While I think this book is neither heretical nor scholarly, its post-modern treatment of the subject matter is somewh At compelling. At other times, it is almost nonsensical, inept, and troublesome. Basically, this book should not have garnered the attention it did. Basically, Evangelicals have forced their narrow-minded theology upon others. This cry of, 'Injustice!' is unfair and unfounded. The subtle charges being made here are unwarranted and without merit. It seems that Bell has a bone to pick with Western Evangelicalism, which makes him actually appear more prejudiced of the two sides. Bell's use of scripture is irresponsible and as subjective as those he's attempting to relegate. While he comes across scholarly at times, his points are unduly noted. Without provocation and proper documentation, following his logic becomes tedious at times. He is indeed as biased as those he makes his accusations against. His motivation seems tainted and his scattered hermeneutic is frustrating. Even without a biblical background, I'd suspect that most readers would still find his use of scripture curiously confusing. While he comes across as an expert of sorts, he speaks without authority and the respect he relishes from his opponents. Many find this book offensive, but the only thing I find offensive is the title: the suggestion thta those who don't agree with the author are unloving and have somehow succumbed to the deception of some so-called Evangelical agenda. There is nothing unloving about discipline, which the Bible specifically highlights in passages that he ignores. In a sense, Bell charges God with being unjust if a literal hell does exist, a pretty steep indictment by someone less sovereign! Biblical accountability is loving and is to be apreciated, even if uncomfortable for the moment.Read full review
Verified purchase: No
Satan got Eve to question what God had clearly said in the garden. She was emboldened to take what God had forbidden by the devil's clever insinuation and paid for it. It astounds me that in a book about heaven and hell that supposedly is teaching what the Bible says that Rob Bell would never even quote the clearest OT passages about the resurrection of the dead and the eternal damnation of sinners- Isaiah 66:22-24 and Daniel 12:2. And even more so, key NT passages like Luke 13:23-28, Mark 9:43-48, Romans 2:4-5, Romans 10:14-17, Luke 12:58-13:9, etc. These passages and others so perfectly refute the writer's conjectures that if he merely quoted them without explaining them away he would then have nothing to write about. The good news of the gospel is necessary because there is bad news, as Paul shows in Roman 1:18-3:20- our guilt before God and righteous condemnation of us on the day of judgment- if we're not made new creatures and forgiven in Christ. The Bible says "Flee from the wrath to come" and to bring forth fruits meet (fit) for repentance (Matthew 3:7-10). That is the response we must make to God's generous offer of mercy and grace through the death and resurrection of Christ. When we consider that Jesus himself warned his hearers to turn from sin or be punished in hell forever; and that he left a responsibility for us to do so in the limited time of our lives in this world in Mark 9:43-48, Luke 12:58-13:9, then anyone who claims to speak for Jesus and denies that warning and that urgency must be treated as a false teacher/prophet. Jesus loves us more than anyone else, and to deny and leave out what he has clearly said is to oppose him. What "Love Wins" does is give false comfort to those who have not turned from all sin and let Christ take his rightful hold on their lives (Psalm 2:10-12, Hebrews 5:9). The same type of false comfort the Serpent gave Eve in the garden. "Love Wins" also doesn't take into account that it is often more pleasurable SHORT-TERM to disobey God than to follow Christ. There is a pleasure to sin that is very uncomfortable to forsake to the point it can be called suffering to do so (See Hebrews 11:25, Romans 8:17). That goes against Bell's premise that hell is what we create for ourselves by disobeying God. Truly obeying God can be extremely unpleasant and only those who are totally convinced by Christ's total faithfulness and the sureness of his promises will actually be his disciples and walk the narrow way that leads to life. That is when God really does get glory. We have the privilege that we can go straight to the Bible to see those promises, the truth about heaven and hell, and the entire counsel of God regarding salvation. May all who read this not be deceived by preachers who say what appeals to the itching ears of people.Read full review
This is a great book for religious or non-religious people who are fearful of dying because of where they may go afterward and see themselves as "sinners" or just wonder how to live their lives. He deals with why we ought to live for NOW rather than being concerned about "someplace else" and not living and loving fully in this life. I personally like a quote by the late Robert Heinlein who said that sinning is only hurting someone unnecessarily, and that all other sinning is invented nonsense.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Expertly moves through the points in an easy to follow format.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This book can take you to above and beyond to spiritual level... God bless the author and protect him...
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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