections in 2024.
When I get to Glory, I will seek out brother Keller. In the span of eternity I'll find him. The Glory of our Lord will likely, I predict, keep us from remembering the temporal. So, I'd be happy to just hear him say over and over again....Jesus is who He said He was!
Thank you Erick for a very thoughtful piece on Dr. Keller. I am reminded of how Jesus handled it when being pulled into a political fight. Whose portrait and inscription are on the coin? Caesar’s. Then render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s and unto God what is God’s. Tim Keller’s humble godly life and Christ-centered teaching will have a more far reaching impact than mere political squabbling will ever have.
because of my schedule I'm reading this over a day late. What saddens me more than this man's death (which is joy for heaven and the kingdom of Christ) is the response of some in my convention (the SBC). I use Keller as a light to illuminate the dark recesses of pragmatism that has crept into our churches and leadership. I wholeheartedly agree with your statement that Keller was for life--because Jesus Christ is life. He represented Scripture truthfully in every instance. Yet here's the rub: (and like you Erick, I think more clearly as I type and talk) Keller would go out where "angels would fear to tread." Why? Because angels were not given the job to tell people of Christ. Too many Christian leaders want to "yeah, but" and then refuse to engage along certain ideological paths due to their fear of how those paths could be either used against them, or used "as the devil's hand tool."
Keller was unafraid of this. He knew God was sovereign. I do not believe he strayed from this, ever. He knew even if he was clumsy in his delivery of the truth (and again, I'm unaware of this) his Lord would use it to bring people to Christ. We know God's Word is given so humanity can know him. Yet as a professor I had said in defining the church as "the sign and instrument of God's kingdom," Tim Keller was the Church's master craftsman! Grace!
"For all the praise directed toward Keller’s legacy, some highly online mostly male Southern Baptists intent on seizing control of the Southern Baptist Convention and using it as a political instrument in American culture wars have criticized Keller. "
C'mon Erick, this is the type of amateurish description I would expect on Vox or Vice. Why don't you just say the "white-patriarchy" and maybe hint that they're racist while your at it.
I love Tim Keller and I have a great deal of respect for him. I am also a male Southern Baptist and haven't heard a peep about what you speak of in my congregation. I'm not doubting you, but it is certainly not "systemic" if you will...so let's not paint it that way.
Trump is nothing but a clown. I can't believe I actually voted for the guy once.
"For all the praise directed toward Keller’s legacy, some highly online mostly male Southern Baptists intent on seizing control of the Southern Baptist Convention and using it as a political instrument in American culture wars have criticized Keller. "
Who are they?
I made edits last night to this and not only did they not take, but the post went out early. Sorry about all the emails, etc. The political portion at the bottom was moved to the morning post, but yet the edits didn't take till now.
As a ruling Elder in a PCA church I appreciated much of Tim Keller’s ministry from afar . There were some elements concerning women as deacons and his support of a less than solid, in my mind, stand on the historical reading of Genesis that gave me pause. But overall he was a bold witness for Christ.
This one line, for me, is everything...
But Jesus was Himself life, and we should preach Jesus and let Him change people’s hearts and minds.
Thank you for sharing part of Tim's story Erick
Thank you for emphasizing Rev. Tim Keller's point that, as followers of Jesus, we have already won. That is central to our Christian faith. That means we can engage in the secular world and have discussion with people who think differently from us. That is what Jesus did in his ministry. And if we show love for our "neighbors" in thoughts, words, and deeds, even though we disagree with them, we become that light that may spark an interest in our "neighbor" and lead them to Jesus.
Great article! I loved Tim Keller and I am a Southern Baptist, but I am JESUS follower first! I have been blessed and I have learned so much listening and reading Tim Keller. He has done more than most in the church planting movement to reach the masses with the gospel. He was a WWJD man!
It's easier for me to remember that we are called to be in the world but not of the world. Keller's passing prompted me to listen to his sermons (podcasts) about pain and suffering, and Isaac and his family.
Thank you for this paragraph, it was an excellent article, but this pretty much covers it. I've already dismissed Trump. Just a matter of settling in on the right candidate to vote for.
Keller could engage with the left precisely because Keller knew Christians have already won. He could build friendships with those who rejected his faith because Keller knew his faith reigns supreme. Keller could engage for Jesus with a smile because he knew Jesus is coming back. Keller could ignore calls for Christian nation-building because he knew God is building His kingdom and Tim wanted to be a faithful instrument of that building project, not a repackaged America run by sinners.
I liked Keller and recently bought one of his books. He was a great man, who lived and shared his faith. I’m guessing he heard “well done good and faithful servant” when he went through the gates of heaven. I’m not saying those who worship Trump and criticize Keller won’t, but I think they are on shaky ground.
DeSantis’s announcement was not ideal, but I’m hoping and praying he or someone else can win decisively and convince enough people that there is a better alternative to Trump. Then everyone needs to rally around the chosen candidate. Trump won’t do that but we need unity and he only brings more division.
Looking forward to August and hope to hear from lots of candidates!!!
I’m Catholic and I want to be like Tim Keller.
My minister in my PCUSA congregation mentioned to me that Rev. Keller was an influence on him. Like him, I am really suspicious of those who would attempt to base all their political beliefs on Scripture, as I feel that the danger of slipping over the line between Christians participating in the political arena and the advocacy of theocracy is very real. I also think that what the most radical of Democrats espouse is itself a form of belief system, and that they in their own way seek a sort of theocracy under the banner of secular humanism. Rev. Keller stood firm against that, and did so with style, grace, and occasional humor. He will be sorely missed.
As for President Trump's carrying on about the DeSantis announcement last night: The whole thing was, alas, strictly amateur hour in nature. I was surprised that Elon Musk couldn't do better, and believe that it definitely got the DeSantis campaign off to a rocky start. But as someone who voted Libertarian in 2016 and who came around to voting for Trump in 2020 when his performance as President far exceeded my expectations, I can't help but think that a candidate who can appeal to the "America First" populist crowd while doing so without the drama which inevitably accompanies Donald Trump is a welcome addition to the race. Yes, Trump IS apprehensive about DeSantis, as he should be. We'll have to wait and see how all this plays out as the campaign progresses, but of this I am sure: There is NOTHING more important than defeating the Democrats in both the Presidential and Congressional elections in 2024.
When I get to Glory, I will seek out brother Keller. In the span of eternity I'll find him. The Glory of our Lord will likely, I predict, keep us from remembering the temporal. So, I'd be happy to just hear him say over and over again....Jesus is who He said He was!
Thank you Erick for a very thoughtful piece on Dr. Keller. I am reminded of how Jesus handled it when being pulled into a political fight. Whose portrait and inscription are on the coin? Caesar’s. Then render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s and unto God what is God’s. Tim Keller’s humble godly life and Christ-centered teaching will have a more far reaching impact than mere political squabbling will ever have.