King's Cross

Tim Keller admits there are plenty of books about Jesus. King's Cross is another, but it's not like the rest—Keller isn't concerned with academic arguments, but with the very real ways Christ's life provides meaning for ours. Using the Gospel of Mark as a template, he walks through the life of Jesus Christ from the Nativity to the Resurrection.

This isn't a typical commentary. Keller covers the book chronologically and includes each complete text before the explanation, but King's Cross is as compelling as a good novel. It's also incredibly relevant; renowned for his ability to relate ancient truths using contemporary examples, Keller uses that talent here to great effect.

As we've come to expect from the pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church, he expresses things we know but can't articulate ourselves. For instance, he draws an uncommon line between Christianity and other religions: Christianity, he says, is news; all other religions are simply advice.

He's been called the 21st century C. S. Lewis (Keller even calls Lewis his favorite writer), but Keller has his own distinct flair for making deep Christian truth accessible without making it shallow. King's Cross is one of his best efforts so far, a compelling "biography" of Jesus that accepts each miraculous element of His life as historical and spiritual truth.

And, as all great Christian authors can, he guides us toward greater devotion and more active holiness. These aren't just words, certainly not just intellectual words; the Bible is the one book that understands us, and Keller writes about its central figure through the eyes of St. Mark as few others can or have.

Review by C. Hollis Crossman
C. Hollis Crossman used to be a child. Now he's a husband and father who loves church, good food, and weird stuff. He might be a mythical creature, but he's definitely not a centaur. Read more of his reviews here.