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Every Saturday a few friends and I get together at the local Starbucks to discuss a book. We had originally been reading classic books such as work by A.W Tozer, C.S. Lewis, etc. To change things up, we thought maybe it would be a good idea to criticize a book, so we all bought "Velvet Elvis". From the first chapter things were downhill. Bell has a way of stating things that are half right and half wrong, and the half wrong statements can lead to a whole host of heretical teachings. His teachings are all over the place, during the reading you wonder whether there is any point or any composition to his questioning traditional Christianity at all. He basically tries to "reinvent the wheel" by questioning the most fundamental doctrines in Christianity from the ground up. While there is nothing wrong with asking questions, Bell's conclusions are off the wall. In the first chapter, Bell infers that Christianity doesn't lose much if the virgin birth never took place (We lose Jesus, isn't that a lot!?). He attacks people who hold onto to doctrines and systematic theology, making the analogy that doctrines are "bricks", and we build our "walls", and when you take one brick out and the whole thing falls over, how strong was it in the first place? Problem is, that's what makes it strong - each brick is founded within Scripture and is infallibly correct. So when you build a wall of absolute truth, no one can topple the wall and all things can be measured by it. He doesn't seem to explain it in that way though... In later chapters he says all sorts of things, from the denial of sola scriptura to applying every possible Scriptural passage in the wrong way. An example of this is his constant mention of being on "holy ground" as Moses was when he was standing before God. Bell basically says that he was on holy ground when he went to see U2 for the first time. So Moses standing before God is as equally holy as Rob Bell being at a U2 concert? Huh? His applications are dangerous, and nowhere does Scripture teach that we all have our "holy ground" that we stand on. Bell displays his terrible exegesis very well in this book. If you don't have a solid biblical foundation to stand on when reading this book, it could very easily sweep you off of your feet, because there are many false teachings that are mixed with truth, and "cool" concepts. Bell definitely has a way of relating experiences to his teachings. The problem is that those experiences are a way to sneak in false teachings that you don't even recognize. If you are planning on reading this book for a deeper understanding of God and growing in your relationship with Him, then I would suggest buying a different book. Something like "The pursuit of God" by A.W. Tozer would be a good read. But "Velvet Elvis" is just a waste of time unless you want to measure how far the modern understanding of God Almighty has fallen. This book is garbage.Read full review
Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell, has to be one of the greatest inspiring books that can even teach a Christian who is strong in His walk. Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell, first goes into asking God questions is a good thing, as when we ask God questions we find answers, and those answers helps us to grow in the Lord. Rob Bell goes into talking about Gods' creation and how the Lord wants us to use it. The best section in this book is about the Jewish history of Jesus Christ. This section of the book really got me to be in awe of our Lord Jesus Christ. There are seven topics in this books that Rob goes into. He calls them movements. Velvet Elvis, has brought me into a new understanding of passion. I've been a born again Christian for three years with a fire and this book just kept my flame going if not made it go higher. I recommend this book for any Christian of any age, in fact get two copy's of this book one to keep and one to pass on. This is a book that will change your walk for ever, and even put you in tears of how beautiful our God is. Your Pastor would even enjoy and get inspired by Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell. This is a spirit filled book, and I look forward to reading more by Rob Bell.Read full review
We are using this book for a small group Bible Study. It is an easy book to read. For the purists, the book does not include a lot of supporting scriptures. Compared to other books that we have used in our studies, this would be considered a weakness. The author's thoughts are definitely controversial, but beget a lot of stimulating conversation in our group discussions.
I can see why he is controversial, but I didn't find him offensive. If you've read anything else post-modern, then Bell's writing style should be easy enough to follow. Not that Velvet Elvis drags at all, but readers may need to be a bit patient at times. As a result of being artsy, when he does get around to his points, they still might seem a bit ambiguous to some. Some people label him Liberal because he can be a bit vague in regards to church doctrine, but he doesn't really downplay its importance. His approach to apologetics is sensitive and his approach to evangelism is definitely not coercive. He is well-educated and draws from a variety of contemporary sources. While this book is supposed to be an expose on true Christianity, it is probably more insightful for the average church-goer instead. While it appears that Bell writes with the outsider in mind, it is the insiders that should consider the implications of this book. He has a perspective on church worth consideration. I especially enjoy his reworking of Jewish New Testament scenarios. Such illustrations really do fill in some blanks, adding context to the teachings of Christ. However, while I would recommend this book to some of my friends who are curious about Christianity, I'm not sure how helpful it would be for new believers. His discussions about scriptural origins are almost haphazard and in his desire to be relevant, I wonder if more precision in places might have made this book even more helpful.Read full review
This is a fabulous book, written in very understandable terms and language. The questions Rob Bell raises are very thought-provoking for people of faith. I encourage anyone who is intrigued by, or repulsed by, the Christian faith to give it a read!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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