Reviews

Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith by Rob Bell

rachelfsreads's review against another edition

5.0

One of my standbys for when I need to refocus. I don't always agree with everything Bell says, but I did enjoy this book.

nate_reads's review against another edition

5.0

For me this book holds a sense of nostalgia since I was first introduced to Rob Bell through the Nooma series of videos. Three or four of which are included in this book. There is a lot that I love about this book and there are some things that I disagree with. I really like Rob Bell's writing style, but I understand that for some people it can be off putting. If that is the case, I would recommend the audiobook version especially if you are used to the Nooma videos. For some Christians this book may seem controversial and for others it may seem amazing. For myself there is a lot to love but I have some issues with his views on what is truth and on the sabbath. What I really love are his stories and explanations of how language has shaped our understanding of the bible over time and to have a clear understanding we must put ourselves in the ancient Jewish shoes to fully appreciate how different and revolutionary being a Christian was in the early church. The context given about the sickly woman touching Jesus's robe or Jesus and the disciples traveling to Philippi and the significance of the Jesus's sermon there in that place at that time. It makes the Bible a richer and deeper book by knowing and understanding the context of the stories. One thing this book dives deeply into is the importance of language and how translations and church doctrine have changed things over time and people today just take what they are told as gospel instead of reading it for themselves. Understanding language is important along with having a proper interpretation of the context and words used. Another thing I liked about this book as it is partly biographical as well Rob Bell says don't take what I am saying as gospel think about it discuss it, he is very humble in his presentation compared to many other theologians and pastors I have read books on. I would say Doug Batchelor is one of the few others that comes off as humble in their faith. This book is filled with antidotes and stories about Rob Bell's time as a pastor at Mars Hill, Grandville Church and his subsequent continuous walk of faith and discovery of what it means to be a Christian.

sarahinthesun's review against another edition

5.0

One of Rob Bell's first books and the first one I read (almost 14 years ago). This is a great over sweeping view of faith and theology articulated in such a unique way that will feel like Home to many.

matthewwester's review against another edition

5.0

4.5 stars because there's no denying this book is written in an engaging way. The metaphors and punchy language keep the pages turning.

But for me the content of the book is illustrated by this little snippet: a couple has asked Bell to officiate their marriage and Bell writes, "They said they didn't want any Jesus or God or Bible or religion to be talked about. But they did want me to make it really spiritual. The bride said it in her own great way, 'Rob, do that thing you do. Make it really profound and deep and spiritual.'" The chapter ends by Bell saying that wherever you find passion and love and exhilaration, you find Jesus. So the couple was closer to Jesus than they could have ever imagined.

So... yeah. If that little illustration gets you excited than definitely read this book. If that illustration gets your theological antennae on caution mode then you might not enjoy the content of this book (but probably should still read it to know what others are reading). Either way, Bell spotlights the mystery and greatness of God, and invites readers not to absorb the book without thinking critically through it, the parts you agree and the parts you disagree with.

palmsey's review against another edition

5.0

The author has a lot of insight into relevant Jewish and Roman cultural issues in Biblical times, which was really interesting to me. I felt like it was a new way of looking at things but at the same time all old truths (rediscovered, I guess). I need to read (or at least skim) it again and take some notes to help it all sink in.

elzabetg's review against another edition

3.0

Excellent book that makes you think about your faith. Even if you don't agree with Bell, he doesn't expect you to. Loved it!

michellel123's review against another edition

4.0

I need to buy my own copy of this, as it prompted so many trains of thought from me.

pickleballlibrarian's review against another edition

5.0

Awesome book about the Christian faith. Not everybody has the same, um, Elvis....

gbdill's review against another edition

5.0

In Velvet Elvis, Rob Bell provides some extraordinary insight into God's word and the Christian life. Of particular interest to me was Bell’s insight into certain terms found in Scripture. For example "yoke" was a word used to describe a rabbi's interpretation of how to live the Torah. Every rabbi had his own yoke, or understanding/interpretation of the Torah. It was a tradition that Jews would follow after a certain rabbi's yoke because they believed his interpretation was the closest to what God originally intended. This explains why Jesus once said His yoke is easy (Matthew 11:30). Furthermore, Bell gives us insight into the formation of what would eventually become the canon of Scripture as we know it. Even before councils were convened, the early church had begun gathering books (even by oral tradition) they felt were inspired of God. In fact, Peter affirms Paul's writings as having the same inspiration as the rest of Scripture (2 Peter 3:16), implying there were others being written that did not fit into this criteria of inspiration. As in his book, “Love Wins”, Bell assures us that it is okay to read Scripture and not understand it, even questioning it, and possibly having doubt just as the early church did. They, like us, are all a part of the story in God’s grand plan to redeem and reconcile the world to himself. Bell also makes the claim that all truth belongs to God. And, it’s not just found in Christianity. You may find some truth in other things, including other faiths. But what we ought to do is claim it for God, because it belongs to Him. I also liked the chapter about the environment. Bell makes the biblical case that all things will someday be renewed and reconciled. And, he is right. We shouldn’t be working against it, but with it, just as Adam did in the original garden.

I have read two Rob Bell books and haven’t read a bad one yet. Bell challenges me and makes me think. On several occasions I had to open up my Bible as a result of reading through this book. And, if a book causes you to think and meditate on Scripture, then I believe it has served its purpose well. I highly recommend Velvet Elvis to anyone who wants to be challenged in their faith.

walkingtheborder's review against another edition

2.0

It's not that I actively dislike the book, just that I've read most of the good stuff elsewhere, and better written. If you've never read any emergent-ish books it may come as a welcome revelation, but if you have, you may be left thinking, "Well, yes.... and..?"

And then there's the style.

There's a limit to how many single-sentence paragraphs one wants to read.

And this book passes that limit.

By a long way.

A very, very long way.