Rob Bell is the author of “Love Wins,” a book that challenges the orthodox Christian view of hell. In this MSNBC interview, Martin Bashir does an excellent job of painting him into a corner.
Pastor Rob Bell Squirms On MSNBC
by Ron Ethridge | Current Issues, Theology | 6 comments
Wow! The guy at MSNBC really seems to be on top of the issues. I agree that in an attempt to make Christianity more palatable to the current culture, Rob Bell has compromised clear Biblical teaching. I grieve at these circumstances because Bell is a good communicator and has a big following. I wish he would have used his communications skills to present the truth of the gospel in a warm and winsome way rather than compromising the truth to appeal to more people.
You nailed it Scott. Bless you my friend and I pray that your recovery from the fall is speedy.
Ron
Bell said two things in the interview that proves his motive. He said, “my experience” and “for me.” As Bashir pointed out Bell selected one early Christian writer, Origen, over another, Arius. When asked why, Bell basically said because it worked FOR ME. FOR ME theology is false theology.
Also, don’t you find it interesting his book is getting all this coverage from the national media.
Good points… especially the “Me Theology.” It seems to me that Mr. Bell has ignored that while God has made a place of unimaginable torture call hell (Lake of Fire)… in His mercy He has also provided the way to escape eternal punishment through faith in His Son Jesus Christ. God didn’t create hell without a way to escape it… through His Son Jesus (John 14:6). I think Bell’s larger problem is the exclusivity of Christ being the only way of salvation… he just uses hell to get at that issue.
Why do we continue to be so narrow mind about who we are? Ron Bell is right on target. Hell is in the carnal mind, you see it everyday. My God is an ever loving God. HE came through Jesus to save the whole world, not just a few. Think about it.
Narrow minded? Hmmm… let’s consider what Jesus said. Matt 7:13, “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” And then in Luke 13:24, “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.”
Colleen… the narrow minded concept you deride was first given by Jesus himself. He warns everyone to realize the way of/to eternal life is one way… through Him. Then result of not trusting Him alone results in eternal punishment. Thus there is only one way… all who reject Him reject God. All who reject God’s way of salvation through His Son receive eternal punishment for their sin. Thus… because of Jesus’ words (John 14:6)… only Christians are saved. This excludes unbelievers, agnostics, atheists, Muslims, Jews, Mormons, et al. All who do not follow Christ as “THE way, THE truth, and THE life” (Jn 14:6) are excluded from heaven. This truth is not one of superiority, but of pleading for people to follow Christ.
Christianity is incompatible with all other religions. Just as the Muslim faith is also incompatible with all other religions. I am not being narrow minded, but more open by trying to tell the truth to all people that Jesus is the only way. I know we differ in our beliefs, but one of us is wrong. By God’s mercy and grace He will reveal His truth to all who genuinely seek it. Notice… HE reveals it, not men. Blessings