I ordered "Love Wins" today....

I am looking forward to reading it. I am not afraid to read something and then judge the content (not the author) according to Scripture. I think knowing what you believe and why is very important! Many denominations take teachings they have grown up with as part of the 'gospel truth' without looking at it according to Scripture. Some people assume that if they grew up with a certain teaching, it must be true...

 Has anyone read the book? Thoughts on the book?

Interview with Rob Bell

http://townhall.com/tipsheet/

I believe it's about 1/2 way down the page. Martin Bashir was really trying to back Rob Bell into a corner to answer his questions the way Mr. Bashir wanted him to. I thought Rob Bell did a good job answering the questions...

Rob Bell Himself on Good Morning America

Here is a link to Rob Bell's interview on Good Morning America....Hmmm....thoughts??


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4RBWOgJGAQ

Another Link

I found it interesting that Rob says something about people who are searching are taught that Jesus rescues us from God (and God will send you to hell if you don't believe in Jesus). I think I know what he is getting at...it's not that there is no hell, it's that we aren't being rescued from God, we are being restored to God. We were separated because of our sin not because of God....

Ok, I am going to wait to post any more thoughts....thank you for your comments, they are so good and helpful!


http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/video/video.php?v=10150104061084774&oid=10553794179&comments

A Link from Christianity Today

This link was sent to me just a few minutes ago via Facebook. I have not read the entire article yet. I just wanted to move it over here for further reading. Thanks.

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2011/marchweb-only/rob-bell-universalism.html

Thank you For All Your Comments!

I appreciate each one who has taken time to comment here and in private messages. Thank you for being respectful and not calling names or attacking churches. My prayer is that some will seek out answers for themselves based on Scripture and that the questions they have will be satisfied through their own study of what the Bible says.

I am really gaining from this discussion and again, I appreciate it.

Still Learning...

If nothing else, Rob Bell's teachings are causing me to dig deeper into the Scriptures to find out more about what I believe and why--that is always a good thing, right?
 Here is another article:
http://www.stltoday.com/lifestyles/faith-and-values/civil-religion/sharon-autenrieth/article_1eed374e-45e7-11e0-9ec5-00127992bc8b.html

In this article, there is a description of Bell and his new book. It does seem the publisher designed it to fuel the controversy. However, I know from experience that once you sign that contract, your publisher can do anything they wish to promote your book. It is your writing but it is really THEIR book. This is one of the main reasons I did not accept a contract with my book even though financially, it would have been much better but money is not always worth the trade...
Anyway, I am really saying that to say Rob Bell is not personally using controversy to promote his book even if his publisher *might be*:

Fans flock to his Facebook page, his NOOMA videos have been viewed by millions, and his Sunday sermons are attended by 10,000 parishioners - with a downloadable podcast reaching 50,000 more. An electrifying, unconventional pastor whom Time magazine calls ‘a singular rock star in the church world', Rob Bell is the most vibrant, central religious leader of the millennial generation. Now, in Love Wins: Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived, Bell addresses one of the most controversial issues of faith - the afterlife - arguing that a loving God would never sentence human souls to eternal suffering. With searing insight, Bell puts hell on trial, and his message is decidedly optimistic - eternal life doesn't start when we die; it starts right now. And ultimately, Love Wins.  HarperOne

Hell Truth?

In my reading and poking around the Internet, I found this site called "hell truth"...what do you think? I am still reading/thinking about all this..I am going to hold off posting my own thoughts on the subject for a while so it can be a true 'discussion' Thanks for those who have posted comments and the private messages as well!

http://www.helltruth.com/

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.

Jennifer Lobbezoo Davidson

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 .

A Few Notes to Clarify

This is NOT by any means a "Rob Bell bashing blog"- please, no personal attacks on Rob Bell or Mars Hill. I have family and friends who attend Mars Hill and this is their church. It is disrespectful and unproductive to make assumptions about Rob Bell or his church.

I am really and truly interested in your thoughts and references on the subject of heaven and hell. I have been doing some reading/research on it and it has caused me to really dig deeper. I will wait to post my own thoughts until I hear some more of yours. Thank you to everyone who has so far shared their thoughts!

Rob Bell's New Book and his thoughts on Hell

This is simply a blog to house all the clips and discussions I come across about Rob Bell. I really am not for or against any of his teachings...yet. I would love to hear your feedback and see your links and such. I don't know enough to form a strong opinion just yet...thanks for helping me out!

What do you think??
Here is a link that was sent to me:
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DMiqu5fwtEdc&h=70d13

what do you think?

And, this one:

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/video/video.php?v=10150104061084774&oid=10553794179&comments

Thoughts?