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stepanana's review against another edition
5.0
After all the controversy, I decided that I really needed to read this one. I think all of the reviews against Rob Bell and this book were pre-mature and many were out of fear.
Rob Bell presented a thought out argument to traditional Christian thought and theology. He does not dismiss hell, but rather challenges the reader to rethink how one thinks of heaven and hell. I think we often mold God into what we want to believe and what is comfortable, and this book offers an alternative.
God just might be bigger than our theology. and thank God for that.
Rob Bell presented a thought out argument to traditional Christian thought and theology. He does not dismiss hell, but rather challenges the reader to rethink how one thinks of heaven and hell. I think we often mold God into what we want to believe and what is comfortable, and this book offers an alternative.
God just might be bigger than our theology. and thank God for that.
dasrach's review against another edition
Slipshod scholarship, failure to cite sources
danielleroegner's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.25
Great book, although sometimes I tire of Rob’s writing style and wish he’d wax on less. Nonetheless, I enjoyed this book and especially hitting home in realizing that God’s love is boundless, not earned more for good actions or lessened for bad actions, but constant all the time and available always. Trusting in God means believing in the truth of his love and goodness.
rubythedreamer's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
Bell's interpretation of Hell and God's love and character has been helpful on my deconstruction journey. I particularly liked the last two chapters and found them easy to make sense of. Although I enjoyed overall and will definitely take things from this book, at times I got a bit lost in the points that Bell was trying to make during specific chapters. A helpful and radical viewpoint presented that challenges the traditional evangelical way of thinking I've been looking for.
elotpowell's review against another edition
4.0
A controversial book in its time, I found myself never feeling particularly challenged by Bell. His arguments tend to be well crafted and argued, and the book is certainly a must read for those looking to shift their view of God into a loving one. His chapters "Hell" and "There Are Rocks Everywhere" were standout for me.
veronicascottnova's review against another edition
4.0
When you see literally every verse about "hell" up against one another for the first time, you can never look at the evangelical conception of hell the same way again.
shirleytupperfreeman's review against another edition
3.0
Have some mixed emotions about this one. We read it for the all-church small group book read. I agree with most of Bell's conclusions but I didn't care for his writing style. He uses four or five adjectives when one or two would do and he writes like he preaches (I presume). There aren't necessarily full sentences and full paragraphs so it is a little difficult for us old folks to get used to. But he makes a compelling argument that Love Wins -- that whatever your notions of heaven, all are included. I agree but would rather read Philip Gulley on the subject.
scoticus_maximus's review against another edition
3.0
Rob Bell is an amazing communicator and a person who clearly loves Jesus and is pursuing Him reverently. I don’t quite land where he does regarding the interpretation of scripture and the implications this interpretation has for the theological aspects of salvation and eternity but that doesn’t make him a heretic. We are all doing the best we can to make sense of God, ourselves, and the world we live in. Rob challenges the traditional evangelical view of these theological topics with wit and persuasion and you will likely be stretched and challenged to consider whether your views are true aspects of faith or just traditions. When the dust settles, you will emerge a better more thoughtful person having opened yourself up to ideas that are different than yours and that is never a bad thing.
daileyxplanet's review against another edition
4.0
I have been thinking about critiquing books. Do you rate a book on how much you agree with it, or should that even be on the table? I read books not just for entertainment, but for learning and edification as well. This isn't my first Rob Bell book, but I will admit that the "Love Wins Controversy" did help me keep my distance. If you read or listen to this book you will understand why Rob Bell is a household name in communication. Bell is popular not because of what he teaches, but how. This man could give a talk on Calculus changing lives and it would be engaging, you might not agree, but he has your attention. Also this book isn't really about what you think it is. Yes he does state some things about eternal Hell and Eternal Life, but it's much more about the Heavens and Hells on Earth. You should read this book, even if it's just to see what the fuss was about. Spoiler: Rob Bell doesn't denounce Christ or the Cross. In fact, he gives them much more power and credit than some mainline Christians do. Just saying.