Timothy Keller

Newsweek describes Timothy Keller as the "C.S. Lewis of the 21st century." Millions of people have read his books and listened to his sermons. Through the "City-to-City" network, he has connected Christian communities worldwide.

But which people, which theologians and thinkers, which books and life experiences have shaped his own thinking and spiritual journey? From the woman who taught him to read the Bible, to the professor who made sure Jesus was at the center of every sermon, to the philosopher who opened his eyes to the deeper layers of society. How have C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Jonathan Edwards, Billy Graham, Francis Schaeffer, Elisabeth Elliot, John Stott, and many others influenced him?

For the first time, Hansen also traces Timothy Keller's early years: how he grappled with his domineering mother and became the spokesperson for his siblings, and how he learned to accompany people as a counselor and pastor in his first church.

And of course, he shows how Tim Keller became one of the most influential Christian leaders in the world as the pastor of Redeemer Church in New York City—even though he never sought that international recognition.