Life and Books and Everything

Timothy Keller, founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, shares his insights on the Reformed movement. He discusses the importance of evangelism and warns against the pitfalls of Christian celebrity culture. Keller offers impactful book recommendations for aspiring pastors and leaders, emphasizing personal reading's role in theological development. The conversation also touches on the complexities of evangelical identity and the challenges posed by societal changes, highlighting the need for humility and engagement in local churches.

Why is it so hard to acknowledge when our opponents get something right? Orto admit when we are wrong? Why do so few people see that BOTH this issue AND that issue can be right or wrong? Collin, Justin, and Kevin discuss these divisions that we experience on this episode. They also ask, “What is Christian Nationalism?” Listen to the end for the book recommendations and scroll down for the links.  Life and Books and Everything is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of the ShortStudies in Biblical Theology Series, edited by Dane C. Ortlund and Miles V. Van Pelt.   The Short Studies in Biblical Theology Series is designed to help readers see the whole Bible as a unified story culminating in Jesus Christ. In each volume, a trusted scholar traces an important topic through God’s word and explores its significance for the Christian life.  For 30% off this series and all other books and Bibles at Crossway, sign up for a free Crossway+ account at crossway.org/LBE.  Timestamps:  The Best Person to Disagree With [0:00 – 1:46]  Collin’s Jolly Holiday [1:46 – 4:17]  A Brief Digression on Morally Problematic Television [4:17 – 7:34]  Justin’s COVID Christmas [7:34 – 10:53]  VidAngel & Cobra Kai [10:53 – 12:15]  Kevin’s December Viewing [12:15 – 17:45]  Both/And: Why is it so hard to see both sides of an issue? [17:45 – 25:54]  Both/And: Should we even want this approach? [25:54 – 35:23]  Whataboutism & Selective Policing [35:23 – 40:57]  Christian Nationalism [40:57 – 56:16]  Book Recommendations Featuring Pro-Life and MLK, Jr. Topics [56:16 – 1:08:25]  Books and More Books:  The Case for Life: Equipping Christians to Engage the Culture, by ScottKlusendorf  Defending Life, by Francis J. Beckwith  Beyond Racial Gridlock: Embracing Mutual Responsibility, by George Yancey  Letter from a Birmingham Jail, by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Abe: Abraham Lincoln in His Times, by David S. Reynolds  The Attributes of God: An Introduction, by Gerald Bray  Forty Questions About the End Times, by Eckhard Schnabel  The Bible and the Future, by Anthony A. Hoekema  Not Tragically Colored: Freedom, Personhood, and the Renewal of Black America,by Ismael Hernandez  America in the King Years, by Taylor Branch  Abuse of Discretion: The Inside Story of Roe v. Wade, by Clarke D. Forsythe  Concise Guide to Conservatism, by Russell Kirk 

John Piper sits down with Kevin DeYoung to discuss human purpose, pastoral leadership, the advantages of reading slowly. And of course they discuss books, too. So many books. Reading them; writing them; loving them; but most of all desiring God through them. (See the full list below.) And in this conversation you will get a picture of what will perhaps be John Piper’s magnum opus.   Life and Books and Everything is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional, by Paul David Tripp. New Morning Mercies is great for people looking for a devotional in the new year—featuring 365 gospel-centered devotions. Each reading leads with a compelling, gospel-centered thought, followed by an extended meditation for the day. It equips you with the good news that you need to trust in God’s goodness, rely on his grace, and live for his glory—day in and day out.  For 30% off this book and all other books and Bibles at Crossway, sign up for a free Crossway+ account at crossway.org/LBE.  Timestamps:  An Excellent Book for 2021 [1:11 – 2:37]  What did John Piper do for Christmas during coronavirus? [2:37 – 4:58]  Why Piper doesn’t like the word ‘retirement’ [4:58 – 12:45]  Especially Formative Books for John Piper [12:45 – 19:57]  On the Pros and Cons of Reading Slowly [19:57 – 34:48]  Books to Kickstart Pastoral Ministry [34:48 – 43:54]  Favorite Biographies [43:54 – 46:32]  Books to Return To [46:32 – 51:59]  The Hardest Book John Piper Had to Write and His Favorite [51:59 – 57:38]  Providence: John Piper’s Latest Book [57:38 – 1:03:15]  Enjoying the Process of Writing; Praise for Pastors Who Don’t Write Books[1:03:15 – 1:09:33]  More Questions on Providence and Providence [1:09:33 – 1:20:40]  The Most Important Verse in the Bible [1:20:40 – 1:25:08]  Books and More Books:  New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional, by Paul David Tripp (get 30% off)  Thinking God’s Thoughts: The Hermeneutics of Humility, by Daniel P. Fuller  The Unity of the Bible: Unfolding God's Plan for Humanity, by Daniel P.Fuller  Freedom of the Will, by Jonathan Edwards  The End for Which God Created the World, by Jonathan Edwards  The Religious Affections, by Jonathan Edwards 

