Correction

Yesterday I wrote that to date Rob Bell's latest book has not made a best seller list. Well - I stand corrected. It actually debuted on the NY Times Bestseller list at #2.

http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=6155

My thoughts on Love Wins

The time has finally come - Rob Bell's newest book, "Love Wins," has hit the shelves and is being sold and read. To date, it has not graced the rankings of the New York Times bestseller list, but one can't help believe that with all the pre-release conversation surrounding the book that it is being read by many.

I have finally finished my reading and now it is time to join the masses in cyber world and write my opinion. Who knows if anyone other then my mother and maybe my wife will read my opinion - actually my wife will probably not since she has had to endure countless hours of my ongoing ramblings in the midst of reading!

So here goes.

My opinions on the theology that is represented in this book will be kept to myself only to see the light of day in private conversations with trusted individuals. Unfortunately, opinions on theology and politics have ascended the ranks of the list of topics that divide. Needless to say, here are a few thoughts.

1) Rob Bell and the people of Harbor One or excellent marketers. Everything from the pre-release video to the book cover were very well done. I wanted to read the book before seeing the video, but only wanted to read it more after seeing the video.

2) Rob Bell is a very gifted communicator. I have read most of his books and had the privilege of seeing him 'in person' twice. There is much to learn from his very creative, genuine, and engaging form of communication; both in print and in person.

3) There is a vital place in the Body of Christ for people like Rob Bell. People who will 'stir up the waters of conversation' and 'poke us in the ribs.' My entire life has been spent in Christendom. The pitfalls of becoming lazy and comfortable are very real and need to be faced 'head-on.'

4) The conversation needs to continue. Conversations between fellow followers of Christ that wrestle with the truths of Scripture are vitally important. Conversations that unite, not divide. Conversations that draw us closer to Christ. Conversations that require us to embrace the beauty of our differences. Conversations between followers of Christ and those who do not know Him are of equal if not greater importance. Conversations that will introduce people to this wonderful Savior that we know named Jesus. Conversations that will let us into the pain of people's lives. Conversations that will give us permission to tell the story of Jesus.

5) Finally, regardless of where Rob falls on the theological scale of heaven and hell, 2 things were abundantly clear in this book: 1) we have A choice in life - choose a relationship with Jesus or don't, 2) Jesus is the best and only choice that will lead us to life, both in this life and the next.

So get the book and read it. My book budget is very limited so thank you to the Akron Summit County Library for letting me borrow yours. Wrestle with the conversation that Mr. Bell starts. Don't base your understanding of Christ on this book or any other book - only let these books point you to the Greater Book (God's Word), where you can 'work out your salvation with fear and trembling.'