King's Cross by Timothy Keller

Subtitled The Story of the World in The Life Of Jesus this book by Keller is a very rewarding book on the life of Jesus. Interestingly it would seem that no theological writers have the same opinions but even so they can make wonderful points. In reading Gary Wills I have been struck by his emphasis on Paul and that of all the Gospels he relates Mark as being the one most likely to be made into a story form and less accurate.

Keller makes a compelling arguement in his book refuting that opinion. Keller tells us the life and meaning of Jesus through the Gospel of Mark.

For me a book such as this is rewarding if it makes me think and if potentially gives me an understanding I did not earlier have or a thought of how to be a better person. Keller's book is very strong in this regard.

A few highlights for me. Keller talks about the difference between religion and Christianity and the meaning of the message of Jesus. He states his belief that religion is advice, a series of tenants to live by. By understanding this one can understand that religion under that guise can be dangerous. If you are given a set of rules to live by and you do not follow them you feel disheartened. You might feel you have fallen from grace, lost God's love. Or you could by doing a good job following these guidelines build up a sense of ego or that you are better than those who do not. Jesus wants neither. There is one way to be saved by Jesus and that is not through any good works you do or rules to follow. It is by God's grace. Jesus paid the price for all our sins and once we acknowledge that we are redeemed. To think that our good works or actions can get us redeemed is to lessen the impact of what Jesus did. Keller takes Gospel from the ancient Greek as meaning News as in Good news. Jesus did not bring religion. Jesus brought good news.

In a section called the Healing Keller speaks about the cripple who Jesus cures. Jesus does not tell the man to rise. He tells him his sins are forgiven. The reason for this Keller asserts is that Jesus knows what we really need. He reasons that we all have had something we really wanted and asked for it and felt that were we to get it our lives would be complete and wonderful. Yet this does not happen. People win the lottery, marry the person of their dreams, get the job they want and while they may be happy for awhile it does not last. A quote is made that sometimes the worst trick in the book is to get your wish because then you cannot avoid the subject of Jesus. Jesus is what you need, his unconditional love and acceptance.

This book is to me a treasure trove. But the most powerful story related to me is the story of the man who asked Jesus to drive the demons out of his son. The apostles had tried and failed. The man asks Jesus " Would you heal my son?" and Jesus says " Everything is possible for him who beleives." The man replies " I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief." Keller explains how meaningful this is. The man states that he wants to believe but is full of doubt. Jesus heals the boy. He states that Jesus could have said purify your heart, believe in me with all your will and I will cure your son. He does not. The man had said that he was not faithful. That he was riddled with doubts and cannot muster the strength to be all that he should but begs Jesus to help him. This is saving faith, faith in Jesus instead of oneself. If one waits to be pure and righteous to come to Jesus one will never do so. You must admit you are not righteous and need help. Later in the book Keller states that Jesus teaches us that faith is important and Jesus begs us to try but we must know that it is not the strength of our faith but the strength of what we have faith in. That is Jesus himself.

These are just a few of the lessons and thougtful messags in this book. I read this book slowly, a short chapter a day because I wanted to savor and think on each idea through the course of each day. This book is revalatory.

Religion and fellowship are wonderful things and in fact Keller is a Minister with a large flock at his church. Still he makes clear that our relationship with God is a personal one and often religion as we practice it can get in the way.

I cannot reccomend this book too highly for those questioning how to live in God's grace