What I learned with Tim Keller About Idolatry and the Gospel
While reading his books and listening to his sermons, sometimes I agreed with him and sometimes I did not. However, it became evident to me that Timothy Keller (1950–2023) was far from being a theological sentinel, peering through a lens of suspicion and arrogance, imposing his viewpoint with an air of superiority.
With a judicious tone and humble intellect, he skillfully assisted me in recognizing the deep-seated idols within my heart, illuminating the path toward true freedom.
The manner in which he presented the gospel and wholeheartedly dedicated himself to the church of Christ left an indelible mark on my spiritual growth. His capacity to engage thoughtfully with the challenges of our time and maintain intellectual honesty inspired me.
Undoubtedly, Tim Keller stands as one of the exemplary servants whom God has employed to bless and shepherd me. I extend my heartfelt gratitude for his unwavering commitment to the Gospel, his devoted ministry, and the abundant fruits borne from his labor.
Keller has made a significant contribution to the understanding of idolatry within the Christian faith. Throughout his teachings and writings, Keller offers a robust theology of idolatry, shedding light on its nature, manifestations, and the transformative power of the gospel in overcoming it.
At the core of Keller’s theology of idolatry is the recognition that human beings have an inherent inclination to worship and place their ultimate trust in created things rather than the Creator Himself. In his view, idolatry is not limited to the worship of physical statues or objects but encompasses anything that takes the place of God in our lives. Whether it be success, wealth, sex, work, relationships, or even our own self-image, Keller argues that idolatry occurs when we assign these things ultimate value and seek from them what only God can provide.
Keller highlights the deceptive nature of idolatry, pointing out that idols promise fulfillment and security but ultimately leave us empty and unsatisfied. He contends that idolatry distorts our desires and affections, leading us away from God and into a state of brokenness. Our pursuit of idols becomes a futile attempt to find purpose and meaning, often resulting in disappointment, addiction, and bondage.
However, Keller’s theology of idolatry does not end with a grim diagnosis. He presents the gospel of Jesus Christ as the ultimate remedy for idolatry. Keller firmly believes that only through a personal relationship with Jesus can we find freedom from the grip of idolatry and experience true fulfillment. According to his outstanding book Counterfeit Gods, idols can’t just be removed; they must be replaced. Yes, we want our idols to be removed, but we also want to replace them with the love of God in Christ.
Jesus Christ, as the incarnate Son of God, is the perfect revelation of God’s character and the ultimate object of our worship. In Him, we find the fulfillment of our deepest longings and the satisfaction of our souls. Keller asserts that through faith in Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, we can be liberated from the chains of idolatry and brought into a right relationship with God.
Keller’s theology of idolatry also emphasizes the transformative nature of the gospel in reshaping our desires and redirecting our worship. He teaches that as we grow in our understanding of God’s grace and immerse ourselves in His Word, our affections are gradually reoriented towards Him. Our idolatrous attachments are replaced with a genuine love for God and a desire to honor Him in all areas of life.
Furthermore, Keller stresses the importance of Christian community in the process of overcoming idolatry. He encourages believers to engage in authentic relationships where mutual accountability and support can foster spiritual growth and challenge the idols that may be hindering our devotion to God.
In summary, Keller’s view of idolatry provides valuable insights into the nature of idol worship and its consequences for human flourishing. Through his teachings, Keller reminds us of the inherent tendency to idolize created things and offers a profound understanding of how the gospel of Jesus Christ can liberate us from idolatry and bring us into a life of true worship and fulfillment. By placing Christ at the center of our affections and submitting ourselves to His lordship, we can experience the transformative power of God’s grace and find lasting satisfaction in Him alone.
