Rob Bell and his newest book...

Today I ordered a copy of Love Wins, the newest book by the popular Christian writer and preacher, Rob Bell. The Christian blogs are reeling about this book and whether or not Bell is orthodox in his teachings on Heaven and Hell.  Eugene Peterson wrote these words about the controversial book: Rob Bell and anyone else who is baptized is my brother or my sister.  We have different ways of looking at things, but we are all a part of the kingdom of God.  And I don’t think that brothers and sisters in the kingdom of God should fight.  I think that’s bad family manners.

I don’t agree with everything Rob Bell says.  But I think they’re worth saying.  I think he puts a voice into the whole evangelical world which, if people will listen to it, will put you on your guard against judging people too quickly, making rapid dogmatic judgments on people.  I don’t like it when people use hell and the wrath of God as weaponry against one another.

I think we need to wait and read the book. Then decide if we agree or disagree with the author's theology. We need to refrain from criticism until we have read it for ourselves. Those who do not follow Jesus Christ watch us at times like this. When we attack each other, they think that Christians are cruel, harsh and unable to have civil dialogues with one another. We need to treat one another as Christ would treat people he disagreed with. He loved them anyway, he respected them and he found no joy in condemning people he disagreed with.

When I finish reading Bell's book, I will post my take on his premise and the teachings from the book. Even if I disagree vehemently with him, I will still call him my brother in Christ and pray for him and his ministry. I think he would do the same for me.