In a recent episode of Point of View, host Kerby Anderson sat down with Dr. Michael Keller, author of the new book The Stories We Live By, to explore how the stories we tell ourselves shape every aspect of our lives.

Why Our Stories Matter

Dr. Keller opens the conversation by asking listeners to consider the stories that guide their sense of self, their ambitions, and their relationships. He points out that many people build identity on achievements or labels, while the Christian story offers a different foundation—one that is received rather than earned.

From Loss to a New Story

The book’s genesis began with Keller’s personal experience of loss. He explains how his father, Timothy Keller, encouraged him to translate complex theological ideas into a more accessible format. The result is a narrative that starts with a personal story of grief and expands into a broader cultural critique.

Seven Cultural Narratives in Focus

• Identity: How do we define ourselves beyond achievements, and what does a biblical identity look like?
• Power: Why is power often seen as the ultimate goal, and how does humility reframe that pursuit?
• Freedom: Is freedom merely escape, or does it involve commitment to love and service?
• Morality: When morality is portrayed as socially constructed, where does a stable moral foundation come from?
• Truth: How does the biblical view of truth contrast with a purely scientific or relativistic perspective?
• Happiness: Why the relentless chase for happiness can leave us empty, and what deeper fulfillment might replace it?
• Progress: How do we evaluate progress when cultural narratives shift and sometimes mislead?

For each narrative, Keller sketches the cultural story, highlights its tension, and hints at the biblical alternative that listeners can explore further in the full program.

How to Engage with the Book

Dr. Keller notes that the book is designed for both personal reflection and group study. Its chapters include extensive endnotes and references to Timothy Keller’s earlier work, making it a useful resource for small‑group discussions or individual study. He encourages listeners to use the book as a springboard for conversations about worldview, faith, and everyday life.

To hear the full depth of Keller’s insights and the questions he raises about each cultural narrative, tune into the complete Point of View episode.