I love Rob Bell. I have watched almost all of his Nooma videos and I have read his book, Velvet Elvis. So when my friend informed me that there was some controversy about his teachings and theology, I was shocked. I hadn't heard anything of the sort, and after a conversation with a girl on the opposite spectrum as me (she hadn't read or watched any of his stuff but had just heard and read an essay about the arguments against him, and I didn't know anything about the controversy) I decided to look into it.
So, being the nerd that I am, I spent about 30 min on Wikipedia tonight learning about the theology that Bell uses -- the beliefs of the Emerging Church Movement. It's basically saying that the traditional church, with the Christianese language, systematic dogma, and strict theology is not doing much for bring people of the modern world to Christ. Therefore, a new way of looking at things is to simplify the doctrine, making it more personal and making it more able to draw people to Christ. Like my mom said, basically the doctrine of the Emerging Church is to love God and love people. I don't think that in any way that belief diminishes the authority of scripture and it definitely doesn't dismiss its importance. It's just responding more to the call of loving people and making disciples of all nations. Doing it in a way that will draw them to the church instead of making them feel condemned. Living our lives in a way that is so in love with Christ that we desire to follow His example and see the world through his eyes.
So really, why can't people just leave the servants of Christ such as Rob Bell alone instead of finding little things and picking them apart? "By their fruit you will recognize them" And Mr. Rob sure has brought a lot of people to know a loving Jesus who is our Lover and closest Friend. Sure, some things he says in his book "Velvet Elvis" I don't really agree with. But, that doesn't mean that I should just write him off entirely and not listen to anything he says. The people that do that aren't exactly disciplining themselves to think critically -- they're just taking the easy way out. As a follower of Christ in today's modern world it is so absolutely important to learn to think critically, to, "keep your head in all situations" (2 Tim 4:5) and to "test everything" (1 Thess 5:21). And it is crucial to always go back to God's Word while doing so.
There are many different types of speakers that have many different theologies and opinions. So, yes, know what you believe, but agree to disagree. Learn some things from a speaker while disagreeing with other statements from the same guy. The church is far too willing to split up over simple arguments that mean nothing for one's salvation or even for one's life with Christ.
4 comments:
Wow Amy you opened up a huge world, movement, etc. People even disagree on what the term emerging means, or to be a seeker church, seeker sensitive. It's not a new movement, but it's been around enough now for people to analyze it and see how it's hurting or helping the church. I love Rob's videos too, and I think it might be like any speaker - he is human. and you can disagree with some of what he says, agree with other things. and within the "emerging church", there is a such a wide spectrum and extremes, that it's really hard to generalize. but i do think it has its merits, enough to check out with a critical mind anyway...like anything!!
I read the title and literally thought, "AGHHHH! NOOOOOO!" Then I laughed. I was talking to you while you were doing that....strange little girl, Amy. Though...we're not so little anymore, haha. Keep on chasing God, and have fun! Talk to you later!
Matt.
I also love Rob Bell because he lets everything boil down to God. He tries to emphasize everyone's need for truth and how God IS that truth. For someone like myself who has been doubting a lot, he keeps me in check at times! Yet I can see how people have an issue with him because he is very basic and emergent and that leaves many traditionalists frustrated. They feel as though the emerging church is too IN the world and OF the world when I think their goal is simply to reach the world without following religious stigmas and judgments that have prevented it for so long.
Haha thats my 2 cents anyways! I am so glad to see you enjoying Bible school! :)
sarah -- absolutely!!!
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