The Prodigal God

Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith

By: Timothy Keller

Narrated by: Timothy Keller

Length: 2 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

Newsweek called New York Times best-selling author Timothy Keller a "C. S. Lewis for the twenty-first century" in a feature on his first book, The Reason for God. In that book, he offered a rational explanation of why we should believe in God. Now, in The Prodigal God, he uses one of the best known Christian parables to reveal an unexpected message of hope and salvation.

Taking his trademark intellectual approach to understanding Christianity, Keller uncovers the essential message of Jesus, locked inside his most familiar parable. Within that parable Jesus reveals God's prodigal grace toward both the irreligious and the moralistic. This book will challenge both the devout and skeptics to see Christianity in a whole new way.

©2008 Timothy Keller (P)2008 Penguin Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"An amazing, thought-provoking, illuminating work." (Examiner.com)

"The insights Tim Keller has about the two individuals in the story, and about the heart of God who loves them both, wrecked me afresh. Tim's thoughts deserve a hearing worldwide." (Bill Hybels, founding and senior pastor, Willow Creek Community Church)

Deep yet clear

This was my first Keller book. He explores three parables including the famous parable mis-titled the prodigal son (there were 2 sons). I have read these parables at least 50 times yet I learned more in the first hour than I had in all my prior readings. At the same time, it is clearly mainstream, he is not creating a theology but revealing the one that is clearly there. I came away wanting to spend more time in the word. This is simply a wonderful book.

Every Christian NEEDS to read this book.

I thought I was doing ok with my faith. I am definitely not a Pharisee. Definitely not self-righteous. Definitely not in the group to whom Jesus will say, "depart from me, I never knew you."

But then I read this book and it blew my mind. I know the Holy Spirit can teach me anything if I'm willing, but I can honestly say that the convicting ideas in chapters 3 & 4 would NEVER have occurred to me on my own. I needed a serious course correction, and this book showed it to me.

Thank God. He is so merciful! He is so good! Thank you, Lord, for using Timothy Keller to deliver such an important, deep, yet simple message to us.

Every Jesus follower should read this book every couple years. Only something from God could be so very foundational while also being so very deep.

The dangers of righteousness

"The Prodigal God" is a very short book that examines the Christian parable of the Prodigal Son. It makes some insightful points about how the true target of the parable may have been those people represented by the elder son, and it is especially thought-provoking as it discusses how the elder son, who tried very hard to live a correct and righteous life, is the son who ended up alienated from the Father at the end of the parable.

Tim has a gift & it is feeding the body of Christ

Such a great teaching that every believer should listen to. It is simple but profound!

Different perspective

Heard this story many many times. Never thought of it as Rev Keller did. Makes sense. Enjoy.

Short but oh so full!

I had heard about this book for years and I'm glad I finally gave you a chance. filled with rich truth for all walks of the Christian faith. We can all find ourselves in the story of The Prodigal God.

So many things overlooked by many teachers of God's Word

The author opens a view of a parable that for many only had one message.
After listening, there are many messages that are often overlooked.
I am glad for the new perspective it has brought to me.

who is really prodigal?

I prefer the prodigal prophet, but the author does a wonderful job full explaining the parable and why it is so important for the church today. While I would imagine anyone would learn from this book, it is especially relevant to those that have been in the church for a while and think they understand what it means to be prodigal.

Wonderful Book

This book provides a deep and yet concise understanding of human nature and it's relationship with God based on the parable of the Prodigal Son. Great for both believers and nonbelievers. Tim Keller narrates in a way that compels reflection and prayer.

A must read for those who want to gain a deeper understanding on what the core of gospel is.

Dr. Keller gave an excellent insight unraveling the Gospel. Faith, the most basic foundation of Christianity, seemed to be misunderstood by the majority like myself. By breaking down the lost son parable into 4 sections, which are issues of religious moralism, redefining lost-ness and sin, and on the father's feast, I gained a better understanding on the roots of my spiritual problems. A gentle push on encouraging those who might be struggling with faith.