Treading Grain

Found this thorough critique this morning. Well worth the time to work you way through it. In particular you will note how DeYoung restates the author’s stated premise(s) (demonstrating respect for Bell and his ideas as well as good “listening” skills – both necessary in a discussion), evaluates the author’s evidence (in Bell’s case DeYoung notes the dearth of citations – biblical and historical), challenges the author’s arguments and throughout presents – and supports – an alternative theological point of view. DeYoung, not Bell, demonstrates the proper way to “do” theology.

Love Wins, by megachurch pastor Rob Bell, is, as the subtitle suggests, “a book about heaven, hell, and the fate of every person who ever lived.” Here’s the gist: Hell is what we create for ourselves when we reject God’s love. Hell is both a present reality for those who resist God and a future reality for those who die unready for God’s love. Hell is what we make of heaven when we cannot accept the good news of God’s forgiveness and mercy. But hell is not forever. God will have his way. How can his good purposes fail? Every sinner will turn to God and realize he has already been reconciled to God, in this life or in the next. There will be no eternal conscious torment. God says no to injustice in the age to come, but he does not pour out wrath (we bring the temporary suffering upon ourselves), and he certainly does not punish for eternity. In the end, love wins.

Bell correctly notes (many times) that God is love. He also observes that Jesus is Jewish, the resurrection is important, and the phrase “personal relationship with God” is not in the Bible. He usually makes his argument by referencing Scripture. He is easy to read and obviously feels very deeply for those who have been wronged or seem to be on the outside looking in.

Unfortunately, beyond this, there are dozens of problems with Love Wins. The theology is heterodox. The history is inaccurate. The impact on souls is devastating. And the use of Scripture is indefensible. Worst of all, Love Wins demeans the cross and misrepresents God’s character.

Read the rest.

Rob Bell has been in the news quite a bit lately. And for good reason. Bell, who many of you may know through his Nooma videos, has written a new book entitled, “Love Wins.” Nice title. Of course, Bell often has nice titles, “Velvet Elvis” being another. Sadly, though, his theology – suspect from the start – follows the well-worn path of other “emergent” leaders off the reservation. So, what’s the flap about? Well, Bell finally puts his cards on the table: he’s a universalist. And while I can find empathy for his empathy, I just don’t think the story he tells is better than the story Scripture tells.

Here’s a helpful review of the book by Tim Challies:

Questions matter. They can help you to grow deeper in your knowledge of the truth and your love for God—especially when you’re dealing with the harder doctrines of the Christian faith. But questions can also be used to obscure the truth. They can be used to lead away just as easily as they can be used to lead toward. Ask Eve.

Enter Rob Bell, a man who has spent much of the last seven years asking questions in his sometimes thought-provoking and often frustrating fashion. And when he’s done asking, no matter what answers he puts forward, it seems we’re only left with more questions.

Read the rest.