Chapter 5

Chapter 5 Study Questions


Keller appeals to C. S. Lewis to show that magic and science grow from the same impulse, and that modernity, of which we are inescapably a part, was “born in ‘dreams of power’” (70-71). What is the significance of these ideas? Is this usually how people tend to think of science and modernity?


“Instead of trying to shape our desires to fit reality,” Keller says, “we now seek to control and shape reality to fit our desires” (71). What evidence would you list to support this statement? Where do you fit? What difference does it make?


The Bible portrays the Lord as a God of love who also judges his enemies In chapter 5, Keller defends belief in a God of love who also is a God of wrath and judgment. If God loves his creation, it’s understandable that God would oppose anything that does harm to his creation (73). How are his mercy and love not contradictory to his judgment and wrath?


On the question of a loving God sending people
to hell, Keller writes, “hell is simply one’s freely chosen identity apart from God on a trajectory into infinity” (78). In other words, those who end up in hell chose that destination by rejecting God. How do you respond to such an assertion?


“Today’s outspoken believer,” Keller says, “may be tomorrow’s apostate, and today’s outspoken unbeliever may be tomorrow’s convert. We must not make settled, final decisions about anyone’s spiritual state or fate” (80). Do you agree? Why or why not? Many Christians might find this statement to be unsettling. Should they? How would you respond to their concern?