Tim Keller vs Jeremy Rodell - Do humans make sense without God? · Unbelievable? summary

Key takeaways

Keller argues that experiences of truth, beauty, and morality are most coherent when understood in a God-centered context, as elaborated in his book 'Making Sense of God'.
Radell asserts that humanism is not inherently faith-based and can offer a robust framework for meaning, identity, and moral values without invoking the divine.
The conversation highlights the profound differences in how Christianity and humanism approach concepts of hope, identity, and moral values.
Both Keller and Radell acknowledge the importance of engaging in dialogue across belief systems to foster understanding and cooperation.
Moments of transcendence—experiences of beauty or connection—are interpreted very differently within secular and religious frameworks, raising questions about the nature of reality and evidence.

Summary

Debate Overview: Do Humans Make Sense Without God?

In this episode, host Justin Brierley facilitates a discussion between Tim Keller, a prominent pastor and author, and Jeremy Radell, a dialogue officer for the British Humanist Association. The core question of the discussion revolves around whether human beings and their experiences can be understood in the absence of a divine being. Tim Keller promotes his new book, 'Making Sense of God', where he argues that many aspects of human experience are deeply interconnected with the context of God and Christianity.

Humanism vs. Faith: The Nature of Meaning

Keller and Radell explore whether humanism can be classified as a faith or belief system. Keller posits that human experiences around morality, beauty, and purpose fundamentally require a transcendent source, while Radell argues that such meanings can emerge naturally from human existence and cultural contexts. They engage in a discussion about identity, purpose, and the foundation of moral values, debating the merits of a belief in God versus secular humanist principles.

Identity and Moral Values in Societal Contexts

The conversation transitions to how identity and moral values develop in different philosophical frameworks. Keller asserts that Christianity offers a unique and flexible framework that respects different cultures without erasing their identity, while Radell brings attention to the development of humanistic values shaped by societal experiences and universally shared human qualities. They further dig into examples like Martin Luther King Jr. to illustrate how faith can motivate socio-political action.

Transcendence and the Human Experience

In discussing the notion of transcendence, Keller presents that humans often experience moments of profound beauty and connection that suggest a reality beyond material existence. He cites examples of people who, despite identifying as atheists, have had experiences indicating something more. Radell counters that these moments are subjective experiences stemming from the human condition and do not necessitate belief in a higher power. The philosophical implications of these experiences are debated, questioning the intersections of science and spirituality.

Conclusion and Future Dialogues

The dialogue wraps up touching on the perceptions of hope and the relevance of both secular and religious perspectives in providing meaning to life. Keller emphasizes that having a belief in God offers a significant emotional advantage and a framework for future hope, while Radell maintains that humans can lead meaningful and hopeful lives through secular understandings. They both express interest in ongoing discussions and future dialogues, especially in interfaith environments.

Show notes

NYC's pastor-to-the-sceptics Tim Keller debates atheist Jeremy Rodell. Tim's new book 'Making Sense of God: An invitation to the sceptical' is a prequel to his bestselling 2008 book 'The Reason For God'.

Tim is pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York. Jeremy is the dialogue officer for the British Humanist Association. They discuss whether humanism is a form of faith, as well as identity and hope, and whether atheism or Christianity best explains our deepest longings.

Karl Faase also joins Justin to talk about a new video resource 'Jesus the Game Changer'.

For Tim's book Making Sense of God: http://www.timothykeller.com/books/making-sense-of-god

Can We Agree To Disagree? Dialogue event 14 Nov: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/can-we-agree-to-disagree-christians-humanists-in-dialogue-tickets-27430401068

Order Unbelievable? The Conference 2016 DVD/MP3CD & Digital Download: http://www.premier.org.uk/Shop

For more faith debates visit: http://www.premierchristianradio.com/Shows/Saturday/Unbelievable

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