After six weeks, I’m glad we finished up our book discussion on Rob Bell’s Love Wins (mostly because I’m getting tired of the early Sunday mornings). Here are five final thoughts and then I’ll never mention this book or author again (something that is very unlikely):
1. It is possible for people from different backgrounds and generations and denominational preferences to have civil conversations regarding hot-button topics like eternal destiny and salvation. Who knew? We all challenged each other while respecting each others beliefs, and I learned a lot about the importance of listening (even though I probably spoke a little too much).
2. Understanding a writer’s audience is just as important in analyzing contemporary writings as it is in analyzing Biblical texts. For example, Rob Bell writes, “I’ve written this book for all those, everywhere, who have heard some version of the Jesus story that caused their pulse rate to rise, their stomach to church, and their heart to utter those resolute words, “I would never be a part of that.”
So guess what, academic pastors who were angry that there were no footnotes or bibliography? Guess what, Christians who want more explicit references to the Bible? Bell’s audience wasn’t academics, pastors or even Christians. Does this allow for bad theology? Of course not. Does this explain Bell’s less academic, less “Christian” (whatever that is) approach? Yes.
3. Actually reading a book is just as important in understanding contemporary writings as it is understanding Biblical texts. The percentage of Americans who read the Bible at least once a week is 37%. I’d imagine way less than that actually red Rob Bell’s book. I would like to call a moratorium on people talking about things of which they are ignorant. If you’re not comfortable reading a book or watching a movie based on what you think it’s about, then please refrain – it’s a free country. But you also forfeit talking about said book or movie as if you have seen it – that’s called gossip.
4. When Jesus died on the cross, two thieves died beside him. If I would have been a follower of Jesus on that day, it would have been easy for me to look at those thieves and think, “Those evil men are going straight to hell.” But what would have been unknown to me was the fact that one of those thieves looked at Jesus and said “Remember me!” Simply that. No Roman Road. No prayer of salvation. Did he even know Jesus’s name? We’ll never know. But he asked Jesus to remember him, and Jesus said he would join him in paradise that very day.
Who am I to make a judgment call on whether that person of another faith did or did not go to heaven? How can I possibly know?
5. Finally, one quote from Rob Bell and one quote from the Apostle Paul:
“Jesus invites us to trust that the love we fear is too good to be true is actually good enough to be true…Jesus invites us to become, to be drawn into this love as it shapes us and forms us and takes over every square inch of our lives. Jesus calls us to repent, to have our minds and hearts transformed so that we see everything differently.” (that was Rob Bell)
“But whether or not their motives are pure, the fact remains that the message about Christ is being preached, so I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice.” Philippians 1:18 (that was Paul, with a little emphasis from me)
Thanks for following along. You guys and girls have been just as gracious as the folks in my class, and for that I am grateful.
Farewell, Rob Bell.
Good thoughts, sir. I have yet to read “Love Wins,” as I have been waiting for the hoopla to die down a bit. Love closing Bell/Paul quotes, and could not agree more with them both. :)
In spite of the title, I am sure more thoughts will come.
On the plus side, Rob Bell has begun an important discussion. At the end of the day, we need to reconcile in our theology that “Christ died for ALL” is said many more times than the more selective passages. I still believe that there is something real in the concepts of heaven and hell, just not what most have assumed. Certainly, Jesus himself was that way.
Anyways, I appreciate that you have used the larger frame of how we discuss controversy. The only thing I would add is that we need not to be afraid to disagree. God can handle it and He calls us to join Him in the discussion.
As I’ve been reading Love Wins, I’ve been eating a lot of humble pie. Before reading, I scoffed, passed bad reviews around to my friends, felt indignant that this man would even GO THERE… Reading before reviewing is a requirement. I missed it.
I have a lot of questions about his book, but if anything, it’s reconnected me to the gospel in a way I didn’t anticipate….what’s really important/essential…and how able God is to handle my questions.
I like your list.
Thanks for the great series Shawn. I’m with Chad, I appreciate the closing with Rob/Paul. Perfect.
Great concluding remarks Shawn. Thanks for not specifically calling me out on point #2. haha Seriously though, I appreciate your graciousness my friend.
Thanks for reading, Chris. I found your posts on the subject very helpful in keeping a balanced view of the book. Looking forward to catching up with you about it in person sometime.
I’m a fan of love wins … in every sense of the phrase and meaning, so I never tire hearing about it.
I especially love point 2 … such a good thing to remember with everything we read.
And point 3 is so necessary … I’ll be quoting you when needed in the future.
Shawn,
I never heard of this book, but after reading this blog, it sparked my interest enough to do some research on it. I spent a whole afternoon reading the reviews on Amazon. I found the reviews fasinating. I plan on reading the book myself. I’ve struggled with some of those very same questions myself. I’ll let you know what I think after I read it!