Keller vs. Piper

D.J. Chuang puts his life in danger when he posts "Why I Like Keller More Than Piper."  Okay, not really.  It has little to do with comparing the two.  But it's a good post on the reasons why D.J. (I think he speaks for many) likes Keller a lot.  Here's his points, but please read his whole post for his quotes and explanations.

1. He is unassuming.
2. He graciously preaches the Gospel clearly and compellingly.
3. His preaching is accessible and edifying to both non-Christians and Christians.
4. He allows us to see that the writers of the past and present are both relevant to life and faith today.
5. He is authoritative without being authoritarian.
6. He believes that doctrines are important and actually shows how it matters.
7. He is fair and honest.
8. His passion for the cities of the world reflects the City of God.
9. He is respectful of other’s convictions, preferences, and callings.
10. He encourages people to think out the implications of their faith.
11. He speaks to the heart of the matter.
12. He deconstructs and reconstructs.
13. He teaches the Bible in a refreshing culturally engaging way.
14. He reads and comments on blogs.

Comments

[Mark DeVine]

I too like Keller a lot and for similar reasons. I sometimes encounter a style of preaching and a vision of the Christian life and church life (sometimes in myself I'm afraid) that I will call neo-puritan and regulative principle fixated that I think tends to display weaknesses that I suspect Keller avoids.

One is the tendency to express more convictions about more issues more dogmatically than either the Bible and/or the knowledge base of the pastor or preacher in question warrants. Keller seems to be modeling something different and attractive in just the ways your the list indicates.

[Danny]

I know its not intended, but some may read this and come to conclusions, so I suggest:

"So then, no more boasting about men! All things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future — all are yours, and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God. 1Cor 3.21-23 WOW!
I thank God HUGELY for both and glean differently from them.
peace

[Steve McCoy]

Danny, did you read Chuang's post?

[sacred vapor]

Having been a member of Redeemer for 10 years (where Tim is pastor) and having conversed with Tim privately and corporately, I full heartedly agree with the 14 points mentioned about Keller.

Not sure I would make a comparison with Piper, but Keller embodies these 14 points. Actually 13, not sure about Tim's blogging.

vapor

[Steve McCoy]

sv, Dr. Keller has commented here several times (as well as other blogs I've frequented). So go ahead and make it 14. :)

[Danny]

Steve,that's affirmative. great insights, huh. i know it is toungue in cheek;)
the text was more for those who might read this and say, "come on dude, grow up", as is inevitable.
so to them: Piper and Keller, you as well dude, are mine in Christ!
no harm intended. hope none taken.

[Djchuang]

Danny, no harm done or taken. You quoted chapter and verse, while I used my own venacular in my closing remarks to provide a disclaimer. So, we're covered on both fronts from misinterpreters. :) I couldn't well let the Piper fans get away with all their raves unanswered :)

[Danny]

yea, can't give those(us) Piper-ites an inch, good for you. man, praise God for guys like TK & JP, and all Christ's laborers, big or small in man's eyes, and the impact God, through them, is having in our lives and toward those we come in contact with. for us, the greater boston area is desperate for something "other", which they have/are tasting...and so are we.
much grace and peace to your soul!
danny

[Brian Mann]

I noticed the post you are speaking about and after thinking about it more I see a kind of 1 Corinthian schism mentality. I love to hear Piper's preaching, and though I know little of Keller his cooperation with Piper and other reformed leaders of our day is what makes us focus on not comparing teachers as much as thanking God for his gracious gifts being presented through them. It is more of a complimentary attitude that I see in the New Testament, not one of comparison. To post "I like...better than..." may not be the best way to put it. Rather "Keller and Piper add to the sound teaching of our day in the following unique ways..." may better express what this author is really thinking. Just some thoughts.

[jason allen]

I've really appreciated what I have seen from Keller as well. I might not know of him as well as others here but I know I have greatly benefitted from his teaching and maybe even more so from the attitude in which he teaches.

Thanks for the link.

[phil]

what blogs has keller commented on and does anyone know what blogs he reads? i wish he had a blog.