Timothy Keller Critique

Timothy Keller does not shy away from the most difficult questions. I suppose that is why this book is written to the critic. That being said, this chapter plunges into the problem of the existence of pain in the presence of an all-good and all-powerful God. This chapter, though short, covered the thought with the help of some truly profound people. He begins by bringing up some points of horror. He discusses great massacres that lead to the death of hundreds of thousands, even millions. In light of these tragedies the question is bound to be asked, “where is God?” Keller begins by discussing that the existence of evil does not disprove the existence of God. He first quotes Mackie, who stated, “if a good and powerful God exists, he would not allow pointless evil, but because these is much unjustifiable, pointless evil in the world, the traditional good and powerful God could not exist.” Yet Keller counters by saying this, “ tucked away within the assertion that the world is filled with pointless evil is a hidden premise, namely, that if evil appears pointless to me, then it must be pointless.” He furthers in stating that, “our minds can’t plumb the depths of the universe for good answers to suffering, well, then, there can’t be any! This is blind faith of a high order.” …show more content…
Making such assumptions about what is right or wrong, just or unjust states that we as humanity have the right and strong enough moral code to make that call. This is an interesting point because it calls into question the very validity of the argument. Keller concludes by making this brilliant statement: “If you have a God great and transcendent enough to be mad at because he hasn't stopped evil and suffering in the world, then you have (at the same moment) a God great and transcendent enough to have good reasons for allowing it to continue that you can’t know. Indeed you can’t have it both