Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Discussion Moved From Facebook

(My Facebook post) "I would love to hear from anyone who has actually READ Rob Bell's book...otherwise, why judge based on speculation??"
Comments:

Alicia Querry Lentner "Which book I've read all of them I think. I've liked all of them as well. Leaving our church(mars hill) was one of the toughest parts of moving away. Pastor Bell is a blessing to the body of Christ. His books are good in my opinion, and yes I've read them :) "

  • Amy Kuncaitis His new book"Love Wins" talks about if there is really a literal hell. The book is not released until the end of the month but people are speculating he is writing that there is no literal hell. They are making huge leaps in judgement while admitting they haven't read the book...I am going to wait until the book comes out. My parents are hardcore consertive and they go to Mars Hill and adore Rob Bell...



  • Alicia Querry Lentner I've heard him talk about Jesus and the work of the cross and salvation. Sigh I wish people would stop hating on him. He teaches/preaches Jesus and the word. I look forward to reading his new book. Not so that I can pass judgement but so that I can be taught and learn. Peace to those who choose judgement.
      
    Laurie Schaaf Some of the pastors who are most critical have read several chapters and seen the video clip online which certainly sounds like he doesn't believe in the traditional Christian view of Hell. I find the subject very interesting since this ha...s always been a very troubling area for me. I would love to believe there is no Hell but I can't dismiss the many references to it in the Bible. There is a possibility that he believes, that unbelievers will be destroyed rather than go to Hell. I have a Christian friend who believes that and has Scripture to back her belief. Rob has always written books that are controversial. I'm sure he knew his comments would create a stir. While I agree we shouldn't jump to judgement,we do have to hold our pastors accountable to teach the truth even when that truth is difficult to accept. I believe the leaders at Mars Hill will do that.

    Marisa Lowing-Rakowski agreed!!! I don't know if I want to 'care' or just go on with no conterversary :)
  • Amy Kuncaitis Aunt Laurie, I am always impressed with how you can put words to my thoughts exactly! And I agree with the rest of these comments also!



  • Karie Groothuis-Mastbergen I can't wait to read the book. The subject is very interesting to me. I know several Christians who do not believe in a literal Hell, but more of a separation from God. To be honest, it's a subject I struggle with because it can be interpreted in different ways, even in the Scriptures. I totally agree that the critics should read the entire book before jumping to judgement.



  • His books are very controversial. Be careful... we are all swayed easily by pretty words, but remember, the truth can be offensive. Jesus was offensive. I would love it if there were no hell, but I trust that God is not only a loving God..., but a just God. We used to go to Mars Hill, but left because we felt like the word was being "watered down" and softened to fit into our comfortable lives. I mean no offense to anyone who still goes there... I still have many people that I love who go there and really look up to Rob Bell. I actually spent a lot of time and energy defending him. I have to admit, I see things differently now. I pray for him though. I am interested however in reading this book... I hope it is not what it seems.
    Sue Grove Here's a good place to start listening to 'someone who's read the book', http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Miqu5fwtEdc Then, a little research into the Emergent Movement, Kingdom Now, and Dominion Theology will be extremely helpful. Jesus told us that in the Last Days, "Many will come in My name". Don't be fooled by the wolves in sheep's clothing.
    Kristin Waalkes Groothuis
    Since coming to Mars Hill almost 12 yrs ago, my mind has been opened to understand the scriptures in new & often different ways. I believe that the way I had previously understood God & His Word made Him to be less than who He is. Rob is ...a phenomenally gifted teacher, & known world wide. He is a huge threat to the devil as hundreds of lives have been committed to being Jesus' disciples thru Rob's teachings. Why do you think so many are trying to destroy him? Maybe they are the "wolves in sheeps clothing". He has a unique style of teaching, hard to understand by listening to a short clip on FB. If you haven't studied under him, please don't judge him. That clip was meant to start controversy to entice you to read his book. Read it before you form your opinion. Sue, the link you put up refers to his book "Velvet Elvis". The clips are taken out of context of the book. I have it & I love it.
     (a private message comment)
    Just a few thoughts. I liked Jennifer's comments especially the last line. If Rob is creating this controversy to sell books, I feel that is wrong. I am very concerned about the "Rob followers" who refuse to believe their leader could be leading people astray. He is a fallible being like the rest of us no matter how gifted or popular he is. Many in his position have fallen. I pray that isn't the case with him. He may do a world of good and many devout believers adore him, but if he isn't true to Scripture ,( and I don't know for a fact he isn't) he needs to be confronted. It's the Biblical thing to do .

    1 comment:

    1. There is a literal heaven and literal hell
      Matt. 25:31-46; Luke 16:19-26; Rev.21:1-8

      False teachers will deny the existence of either heaven or hell or both. Most often their claim is that "a loving God could never send anyone to hell". The Bible teaches that there is a real hell and a real heaven. God doesnt send people to hell but because of their own choice to reject Jesus Christ as Lord, they send themselves to hell. There is a final judgment-one for unbelievers and one for believers-John 12:47,48; 2 Cor. 5:10; Rev.20:12-15. Learn these foundational truths through studying the God's Word. Studying these subjects using the Bible(not just taking man's opinion)you will become familiar with the truth, and you be able to recognize things which are false. The mind set that all we need to do is love and be good to one another and everyone will go to heaven is pure deception. Ask your self the question... Are emotions and people influencing your belief more than God? You must go by the facts. Facts do not change. God's Word contains the unchanging facts. Faith is our trust in God and His Word.

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