Rob Bell Controversy

Today is the national release of Rob Bell's latest book Love Wins. Bell is the pastor of Mars Hill Bible Church, a mega-congregation located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Many are acquainted with him through his NOOMA video series. Bell is a national voice of unorthodox theology, reaching and influencing thousands, many of whom confess dissatisfaction with traditional Christian teachings. While I have yet to read Love Wins, I am, by way of Bell's own quotes and public conversations, aware of its content. Simply stated, Bell argues against the ideas of the historical understanding of Hell, the punishment of sinners that reject the Gospel of Christ, and the urgency of preaching the Good News. In fairness to Rob Bell and others, I do plan on reading the book. As the fallout surrounding Love Wins grows, I do pray for good things to come from this controversy. Two specific things come to mind. May we be driven to the Bible as the source of answers to our questions; once we find the answer, may we trust the wisdom of God regardless of whether or not we like what we read. And, may our concern not be on who "wins" the public debate, but rather may this firestorm rekindle our passion to reach the lost with the uncompromising message of Jesus, a message that includes the truth about both Heaven and Hell.