In a recent interview with Relevant Magazine Rob Bell answers how he deals with his critics:
“There are around a billion people in the world who don’t have clean drinking water, and 46 million Americans who don’t have health care. That means if they get sick, they don’t have anywhere to go. Half the world, 3 billion people, live on less than 2 American dollars a day, so the world is an emergency. It’s on fire. It’s drowning. It’s an absolute crisis, and when followers of Jesus can think of nothing better to do with their time than to pick apart and shred to pieces the work of other followers of Jesus who are trying to do something around the world, that’s tragic, and I don’t owe those people anything.The world is desperately in need of people who will break themselves open and pour themselves out for the reconciliation of all things. When a Christian can find nothing better to do with their time in the face of so much pain and heartbreak, you start realizing that some Christians need to be saved. How a person would have energy to take shots at other Christians is just mind-boggling. You have to be so totally disconnected from the pain of the world to think that blogging is somehow a redemptive use of your time. I guess I have some strong thoughts on that.”
In my mind the jury is still out on Rob Bell. I am not yet ready to call him a heretic as Mark Driscoll did at the Convergent Conference, mostly because I don’t have enough information or context about Rob Bell from doing my own homework on his ministry and message. Bell is right about the fact that, in light of how the fallenness of this world is fracturing humanity, Christians should spend less time focusing inward with high criticism of every denominational nuance within the visible church on the earth, and more time engaging culture with the Gospel. The goal of the Gospel is to reconcile all things to the Father in Jesus (Ephesians 2:14-18). We are Jesus’ ambassadors, pleading that the world would be reconciled (2Cor 5:17-21), and it is this revealing that creation is eagerly awaiting so that creation itself will be set free from their subjection to futility and corruption (Romans 8:18-25). But isn’t there a difference between what I just said and what Bell said, in response to his critics, about the mission and goal of the people of God? Bell doesn’t mention Jesus or the Gospel once in response to his critics. To be fair, one interview doesn’t say everything that there is to say about a man or his ministry, but it does reveal something, right? Is it not surprising that Bell doesn’t once mention Jesus as the means of reconciliation? He does take the time to mention men of faith as the means. This is a consistent pattern with Bell. Talk about God. Talk about how everything is spiritual. Talk about God using people to reconcile the world to Himself. Talk a lot about these things while at the same time minimizing the substitutionary work and role of Jesus as God’s means of accomplishing the reconciliation of all things to Himself.
It seems from Bell’s quote that he thinks he should be immune from criticism for two reasons: (1) There is a lot of brokenness in the world that needs our time and attention, time and attention that Bell thinks is being wasted through, among other things, blogging; (2) Because Bell says he is a Christian, he is off-limits. Bell is right in his assumption that some Christians do not redeem their time very well. This is especially true of us who enjoy the comfort and security of life in the West and think very little about the worldwide crisis unfolding around us. But Bell is Scripturally out of bounds to assume that simply because you say you are Christian that your ministry and message is above evaluation, and if necessary, criticism.
The reason for this is that Scripture makes it undeniably clear that there will be those among the visible people of God who look and act like Christians, but will show themselves not to be who we think they are (1John 2:19; Hebrews 6:4-6). Within almost every New Testament epistle we find the author warning the believers that there are those among them who do not have the interests of the Gospel at heart (Galatians 1:7 is one such example). The point is that evaluations of Rob Bell’s message such as the one Greg Gilbert gave recently are helpful in that they enable us to see whether or not any minister, and in this case Bell, has lost his/her grasp on the Gospel of Jesus.
The implications of the Gospel are such that we should care about the billion people in the world without clean drinking water, the 46 million Americans without health care, and the 3 billion people in the world who live off of less than 2 US dollars per day. But our attempts to bring them a message that reconciles them (and all things) to their Maker must be made within the boundaries and message of the Gospel itself, which is that God made Jesus, who knew no sin, sin so that we might become the righteousness of God (2Cor 5:21). This is where Bell’s critics actually have something of substance to say because Bell seems to put more emphasis on a man-centered view of God, grace and reconciliation than is consistent with the Gospel. You cannot have or do what Bell demands we do as Christians apart from the substitutionary atonement of Jesus Christ, and if this remains only a cursory part of Bell’s message, it only provides more and more ammunition for critics of his methodology and message, regardless of how popular he and his message becomes both inside and outside of church culture. Simply because someone says their message is biblical doesn’t make it so. It must be weighed and measured over against Scripture.
