The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith (2008) - Timothy Keller (Hardcover, 160 pages, $19.95, Dutton, ISBN 978-0525950790) Available in stores and online.
At first glance you might think this thin volume from Tim Keller (pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City) would have more to do with spiritual growth than with culture, but the book provides plenty of richness in both areas. The Parable of the Prodigal Son is familiar to millions of Christians, but Keller expounds the Luke 15 text to show that this isn't just the story of the prodigal son. There's much more to it. (And what about the book's title? The Prodigal God? You'll have to read the book!)
Keller challenges both our spiritual and cultural assumptions of how we should look at God the Father and the ways we seek (or fail to seek) Him. When hearing this parable, we typically dwell more on the prodigal than the elder brother who did not rebel. But, says Keller, each represents a different way to be alienated from God.
But wait a minute! Wasn't the elder brother who stayed with his father more obedient? As Keller shows from Scripture, the two brothers are more alike than they first appear.
This is a fascinating, convicting, comforting and biblical look at a familiar text. The Prodigal God is a great book for private devotionals, group studies or discussion groups. Highly recommended.
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