Spiritual Focus on Books February 6, 2012 Issue

Dismantling our idols

Kim Shippey, Senior Editor

How good it is to have New Yorker Timothy Keller’s perspectives on the economic meltdown of 2008–2009 freshly revealed in a paperback version of his book Counterfeit Gods that’s as crisp as toast and as relevant as ever. The line-spacing allows lots of headroom for jottings, and the layout is a joy to the eye. Also important, Keller’s 32 pages of notes are filled not just with book titles and page numbers but with pertinent commentary worth exploring even if you never get to the main text.

Keller’s life as pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church, one of the busiest churches in Manhattan, puts him in a good place to observe the impact of the financial crisis on a diverse congregation (numbering 5,000-plus). He effortlessly speaks their language and shares many of their heartwarming stories.

He’s generous in his appreciation of the wise, clear-eyed observation of the idols of young people today (including the pop stars anointed by Simon Cowell on TV), which he gained from talking about his book to his three sons. They enjoyed long and intense discussions during walks, dinners, and “just hanging out.” 

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