Alternatives Quote by Timothy Keller
![“[T]he main problem in life is sin, and the only solution is God and his grace. The alternative to this view is to identify something besides sin as the main problem with the world and something besides God as the main remedy. That demonizes something that is not completely bad, and makes an idol…” quote by Timothy Keller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bf9/timothy-keller-240_alternatives_t-he-main-problem-in-life-is-sin-and-the_881042.jpg)
“[T]he main problem in life is sin, and the only solution is God and his grace. The alternative to this view is to identify something besides sin as the main problem with the world and something besides God as the main remedy. That demonizes something that is not completely bad, and makes an idol out of something that cannot be the ultimate good.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Reason for God by Timothy Keller, 2008
Humanity’s core problem is sin; only divine grace resolves it, whereas secular solutions misplace blame and worship false idols.
In simple terms: Sin is the main problem; God’s grace is the remedy.
Key Takeaway
Seek divine grace over worldly fixes.
Themes
theology
sin
grace
idolatry
Mood
contemplative
serious
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal crisis
- moral decision making
- social policy
- interfaith dialogue
Key Concepts
Christian doctrine
spiritual redemption
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you identify true sources of societal ?
- Can moral improvement occur without religious belief?
A Different Perspective
Secular approaches may address practical issues without spiritual depth.
![“24 A few pages later, Delbanco writes the following: [Alexis de] Tocqueville’s detection of a “strange melancholy in the midst of abundance” has a special salience today — because while we have gotten very good at deconstructing old stories (the religion that was the subject of my first chapter…” quote by Timothy Keller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/85a/timothy-keller-240_sad_24-a-few-pages-later-delbanco-writes-the_25320.jpg)
![“[When asked how it felt to be a female prime minister:] I don't know: I've never experienced the alternative.” quote by Margaret Thatcher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/324/margaret-thatcher-463_alternatives_when-asked-how-it-felt-to-be-a-female-pr_15081.jpg)