In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Carl Trueman joins Kevin, Justin, and Collin to discuss his latest book, published by Crossway, which analyzes the development of the sexual revolution as a symptom—rather than the cause—of the human search for identity. You’ll also learn the benefit for Christians of reading Nietzsche and Freud, and what you can say to someone when there isn’t time to debate the philosophy of gender.    Timestamps:  Thirty-second long book title [00:55 – 1:25]  If identity is sexual, then sex is political. [1:25 – 7:37]  Behaviors demand toleration; identity demands recognition. [7:37 – 13:39]  Grappling with the history of ideas [13:39 – 22:26]  Intended audience [22:26 – 24:29]  Why Carl wants to be called a bigot [24:29 – 28:32]  Should pastors read these non-Christian authors? [28:32 – 34:18]  Is Protestantism to blame for sexual identity politics? [34:18 – 44:48]  Natural law will help us communicate to younger generations. [44:48 – 50:55]  What can you say to the other side when there isn’t time to debate? [50:55 –56:16]  Against lament? [56:16 – 57:50]  Family shapes theology. [57:50 – 1:03:00]  Books and Everything:  The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, ExpressiveIndividualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution, by Carl R. Trueman  Civilization & Its Discontents, by Sigmund Freud  The Triumph of the Therapeutic, by Philip Rieff  Living in God's Two Kingdoms: A Biblical Vision for Christianity and Culture,by David VanDrunen  Hands Across the Aisle  “The Fury of the Fatherless,” by Mary Eberstadt, First Things  

In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Kevin DeYoung interviews Dr. J. Ligon Duncan, III, chancellor of Reformed Theological Seminary. This interview was recorded live on stage from the Faithful Conference at Christ Covenant on November 7th. Listen and you’ll learn the books and people and places that made Dr. Duncan who he is. You’ll even find out his DJ name.  Timestamps:  Early Life and Conversion [00:00 – 7:16]  A True South Carolinian [7:16 – 10:17]  Encounters with God in Study [10:17 – 15:20]  Taking the Racial Blinders Off [15:20 – 23:08]  Critical Race Theory [23:08 – 27:47]  Reformed Books [27:47 – 31:57]  Covenant Theology [31:57 – 33:08]  Ligon Unplugged [33:08 – 38:50]  Lightning Round [38:50 – 48:27]   Books and Everything:  Knowing God, by Jim Packer  Search the Scriptures, edited by Alan M. Stibbs  Studies in the Sermon on the Mount, by Martyn Lloyd-Jones  Reformed Dogmatics: Theology Proper, by Geerhardus J. Vos  Dr. Duncan’s Class on Covenant Theology in the RTS App (iOS | Android)  Favorite Hymn: “How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds,” by John Newton  Systematic Theology, by Louis Berkhof  “Denn alles Fleisch, es ist wie Gras,” mvt. 2 from Ein deutsches Requiem, by Johannes Brahms  

