There has been a whole lot of activity centered on Rob Bell and his soon to be released book "Love Wins". I have seen Bell's promotional video and read the publisher's promotional text. I have spent a bit of time reading various blogs and blog comments about the subject. To say the least, it has been educational. I don't think there is an unexplored aspect of this whole controversy. I don't plan to go into what all has been said, however. Bing or Google can provide enough content sources if you want to find out more about it.
I appreciate this whole controversy as it provides a very good example of what I spoke about in my earlier blog "Interfaith - Time To Choose Your Side." While there are many who weighed in to any one of the various "Love Wins" blogs who are on the fence, it is clear that the majority are on one side of the issue or the other even if their position is masked by their opinions of the appropriateness of commenting on the upcoming book before it is released.
I am sure everyone is in agreement that writing about the contents of a book that has not been released is pretty much pointless, I do believe that there is much to be said, and has been said, about the promotion of the book.
I don't think it much matters how clever the promotion of Bell's book has been. The promotion is either accurate or misleading and once the book is released we will see. But to argue that folks who comment on the message the promotion carries are in error because they have not read the book or that there is nothing to address since only questions are being asked is pretty ridiculous. The whole intent of the promotion is to convince people that they should buy the book and as a result folks have something to say.
I find it unfortunate when the entire point is missed by some commenters. We are not dealing with filling the pews, remaining relevant in an ever changing world, or building some type of utopia through tolerance and mutual respect for each other's belief system. What is at stake are the souls of every man and woman.
In John 14:6 Jesus says, "...I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." If the message being preached from the pulpit, no matter how subtle or clever, invalidates this or promotes a different "Jesus", then that message is damning people to hell, period.
Now I know, especially based on the comments I have read of late, that there are some who are going to admonish me for judging. Let me stop you here. This is what the Bible says, not some rule I have created. It is absolute position. Jesus is the only way. If anyone cannot acknowledge that truth, then that person is only assessing their personal choice in the light of Jesus and what His sacrifice means.
I believe that the reason why an "alternative" salvation is being presented and accepted by so many is because it is impossible to stand in the light of truth and feel comfortable. As a result, any message that provides an alternative salvation based on a more "acceptable" and flexible standard is so very enticing, especially when wrapped in feel good, non-confrontational acceptance and bound with an ego boosting intellectualism.
If Rob Bell is preaching something other than John 14:6 in his new book, then God help those who follow the path he is laying out for them.
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