In this conversation hosted by the Theopolis Institute and moderated by Peter Leithart, Collin Hansen and James R. Wood discuss Tim Keller’s strengths and weaknesses. They consider the legacy of Keller’s Christ-centered preaching, explore the good and bad of the “third way,” and converse over his focus on evangelism rather than political theology.

Hansen and Wood discuss whether a “negative world” framing is helpful, whether or not Keller should have been more concerned with politics, and whether winsomeness is synonymous with avoiding hard truths your listeners don’t want to hear. They also take questions from the audience.

In this Episode

0:04 – Introduction and overview of the event

3:52 – Tim Keller’s legacy and cultural context

15:28 – James Wood’s appreciation and critiques

27:17 – Keller’s approach to cultural engagement

56:20 – Political theology and package deals

1:19:40 – Current political moment and third-wayism

1:23:03 – Reality respecters and new openness to the gospel

1:26:59 – Challenges and opportunities in evangelism

1:32:49 – Q&A start

1:32:59 – Contextualization and direct speech in evangelism

1:37:57 – Political engagement and local politics

1:42:54 – Patience and winsome approach in evangelism

1:46:23 – Spiritual openness among younger generations

1:50:16 – Reenchantment and mythology in evangelism

1:55:44 – Voting and political engagement

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