In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Kevin, Collin, &Justin wrestle with the current state of the 2020 election. Why doesn’t it seemto be a clear victory for the Left or the Right? What does it mean for thechurch? Does your vote have an inherent meaning, or is it entirely dependentupon your intentions? And they do indulge in just the right amount of rankpunditry.    Timestamps:  College Football [1:32 – 5:05]  Talking about the Election [5:05 – 33:11]  Does a vote have an inherent meaning? [33:11 – 48:48]  Alex Trebek [48:48 – 59:06]  What book, movie, or music do you go to when you need to reorient yourself?[59:06 – 1:08:49]   Book & Music Recommendations: Collin:  The old, red United Methodist Hymnal  Kevin: The Heidelberg Catechism  The Valley of Vision  Preaching & Preachers by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones  any systematic theology  The Planets, mvt. 4, “Jupiter” (Thaxted) by Gustav Holst  The Mission: Original Soundtrack from the Motion Picture by Ennio Morricone    Justin: Psalm 131  “God Moves in a Mysterious Way” by William Cowper 

In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Dr. Scott Swain—Professor of Systematic Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary—joins Kevin, Justin, and Collin to discuss his book, The Trinity: An Introduction. Listen in to hear about recent controversies surrounding the doctrine of the trinity, if the Holy Spirit is indeed forgotten in our discussions about the trinity, why analogies for the trinity are unhelpful, and why Orlando is the most magical place on earth. This episode of Life and Books and Everything is brought to you by Crossway. The Crossway book we want to highlight this week is Covenant Theology: Biblical, Theological, and Historical Perspectives by the faculty at Reformed Theological Seminary. Join a host of twenty-six scholars, including O. Palmer Robertson, Michael J. Kruger, and Scott R. Swain, as they explore how the concept of covenant is clearly taught in Scripture and how it lays the foundation for other doctrines of salvation. LBE is also excited to announce that listeners of the show can receive 30% off Crossway books, bibles, tracts, audiobooks, and ebooks by signing up for a free Crossway+ membership. Crossway+ is a new membership program designed to provide you with gospel-centered resources aimed at strengthening your faith and serving the church. Registering for a free Crossway+ membership makes it more convenient and affordable than ever to purchase directly from Crossway. Timestamps: Who is Scott Swain and why is Orlando the greatest and most magical place on earth? [0:00 - 8:40] Analogies and the trinity [8:40 - 12:10] 20th Century evangelicalism and the doctrine of the trinity [12:10 - 20:45] What is biblicism? [20:45 - 23:53] Relations of origin and the persons of the trinity [23:53 - 29:30] Why we should reject social trinitarianism [29:30 - 31:31]Is it true that we often forget the Holy Spirit in our discussions of the trinity? [31:31 - 34:55] The work of the Holy Spirit and revivalistic-charismatic movements [34:55 - 38:21] A tool-kit of systematic theology categories and terms [38:21 - 49:12] The drama behind the filioque [49:12 - 50:50] How should pastors communicate these orthodox categories to their congregations? [50:50 - 57:35] Resources on the Doctrine of the Trinity: St. Patrick's Bad Analogies  The Deep Things of God: How the Trinity Changes Everything by Fred Sanders The Wonderful Works of God by Herman Bavinck The Essential Trinity: New Testament Foundations and Practical Relevance by Carl Trueman and Brandon Crowe  On God and Christ: The Five Theological Orations by Gregory of Nazianzus

