First published 2009
Timothy Keller, the New York Times bestselling author behind The Reason for God and The Songs of Jesus, tackles the dangerous practice of elevating good things to ultimate status. Success, romantic love, and dream lives often become objects of misplaced faith, promising happiness while delivering disappointment. The recent economic collapse exposed this reality harshly, destroying fortunes, marriages, careers, and retirement plans within months. Millions now feel lost, alone, and resentful. Keller argues these experiences result from transforming lesser goods into false gods that cannot satisfy our deepest needs. Only one God can fully meet human cravings. The Bible describes the human heart as an idol factory, constantly creating false deities from beneficial things. Keller applies his characteristic biblical analysis to reveal uncomfortable truths about both cultural ideals and personal motivations. This message addresses both believers and skeptics at a critical moment in history.
Genres: christian, religion, non-fiction, academic
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: self-reflection, social-commentary
240 pages · Hardcover · Viking