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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
This book has been an invitation for many Christians and non-Christians to take a second look at faith and what it truly means to be “saved.” I am thankful for the freedom and mercy that the Lord bestows. I am thankful for Jesus Christ and his revolutionary presence on this earth, and I am thankful for this book for opening my eyes to the depth and width and height of what that means for ALL people!
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
A great book with a positive, affirming, even inspirational interpretation of heaven, hell, and the nature of God and the gospel. A very easy read.
Rob Bell's book on Hell reads like a sermon. In other words, it is a strong appeal without footnotes or references to the scholarship it builds upon. I would have liked a better treatment of opposing viewpoints, not because he is wrong in his conclusions, but because I think he would have made a stronger case. Before people start anathematizing Rob Bell for questioning the (problematic) doctrine of Hell, they should read C.S. Lewis' The Great Divorce or research what the early fathers and the Orthodox Church say about Hell, in addition to going back to the original context of the New Testament. There's definitely room in "Big-Tent" Christianity for the likes of Rob Bell.
Turns out the controversy about this book is spot on. Bell says many things I found myself agreeing with...and then promptly offers conclusions that are unsound in Scripture. This was a tough read, at times I wanted to be excited but I always had to wait for the other shoe to drop, and when it did the idea was wrong almost every time. Interesting style, bad interpretation of the Bible, even worse conclusions.
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
Bell asks a great many questions in the beginning of the book especially, but also throughout, that seem to be designed to get you to think for yourself and not just accept what may have been spoonfed to you. It follows a strong line of basic logic, as in "If this is true how can that be true?" Expected this to be more evangelical in tone, but it is actually more logical/philosophical in tone. Can see why it has stirred up people who have been taught to believe traditionally. Easy to read and follow. Found it interesting that he lays on the table some ideas that many people wonder about, but perhaps don't have the courage to bring up in their home churches. One example: if one person is a saved Christian but lives a terrible life, is he better than an unsaved person who leads an exemplary life of a spiritual nature?
It's kicked up quite the fuss. I read it quickly and took notes along the way. I was provided food for thought. A chance to examine parts of my faith I don't often question. True to classic Bell form he rarely outright answers any of the questions he raises, but challenges you to understand how your faith and the God you either do or don't believe in.