Few pastors in the late 20th and early 21st century have been as influential in a major American urban center, let alone New York, as Tim Keller. In many ways, this reality is quite surprising; Keller was a complementarian, Reformed, a Calvinist, and ministered in the PCA—a theologically conservative Presbyterian denomination.
What is not surprising is the growing number of recently-published books that have begun to explore his life and teaching. His influence upon the American evangelical church, the PCA, and beyond cannot be denied or ignored. Keller died in 2023 after a three-year battle with pancreatic cancer.
Matt Smethurst has written an engaging and well-researched book exploring Keller’s ministry. In the introduction to “Tim Keller on the Christian Life: The Transforming Power of the Gospel” (Crossway, 2025), Smethurst acknowledges that he intentionally avoids delving into some of Keller’s more controversial “theological or political ideas” (6). Some readers might see this decision as a limitation, but the book is not meant to tackle every aspect of Keller’s thought. Instead it focuses on his core teachings that impact Christian living. Smethurst’s decision to center his work on the “bread-and-butter aspects of everyday Christian living”(6) proves to be a refreshing and insightful choice, highlighting the practical wisdom Keller shared over his ministry.
Throughout the book, Smethurst explores Keller’s teaching on a variety of central Christian themes, presenting them in eight chapters, plus an introduction and conclusion. Each chapter is dedicated to a distinct aspect of Keller’s teaching ministry: Christ in all of Scripture, sin, grace, friendship, faith in the workplace, justice, heaven, and suffering. Smethurst does an excellent job of presenting Keller’s thoughts in a clear, accessible way. The fact that Smethurst’s research includes Keller’s sermons and various interviews in addition to his popular books provides a rich analysis. And for those who want to delve more deeply with Keller’s thoughts, the footnotes provide an additional level of conversation.
In each chapter, Smethurst provides helpful summaries of Keller’s key ideas, along with apt quotes that encapsulate his teaching. Smethurst refrains from overwhelming the reader with his own personal opinion on these subjects, choosing instead to let Keller’s voice shine through. This approach allows the reader to engage directly with Keller’s theology, but the selection of quotes and summary thoughts also demonstrate Smethurst’s own theological acumen. He proves to be a helpful, thoughtful, fair, and pastoral writer.
While Smethurst admits that he does not always agree with Keller, the profound influence Keller has had on his understanding of the Christian faith is unmistakable. Smethurst’s candid reflections on his personal struggles with Keller’s teachings – such as wrestling with the view of sin as idolatry – reveal the depth of his engagement with Keller’s thoughts. He recounts how he initially felt Keller’s view of idolatry might unintentionally diminish the seriousness of sin. Too often, the church presents a “thin view” of sin, Smethurst argues, one that reduces it to merely missing the mark or breaking a set of rules. This understanding of sin, while not entirely wrong, can fail to capture the full gravity of the problem.
Smethurst critiques the commonly used “archery analogy,” which likens sin to missing a target, arguing that it leaves much unsaid. “When we explain sin only as missing the mark, or violating heaven’s laws, we risk reducing a cosmic emergency to a knuckleheaded lapse,” Smethurst observes (28).
He then leads the reader into Keller’s own treatment of sin, which he believes is far more nuanced and serious. Keller’s view of sin is not simply about breaking laws but about the deep, pervasive problem that affects every part of human existence. Smethurst’s summary of Keller’s teaching here is helpful: “Sin is not less than missing the Ten Commandments bullseye, but it is considerably more. In fact, Keller shows, it is considerably worse” (28).
Smethurst concludes that Keller’s approach didn’t minimize sin but rather amplified its severity. This moment of intellectual honesty highlights Smethurst’s deep engagement with Keller’s ideas and provides a glimpse into the process of wrestling with theological concepts that ultimately bring a clearer understanding.
In addition to offering deep theological insights, Smethurst’s book also provides practical guidance on how Keller’s teachings can be applied to daily life. One of the most helpful chapters is chapter four, which deals with the topic of friendship. Here, Keller’s emphasis on the importance of community and relational depth is made clear, offering a biblical perspective on how to cultivate meaningful, Christ-centered friendships.
Smethurst highlights Keller’s ability to take complex theological ideas and translate them into practical advice that is both accessible and transformative for everyday Christians. This was truly Keller’s great gift in the midst of a confused generation. The chapter on friendship is not merely theoretical but rooted in Keller’s own lived experience and ministry; and the reader can’t help but benefit.
One of the most moving chapters in the book is the final one, which addresses the theme of suffering in the Christian life. Smethurst boldly asserts that Keller’s voice was never more potent than when he spoke about suffering. Keller’s approach to suffering is neither simplistic nor dismissive; instead, he offers a rich, biblical perspective that helps believers navigate the pain and hardship of life with hope and faith.
It is easy to see why this chapter would resonate strongly with readers. It was my favorite chapter—one in which I found much balm for the soul. Keller’s ability to provide comfort without trivializing suffering is one of his most significant contributions to Christian thought.
Another strength of Smethurst’s book is his ability to draw attention to the key influencers in Keller’s life and ministry. Throughout the text, Smethurst highlights the thinkers and theologians who shaped Keller’s understanding of scripture and ministry. These include figures like Martyn Lloyd-Jones, David Powlison, Ed Clowney, Augustine, John Calvin, Jonathan Edwards, Isaac Newton, George Whitefield, C. S. Lewis, and, most notably, Kathy Keller.
The influence of Kathy Keller on her husband’s thought is especially evident, and Smethurst takes care to acknowledge her significant role in Tim Keller’s life and work. This subtle but powerful tribute to Kathy Keller’s partnership in ministry adds a layer of personal warmth to the narrative, showing that Keller’s theological insights were often refined and deepened in the context of shared labor and prayer with his wife. The depiction of the Kellers working together, especially in prayer during the later years of Tim Keller’s ministry, paints a beautiful picture of the collaborative nature of their ministry.
Smethurst’s book also offers readers a glimpse into some of Keller’s most well-known teachings and sermons. By sifting through Keller’s writings, sermons, and interviews, Smethurst brings to the forefront some of his most poignant thoughts. As with Smethurst himself, readers may not agree with Keller on every theological or doctrinal point, but it is hard to walk away from this book without being challenged, stirred, and encouraged. Smethurst’s ability to distill Keller into concise, digestible chapters makes the book an excellent resource for anyone wanting to understand Keller’s thought on the Christian life more deeply.
Ultimately, Smethurst’s work is both an abbreviated intellectual biography of Tim Keller and a succinct summary of some of his most central teachings. By focusing on the themes of sin, grace, justice, friendship, and suffering, Smethurst provides readers with a roadmap for navigating the complexities of Christian life. The book serves as an introduction to Keller’s theology, a tribute to his ministry, and a call to deeper reflection on how Keller’s insights can be applied to the everyday challenges of living out the Christian faith.
Jason Helopoulos serves as senior pastor of University Reformed Church in East Lansing, Michigan