Every some Thursdays, Redeemer hosts this workshop with a 40-minute talk given by Tim Keller. Sort of a book review on his book: Center Church.
And then there's the 5 minute Q&A session.
I liked it until they started the group discussions. I think it is a waste of time, when the group discussion is devoid of the main speaker. This is what a lot of fellowships love to do...breaking the crowd down into smaller groups...but who's in charge? Would anyone at the "lowest" level (visitor) feels connected with the "highest" level (speaker) in anyway whatsoever? If not, then the discussion is pointless, and best be saved for refreshment. Plenty of time to chit chat then.
Believing I should discipline my time wisely, I decided not to attend the 1pm workshop this time (today), after I confirmed on the website(login requires for material access) that I could watch the workshop recorded in videos anyway.
This workshop is helpful for me in not only learn about urban ministry, but also to discern Redeemer and Dr. Keller's position on the Gospel in the city.
I still have the book list recommended by Keller that I must review:
A Message from Redeemer City to City:
Dear Guests,
The complete talk and Q&A from our first meeting is now available online at centerchurch.com. Once you've registered and logged in, you can find the talks under "Center Church Theological Vision." We've also posted some optional pre-reads for the next talk under "Gospel Theology."
Also, we finally tracked down the list of books recommended for reading the culture. They are (with Dr. Keller's comments):
Luc Ferry, A Brief History of Thought | "If you only read one, read this one."
Steven Smith, The Disenchantment of Secular Discourse
Jonathan Haidt, The Righteous Mind
Andrew Delbanco, The Real American Dream: A Meditation on Hope
John Gray, Straw Dogs: Thoughts on Humans and Other Animals
Lesslie Newbigin, The Gospel in a Pluralist Society (approximately the first 65 pages)
Nicholas Wolterstorff, Justice: Rights and Wrongs (pp. 324-362) | "Probably the most difficult reading."
Michael Sandel, Justice: What's the Right Thing to Do?
Miroslav Volf, Exclusion & Embrace: A Theological Exploration of Identity, Otherness, and Reconciliation
If you have any other questions, contact claral@redeemercitytocity.com. The next event will be held on December 20 — invite coming soon.