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April 8, 2008 at 2:28 pm
S
Well put! I am also as yet undecided on Rob Bell…and he does have a point, we should focus more on those in need… But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be on the look out for False Teachers!
January 15, 2009 at 5:17 pm
Tyler
great post, well said.
March 16, 2009 at 6:08 pm
RDC
I went to Wheaton with Rob Bell but have paid no attention to his current life until recently. What strikes me first as how similar his current life is to his college life, just on a grander scale. He always had to have attention, whether as the lead singer of a “alt rock” band or by acting or dressing different than the norm (not hard to do at a conservative evangelical college). Bell also had a charasmatic style, which, although not appealing to me personally, garnered a loyal following of fans and friends. It isnot suprprising to me that since he career as a rok star has faltered he has found a new way to keep his face in the spot light. Being a pastor could never be enough for someone like Bell, he has to be controversial, to draw attention to himself. None of this is about God, it is about Rob Bell needing to be adored. If he had made it as a rock star, you’d have never heard word one about God from him. His psychology is what drives his theology, not the other way around.
November 20, 2009 at 4:20 am
Gary
You may indeed be right that he needs the spotlight. But to suggest we never would have heard from him if he had made it is to usher in the possibility that any time someone fails in a worldly pursuit then what they do for God is suspect. Billy Sunday the eveangelist was a major league baseball prospect who got cut and became a great force for God. Just be careful with these kind of assumptions, God changes alot of people’s stories, this does not discredit them.
March 16, 2011 at 12:24 pm
Debbie
Insightful
June 2, 2009 at 10:37 pm
Bethany
Rob Bell’s understanding and teaching of being Christ’s ambassadors is very inspiring; I think many would agree! We may differ on certain points of his teaching, but we can still learn a lot from his ministry that we can apply to our lives and in doing so, bring the kingdom of God (love and restoration) to this earth that Jesus called us to.
July 2, 2009 at 12:08 am
jskogerboe
Yep. Great post. I think you said it well… “In my mind, the jury is still out on Rob Bell.” The tension between UNITY and SOUND DOCTRINE is a hard middle ground to find. I just posted on this as well @ http://bit.ly/CcI9U. Thanks again… very insightful.
July 21, 2009 at 11:27 pm
Jason
Watch Bell’s video “The Gods Arn’t Angry.” It will clear up any doubt you may have about how important Jesus is to Bell’s ministry. Criticize all you want, but I agree with him on this one. I mean, couldn’t we all have spent some time resting or breathing or helping out our neighbor instead of trying to decide if Rob Bell references Jesus enough in his teachings to suit us. Maybe he didn’t say Jesus in his response to critics, but didn’t he reply with the essence of Jesus’ message. Love God and Love your Neighbor.
August 20, 2009 at 4:43 pm
Alex
Jesus’ message is one of sin, repentance, and grace. This is the essence of Jesus’ message. That God loved the world enough to send His son as a propitiation for sins. Without this, all we have is prosperity gospel, and that, my friend, is no gospel at all.
July 28, 2009 at 12:57 pm
atvince
Though I agree with some points you’ve made, I find it interesting you more or less overlooked (and provided a case-in-point of) his overall point in that quote by writing a heavily-trafficked blog of criticism. In my opinion, at this point he’s still coming out on top.
As to the point on his lack of mentioning Jesus, two things come to mind. Jesus taught his disciples to follow him, exhibiting the values he himself already possessed. Do you acknowledge Jesus every time you do selfless acts? Or is Jesus simply working through you?
As a follow up to this, if you haven’t already I urge you to read Rob’s first book, Velvet Elvis. After studying that book for the past couple months, I’m not sure I have heard a truer, more honest account of God and self in contemporary times.
July 29, 2009 at 1:53 pm
johnaaronmartin
atvince,
No one can perform self-less acts on their own, so, yes, I do acknowledge Jesus and the work of the Spirit when I see evidence of His grace at work in my life (Phil 2:12-13). Jesus is at work through me, and He deserves the credit and glory.
August 4, 2009 at 8:38 pm
Gary Heckman
If you watch the Numa videos, you will see he definitely mentions Jesus a lot. I think we should be about building up one another, but I am responsible for myself and seeing if what I’m listening to matches up with scripture. Does anyone out there see him teaching anything that Jesus would not agree with? Does anyone see him saying that there is any other way but Jesus. Let me know.
August 6, 2010 at 10:52 am
zee
Exactly!!
