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)

didn't attend church, now want to

This book has had a profound effect on me. I thought the elder brother was what christianity was about and why I didn't want a part in it. He shows me that I was mistaken, but so are the elder brothers. I have gone on to read The reason for God and have reviewed the Redeemer Church site. It all appeals to me. Hope it does the same for you.

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.

For any one who thinks they are...

a Christian or non-Christian should read this. As a follower of Christ, I was convicted at the realization that I am closer to an elder brother than Christ, even though I had rebellious younger brother tendencies and fully accepted the grace the father offered.

For those that read the title and think, oh my another liberal Christian book, especially needs to read it. The flyleaf quote caused me to buy it... "One of the signs that you may not grasp the unique, radical nature of the gospel is that you are certain that you do."

Beyond a must read

This book is a foundational book in the revival of what it means to be Christian. I should say it is foundational in the return to the true message and intent of Jesus.
Traditional fundamentalist Christians will be shocked at the truth and obvious implication that they have become the elder Sons and Pharisees of the modern age.

It makes you think

I really enjoyed listening to the book. It made me think about past situations in my life and specifically people that have judged without knowing the people. I questioned myself "what type of brother was I?" when listened to the book. I would recommend this book to anyone.

What a gracious God!

Keller explains 'prodigal' very well. I appreciated hearing again, of God's grace! Keller is a very proficient writer and explains biblical issues very well.

The Prodigal God

Excellent!!! Well written as it takes a new look at a timeless story. I found it thought provoking and worthy of discussion. “The Prodigal God” would be wonderful adult Bible study material.

Excellent

Well worth a listen. Well articulated presentation of the gospel. Rare insights in to an old story

Great Book

Great book, typical of Keller's works. If you like CS Lewis, you will like this book.

A thought-provoking little book which accentuates the Gospel.

In this little book, Timothy Keller nicely analyzes two diametrically opposed ways in which one might be distant from God. Keller identifies them as the younger and the older brother. The one who ran away, and the one who stayed to work. Yet of these two, the latter is far less identifiable within oneself, and consequently far more dangerous. Keller does a good job wrapping clear and pointed language around this usually clandestine pitfall. And finally, and his conclusion, he explores the inner longing which creates these two responses and how Jesus provides a third alternative which satisfies the longing of both kinds of brothers.