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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
I read the first couple of chapters. Too much repetition. Maybe another time
I picked this up because some friends were talking about the author and his controversial book. I guess if central to your belief system is the notion that some people are "in" and some people are "out" - you might find this book upsetting. Didn't rock my world, but then, I don't really pay much attention to people who claim to "know" what's coming next, anyway. It's not something that is knowable. I can appreciate an author that takes the bible seriously without taking it literally, though. Glad he is willing to go deeper without copping out with "it's a matter of faith."
I gave the book four stars, because although I don't agree with the theology, Bell's writing challenged me to think through my own faith and beliefs. I heard once that you should read books that you don't agree with to develop your critical thinking skills, and that's what I did here. I am interested in reading a few "follow-up" books that were written in response to Love Wins.
It's very weird to read a book that I've seen demonized as "heresy" and "radical leftism" from a "false prophet" only to find it's like, pretty basic orthodoxy.
Honestly, I find it pretty hard to get worked up over a small, well-meaning pastoral article written in the style of a tumblr post. Bell doesn't say anything radical in here that theologians haven't been saying since forever. He doesn't try to argue that heaven or hell don't exist, he doesn't even argue for universalism. If anything he doesn't rock the boat enough - his prose all feels pretty surface level and he never stops long enough to engage deeply with the arguments on any side. Maybe that's why people disliked this so much? Because Bell isn't really interested in fighting anyone's particular viewpoint? That feels more like an indictment of the reader than the author, to me. This isn't a manifesto or a treatise, it's just a breezy summary of a few points people have been talking about for a long, long time. It's a lovely vision of faith, but one that's been articulated better and with more depth by other authors.
Honestly, I find it pretty hard to get worked up over a small, well-meaning pastoral article written in the style of a tumblr post. Bell doesn't say anything radical in here that theologians haven't been saying since forever. He doesn't try to argue that heaven or hell don't exist, he doesn't even argue for universalism. If anything he doesn't rock the boat enough - his prose all feels pretty surface level and he never stops long enough to engage deeply with the arguments on any side. Maybe that's why people disliked this so much? Because Bell isn't really interested in fighting anyone's particular viewpoint? That feels more like an indictment of the reader than the author, to me. This isn't a manifesto or a treatise, it's just a breezy summary of a few points people have been talking about for a long, long time. It's a lovely vision of faith, but one that's been articulated better and with more depth by other authors.
Rob Bell presents a vision of God that’s generous, open-hearted and inclusive.
The first time I read this book (back when it first came out 8 or 9 years ago), I read it through the lens of "this guy is a nut job!" I was more interested in pointing out things I disagreed with rather than reading the book with an open mind to a "new" idea (new to me, at least).
Now, after several years of spiritual growth and having read many more books on Christian theology, I realize that LOVE WINS is really not that shocking of a book. It's a rather gentle introduction to the doctrine of Christian universalism, and there are a lot more references to scripture than I remembered from my first read-through. It's certainly not a scholarly treatise on the subject, but I don't think Rob Bell intends it to be.
I've been told there are better books written on these matters (one being Gregory MacDonald's THE EVANGELICAL UNIVERSALIST which is on my "to-read" list), but — if you're intrigued by the idea of Christian universalism — LOVE WINS is an easy read that hits the main concepts.
Now, after several years of spiritual growth and having read many more books on Christian theology, I realize that LOVE WINS is really not that shocking of a book. It's a rather gentle introduction to the doctrine of Christian universalism, and there are a lot more references to scripture than I remembered from my first read-through. It's certainly not a scholarly treatise on the subject, but I don't think Rob Bell intends it to be.
I've been told there are better books written on these matters (one being Gregory MacDonald's THE EVANGELICAL UNIVERSALIST which is on my "to-read" list), but — if you're intrigued by the idea of Christian universalism — LOVE WINS is an easy read that hits the main concepts.
Continuing my uncharacteristic journey into Christian theology, I read this book. This is a hugely controversial book for American Evangelicals, although having read it, I think that most of the controversy was generated by people who had not actually read this very short book. Basically, the author looks at what Jesus has to say about hell and takes the merciful interpretation. It's a you may be surprised at the people you see in heaven emphasis rather than the more usual idea that heaven's inhabitants will consist only of the very few people whose theology exactly agrees with one's own. Bell also separates what's actually in the Bible on the topic from the cultural constructs that form a huge part of the traditional fundamentalist view of heaven and hell. It's very thought provoking, but not really that shocking, unless you're really, really committed to wanting everyone you ever disliked punished for eternity. The sans-serif typeface drove me nuts, but that's nit-picking.
This is a whole new way of evaluating the Bible, heaven, hell and Christianity. Enlightening and inspiring. I will read this a couple of times.
The best way to absorb this book is to listen to it. You can't beat Rob's narration. He is so engaging and inserts so much of his personality into his reading. I feel like I'm in a private lecture when I listen to his books.
The best way to absorb this book is to listen to it. You can't beat Rob's narration. He is so engaging and inserts so much of his personality into his reading. I feel like I'm in a private lecture when I listen to his books.
I love and relate to Bell's understanding of God as someone far bigger and far more loving than some of our theology would suggest. I always appreciate Bell's perspective, and this controversial :) book was no exception.
While I can't say that I agree with Bell's conclusions in this book, it was still intriguing to read and consider his arguments, especially amid all the controversy.
Whether you agree or disagree at the end of the day, it's nice to read a book occasionally that challenges you to actually think about your faith and the beliefs you've just accepted for years. While I personally remained unconvinced, this book did make me think, and for that, I'll give it 4 stars.
Whether you agree or disagree at the end of the day, it's nice to read a book occasionally that challenges you to actually think about your faith and the beliefs you've just accepted for years. While I personally remained unconvinced, this book did make me think, and for that, I'll give it 4 stars.