August 20, 2009 at 4:41 pm
Alex
I find it unbelievable that Rob Bell will invite criticism and then be so surprised that people do. On the back cover of his book “Velvet Elvis”, Bell writes, and I quote, “We have to test everything. I thank God for anybody anywhere who is pointing people to the mysteries of God. But those people would all tell you to think long and hard about what they are saying and doing and creating. Test it. Probe it. Do that to this book. Don’t swallow it uncritically. Think about it. Wrestle with it. Just because I’m a Christian and I’m trying to articulate a Christian worldview doesn’t mean I’ve got it nailed.” How is he going to ask us to test his book, read it critically, and then bash those who actually do? If there are fallacies in his theology that he is teaching, then those who recognize the inconsistencies and errors need to point them out to those who may not see them right away. For certain, Rob Bell has a lot of good things to say. But we HAVE to be critical. Not only because the Bible tells us to, but also because Bell seems to miss the mark in many of his ideas. Test it. Probe it. Don’t swallow it uncritically. Think about it. Wrestle with it. Match it with the Word of God. If the word of Bell does not match with the word of God, it needs not to be heeded. But if it does match, then listen. But again, in the words of Bell himself, test it. Probe it. Be critical.
May 16, 2010 at 4:56 am
Justin
Hey, Alex. I do like your point.
In defense of Bell, I believe he is wanting to speak to a disenfranchised audience with Velvet Elvis. He’s speaking to a non-Christian crowd.
Which would explain why he is so adamant about believers refraining from such criticism and instead using their time for good.
October 1, 2009 at 5:13 pm
Susan
I suggest those who criticise other Christian’s view point keep in mind when Jesus talks in Mathew 7
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity
Don’t sit in judgement of others but work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. What are you doing to love your neighbours?
He has told you, O man, what is good;
And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justice, to love kindness,
And to walk humbly with your God?
Micah 6 v 8
October 31, 2010 at 5:27 pm
Koz
Susan:
A few questions-
1.) By your statements, are you “judging” those who “criticize”? (if so, then, “Physician, heal thyself) :^)
2.) By your statements, are you implying that Both Jesus and the apostles were in error (being “judgemental”) when they told their followers to “test” what they were hearing or seeing, and to avoid certain types of teaching, and to warn others about it?
3.) Is it equally possible that any of us (including you, me, or Rob Bell), could end up in that group of people mentioned in Matthew 7:22-23?
(Keep in mind that all those people thought they were doing what God wanted, and thought they were saved).
When a person claims to be a “follower of Christ”, but their words and/or actions consistently do not match clear biblical teaching; Those who point it out, are not necessarily “judging” them. God’s word judges us – any “judgement” or “conviction” we feel comes from God through His Spirit and His Word. That being said, it is possible for a person to act “judgemental” towards others. But merely pointing out that a person’s words or actions are inconsistent with clear biblical teaching (assuming it’s done properly – i.e. in love, without a haughty, vindictive spirit) is not being “judgemental”. There are bible passages that deal with “proper judgement” – there are things we can and should make judgements about. Not all references to “judgement” are talking about the same thing.
October 20, 2009 at 3:23 am
Refermation
Well unfortunately for mr.Bell he’s called to a higher standard and he is supposed to be a “Teacher ” not a “lair”. And although I’m sure mr. Bell is a nice guy and all but its his theology we’re all concerned about. And if he’s leading people a stray the bible says its better for that man to have a millstone tied around his neck, so a few comments to bring a fellow brother back to the truth doesn’t seem so bad. Thanks for your 2 cents lady but your 2 cents should have been left in the collection plate….
November 6, 2009 at 4:13 am
Refermation
Well unfortunately for mr.Bell he’s called to a higher standard and he is supposed to be a “Teacher ” not a “lair”. And although I’m sure mr. Bell is a nice guy and all but its his theology we’re all concerned about. And if he’s leading people a stray the bible says its better for that man to have a millstone tied around his neck, so a few comments to bring a fellow brother back to the truth doesn’t seem so bad. Thanks for your 2 cents lady but your 2 cents should have been left in the collection plate….
October 24, 2009 at 1:54 am
James
Think of it this way:
If you’re raising kids, you don’t take criticism from other parents. Not because your above it, but because it’s understood that no parent is perfect. Parents make mistakes. It’s just understood. Sure, as a parent you’re gonna have a run-in with another a parent some of time. But not all the time.
