"Engaging Keller": false teaching still acceptable

I found a review of the book "Engaging Keller"  by Jeremy Walker, which takes a look at Keller's teaching on various doctrines.

While I'm not a fan of Reformers, particularly the New Calvinists and Reformation21, I find it interesting that those inside his camp are questioning Keller on some basic and fundamental doctrinal issues. Sadly, as is usually the case, intent is held up as a justifiable pass, letting just the "concern" be enough. Instead, a man who claims by position of "elder", much less a graduate of seminary, to be a mature Christian who should understand the basics of Christianity, should be considered dangerous and an illegitimate teacher of biblical Truth. Then again, if the standard of truth is merely the Westminster Confession of Faith, then that's too low of a standard. If its Scripture, then Keller should be rejected.

How hard is it to faithfully handle the Word of God in regard to the Trinity and sin? Its not. But if one is influenced by false teachers like C.S. Lewis or others, instead of the clear Scripture, then it becomes harder to be faithful to Scripture alone. That's one major reason why A.W. Pink cautions to take heed of what you READ, not just what you hear.

It just goes to show how biblical doctrine is considered merely opinion or something that people can disagree on and still be considered Christian. That's not according to Scripture.

Moreover, again, a highly educated communicator seems to be unable to communicate clearly basic, although deep, doctrinal truths.

Excerpts from the review:

Iain D. Campbell (also one of the editors) kicks us off by tackling Keller's redefinition of sin, making it to be an act of misplaced love (essentially an idolatrous self-centredness) rather than an act of law-breaking. This, of course, has implications for the nature of the atonement and for the fact of judgment. 

William M. Schweitzer develops his theme along the same lines by asking whether or not Keller communicates an accurate and adequate notion of hell and judgment. He asks three questions: Who condemns people to hell? Who decides that the damned stay in hell? Who metes out the punishment of hell? 

The next essay looks at Keller's doctrine of the Trinity, most particularly his often-employed motif of the "divine dance."...He proceeds to ask what is introduced, obscured or excluded (either potentially or by implication) by Keller's analogy. 

In a shorter but significant contribution, C. Richard H. Holst considers Tim Keller's hermeneutical approach. Concisely and clearly, Holst first sketches out what he calls "the Westminster Hermeneutic" before comparing Keller's vision, in which he identifies three weaknesses: the use of parables to identify key doctrines; the reliance on secondary aspects of texts to make primary points; and, the apparent use of logical fallacies in exegesis. 

Schweitzer returns to the arena to take up Keller's attempts to negotiate a middle way between creation and evolution....Finally, and most cogently, what is Keller's compromise solution, and where does it leave Adam? 

End quote.

1Ti 6:3  If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, 4  he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions,5  and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. 

Titus 2: 1 You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine.

Gal. 1: ^6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— ^7 which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. ^8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! 

2Co 11:3  But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.4  For if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted, you bear this beautifully.