In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Jeff McAlvey joins Kevin and Justin to discuss the Christian’s role in politics. Jeff worked closely with Michigan Governor John Engler in the 90s, oversaw the state appropriations process when Governor Engler was the Senate Majority Leader, and started a lobbying group after his time in Washington DC. Listen in as Kevin, Justin, and Jeff unravel some of the misconceptions around politics in America and offer advice on how church members can love their neighbors and be more politically involved in their local communities. This episode of Life and Books and Everything is brought to you by Crossway. The Crossway book we want to highlight this week is, When the Stars Disappear: Help and Hope from Stories of Suffering in Scripture (Suffering and the Christian Life, Volume 1) by Mark Talbot. When the Starts Disappear engages the topic of suffering, not only through Reformed theological and philosophical insights but with profound biblical reflection and personal experience through the author himself. Book recommendations Kevin: God's Design for the Church: A Guide for African Pastors and Ministry Leaders by Conrad Mbewe Lost in Thought: The Hidden Pleasures of an Intellectual Life by Zena Hitz Jesus and the Forces of Death: The Gospels' Portrayal of Ritual Impurity within First-Century Judaism by Matthew Thiessen Ten Global Trends Every Smart Person Should Know: And Many Others You Will Find Interesting by Ronald Baily and Marian Tupy Justin: What It Means to Be Human: The Case for the Body in Public Bioethics by O. Carter Snead Self-Portrait in Black and White: Unlearning Race by Thomas Chatterton Williams Jeff: Absolute Surrender by Andrew Murray

In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Kevin, Justin, and Collin are back together to discuss some of the more pressing issues facing the church today: sexual misconduct and allegations, this time concerning the late Ravi Zacharias, friendless pastors, the curse of fame, dangers facing the church from “the Right” and “the Left,” and helpful books for forming one’s political philosophy. This episode of Life and Books and Everything is brought to you by Crossway. The Crossway titles we want to highlight in this episode are the ESV Scripture Journals (Illuminated Scripture Journals and the Greek Scripture Journal ). Bible readers can take extended notes or record insights and prayers directly beside corresponding passages of Scripture These thin, portable, long-lasting notebooks are great for personal Bible reading and reflection, small-group study, or taking notes through a sermon series. Timestamps: Our attempts at journaling [0:00 - 10:34] The sexual misconduct and allegations of Ravi Zacharius [10:34 - 37:10] Agreeing and disagreeing on the dangers facing Reformed(ish) Evangelicalism [37:10 - 1:01:14]Books to help inform a political philosophy [1:01:14 - 1:18:33] Booklists: Justin: The Contested Public Square: The Crisis of Christianity and Politics by Greg Forster  Political Visions & Illusions: A Survey & Christian Critique of Contemporary Ideologies by David T. Koyzis  A Conflict of Visions: Ideological Origins of Political Struggles by Thomas Sowell   Kevin: The Great Debate: Edmund Burke, Thomas Paine, and the Birth of Right and Left by Yuval Levin  Christ and the Kingdoms of Men: Foundations of Political Life by David C. Innes  The Federalist Papers  Collin: Them: Why We Hate Each Other--and How to Heal by Ben Sasse  

In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Dr. James Eglinton joins Kevin to discuss his latest work, Bavinck: A Critical Biography. Listen in for a fascinating look at the history of the modern Reformed tradition as told through the story of one of its greatest theologians, Herman Bavinck. Topics include Bavinck's Dutch Calvinistic context, his desire to apply Reformed orthodoxy to modern dilemmas, his association with the women's rights movement, if Bavinck was an evangelical, and his children and grandchildren's involvement in the Nazi resistance. This episode of Life and Books and Everything is brought to you by Crossway. The Crossway title we want to highlight in this episode is Concise Theology by J. I Packer. Theology is important for the Christian life. And though it is marked by many complex terms and doctrines, there is yet what J. I. Packer calls “the permanent essentials of Christianity.” This concise introduction to these essential doctrines distills theological truths so both scholar and layperson alike can grow to treasure the unchanging pillars of the Christian faith. Resources mentioned: Bavinck: A Critical Biography by James Eglinton - 40% off HERE  Reformed Dogmatics (4 Volume Set) by Herman Bavinck The History of Scottish Theology, Volume I: Celtic Origins to Reformed Orthodoxy by David Fergusson and Mark Elliot