Lewis for the twentyfirst century in a feature on his first book, the. Many of us know the story of the prodigal son, but the author provides the reader with a different perspective. Explain, explode, expose, exploreall of these jesus did by telling the parable of the prodigal son. While most understand prodigal as a description of the spendthrift son in the familiar story, keller construes prodigal differently. The father who unhesitatingly and generously receives his son back into the family fold is in fact the prodigal, because his forgiveness and bounty is free, unconditioned and abundant. The prodigal god keller and return of the prodigal son. In this book, timothy keller shows us something of how this. A fairly quick read through the parable of the prodigal son, but per usual tim keller infuses a cultural context for today with many readers in identifying as a younger sonthose who are free spirited and want no other control in their life but their own, and the elder brothers many people who may in fact be practicing christians, but are relying on their moral performance and control of their own lives to save themselves. He thoroughly analyzes the behaviors of both brothers and offers us a thoughtful lesson on selfrighteousness. In the parable of the prodigal sons, jesus redefines god as father, redefines sin, and redefines salvation. The prodigal god is vintage kellerbiblically faithful with a fresh angularity. Tim keller the prodigal god the elder brother youtube.
Now, in the prodigal god, keller takes his trademark intellectual approach to understanding christianity and uses the parable of the prodigal son to reveal an unexpected message of hope and salvation. Despite being a very popular author and teacher, in this book, keller attempts to redefine the gospel and in the process severely distorts scripture. Keller s the prodigal god is essentially an extended sermon on jesus parable of the lost son. The prodigal god group bible study by timothy keller. The prodigal god is based off of the well known parable found in luke 15. Keller seeks to take us to the heart of christianity by taking us to the heart of jesus parable. Tonight id like to offer a bit of a tangent to last nights breathy announcement about the brand new timothy keller book the prodigal god. Now, in the prodigal god, keller takes his trademark intellectual approach to understanding christianity and uses the parable of the prodigal son to reveal an. That simple sermon, a fresh take on the parable of the prodigal son, changed kellers life and in many ways shaped his ministry. Keller helps you and your group glean insights from each of the characters in jesus parable. The prodigal god dr timothy keller the good book company. Timothy kellers false gospel in the prodigal god part. Few books unpack this theme with greater force than this slim volume from tim keller. Keller takes the story of the prodigal son in luke 15 and aims to show that it was not just the younger son who ran away from god, but also the older, and shows how easy and dangerous this can be for us who are already christians.
Just as jesus parable shares with us two sons, keller writes with two particular audiences in mind. Timothy kellers book, the prodigal god, is a well written explanation of a very old story. In that book, he offered a rational explanation of why we should believe in god. In the prodigal god 2010, timothy keller proposes to lay out the essentials of the christian message, the gospel and to get to the heart of the christian faith. Kellers excellent new book, while briefer than return of the prodigal son, has more overt theological substance. It draws on the facts of gods grace in direct, doctrinally crisp and coherent ways. Carson, professor at trinity evangelical divinity school. In this video excerpt, tim keller teaches about the elder brother in the parable of the prodigal son. The prodigal god by timothy keller, paperback barnes. That is, keller seizes a great truth and comes at it from an angle and with language that help us see it in new ways. The new york times bestselling author of the prodigal prophet uncovers the. It is graciously written and very moving, yet it feels rather different than the nouwen one. Tim keller uses the story of the prodigal son to shine a light on the message of jesus. The book is not just for seekers, but for lifelong believers who think they understand the basics of the christian faith.