In Keller\u2019s case, that meant building a church for New Yorkers that addressed their blunt, exhausting and even cynical concerns about life.<\/p>\n
In that first sermon after 9\/11, Keller noted that everyone had an opinion about New York City and America as a whole. Some were claiming that \u201cGod is punishing us\u201d because of rampant immorality. Others said America had been judged because of social injustice and greed. Instead of blaming the victims, Keller said it was time to ask who would stand their ground and love their neighbors.<\/p>\n
\u201cMaybe we are going to have to be a little less concerned about our own careers and more concerned about the community,\u201d he said. \u201cSo, let\u2019s enter in. Let\u2019s not just \u2018fix it.\u2019 Let\u2019s weep with those who weep.\u201d<\/p>\n
Keller was more than aware that he was an outsider when he left the faculty of Westminster Theological Seminary near Philadelphia to accept a challenge from the Presbyterian Church in America to start a New York congregation. No one else wanted the job. The bookish preacher understood the depth of the \u201cmonolithic public philosophy of secularism\u201d that dominated Manhattan culture, said Tony Carnes, who edits A Journey through NYC Religions\u2019 website.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe church-planter mantra at that time was that you came to New York to die. … Tim came here to stay,\u201d said Carnes, a longtime member of Redeemer.<\/p>\n
Read it all<\/a>.<\/p>\n A Catholic Cardinal\u2019s Appreciation of Pastor Tim Keller @CardinalDolan<\/a> https:\/\/t.co\/6fCbwPYOKv<\/a><\/p>\n — Public Discourse (@PublicDiscourse) May 30, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n \n