Rob Bell is one of the most influencial Christian leaders and writers of our day. His book Velvet Elvis was a smash hit and his other books such as Sex God, Love Wins and Jesus Wants to Save Christians are close behind.
It's one thing to open up issues for discussion but he crosses way too many lines with his "I'm just asking...I'm just wondering...." approach which leaves readers in a sea of confused ambiguity where nothing is certain and everything is up for grabs.
The article below articulates, helpfully, I believe, the concerns I have as a Pastor.
I wonder if the article author is as excitable about things that scripture is absolutely unequivocal on (care for the poor, the widowed, the orphans), as well as the things that are a little more up for debate but attract stronger feelings and more publicity?
ReplyDeleteHe probably wants to watch some of his straw men as well, just in case of fire ;o)
Not that Bell can't be frustratingly vague at times, of course.
This idea that there are more important ideas to be concerned about is a red herring. Let's not beat around the bush, the bible is "absolutely unequivocal" about sin. This particular issue is focussed on homosexuality (it could be focussed on shiny new things, fancying your mates wife etc), but the deeper, more critical issue surely is how we view the Bible - as this is what seems to be at the heart of these debates. Do we hold on to what it teaches or not. If we don't, then we are just a club and any club can do good works...
ReplyDeleteThere is plenty of sound teaching out there, why spend time with the dodgy stuff?!
Absolutely agree.
ReplyDeleteHaving done a fair degree of serious reading and research on what the Bible actually teaches about homosexuality, it's not necessarily quite the slam-dunk us Good Little Evangelicals tend to think it is. And as for Jesus teaching on the subject, as alluded to in the article ... it doesn't exist, other than by sleight of eisegesis.
However, I don't want to start a punch-up on Dave's blog, simply point up that if you are going to take the Bible seriously, sometimes "it ain't that simple" applies in spades.
hi Pete!
Deletethanks for not wanting to start a punch up!
you're right that some things are complex but other stuff is clear cut - i think. i guess the issue is what's clear cut and what's up for discussion.