What if you lived in a community where other parents criticized you all the time, about every decision you made with your kids? They picked every battle, every decision, every thought? Not because they cared especially about your kids welfare, but because they like to argue. Because this arguing distracted them from the more serious parts of life.
At some point you would ignore them and get on with raising your kids.
November 15, 2009 at 4:24 pm
louis
I began reading Rob Bell’s Velvet Elvis only to see what he is talking about. To be honest, I began to read alot of new age belief. I noticed when speaking about Jesus, he always said, the disciples claimed. I do not claim Jesus died for our sins, I say Jesus died for our sins. Rob Bell’s message is very Christ Conscious, a belief we are the Christ by becoming Christ ourselves. He mentioned in his book, the Gospel should be a spring, which flexes but if the Gospel flexed then the Gospel could be manipulated which Rob Bell does very well. Jesus said the Word is a foundation which does not move, flexes, or stretches. Rob Bell is a liar. Every new ager believes in loving and blah blah blah, unfortunately like a great movie, Time Changers, once you take Jesus out of the reason why we do things, then things become relative. Bell is a relative man. Speak about how we can do better without Jesus and we forget about Jesus.
By the way.. I can judge a person’s fruit. Rob Bell’s fruit is new age.
November 17, 2009 at 10:23 pm
Shane
Susan/Others defending Rob Bell:
I am, just like many others, undecided on Rob Bell. However, Susan, if you’re going to quote the bible to back up your opinion, let me back up the opposite side with a few more bible quotes:
Matthew 7:15, Matthew 24:11, Matthew 24:24, Mark 13:22, Luke 6:26, John 10:12, Acts 13:6, Acts 20:29, 2 Peter 2:1, 1 John 4:1. There are more, but that should cover it. In summary, beware of false prophets and teachers because, as both Jesus and the Apostles state, false prophets exists and will continue to come and will capture the hearts of many well many people. I’m not saying Rob Bell is one of them. However, many people do, and for them, saving souls of those who are falling in this trap are just as important as saving the souls of starving people in Africa. Again, not saying I’m on that side of the fence yet, but don’t just say that Christians shouldn’t be questioning other Christians.
Second point, for those who disagree that Rob Bell should no be criticized or questioned, please take a minute to understand what he’s saying in this interview. Let’s assume we’re all Americans here, and at one point or another, we criticized our President. What if he made the same type of argument Rob Bell is making? “Everyone American is just mudslingers dealing with heartache and pain” the president would say. “If they were true Americans, they would be concerned about helping our poor, or saving our trees, or helping with obese children, rather than waste time criticizing my policies”.
If the president said that, would you also agree? Think about it.
August 6, 2010 at 10:51 am
zee
I Must admit I really didnt think anyone would criticise Rob Bell’s Message… When I heard it it just made so much sense to me.. And Im not even a christian… I will tell you one thing, With a person Like Rob Bell in the corner of Christianity there will be alot more people turning their lives to Jesus..
He is an Asset in these times when most non christians despise being condemned and preached to by other christians.I personally switch off when i hear christians recite the bible parrot fashion.He simply clears away all the muck and goes straight to the pure message of Jesus which is love. He is salvaging christianity’s bad image…
And lets be frank here…Which human can really claim to know the will of God 100% After all we are interpreting the bible with a human mind that is full of ego and judgement at times. Of course we will disagree! I agree 100% with Rob Bell…HELP THE PEOPLE WHO NEED IT and forget the bickering…
Christianity only made sense to me when i heard his views… Otherwise it has never made sense.. You must remember that people are more educated nowadays and will not just follow something because someone tells them to… And the threat of eternal hellfire has lost its impact because people dont believe in that anymore….
Well done Rob Bell..Keep up the good work… I am not a christian however I support your cause and have gained respect for the christiian faith because of your teachings..
November 23, 2010 at 2:13 am
Stephen
How dare you act like fox news and bash someone based on one interview? I’m no genius, but I do know that to say someone has false beliefs and teaches false doctrines you need much more then one interview to back that.
Next, you should use your time to talk against cults and other religions that seek to demean man and God’s loving church (I.e. The body of Christ). You sir sound more like the advocate of the devil than you are a follower of Christ. From my heart, go to hell sir or man up and start acting like a true follower of Christ.
I give you revelations 12:10. Stop accusing our brethren and preach the gospel. Do that or join satan in the lake of fire.
November 27, 2010 at 7:37 am
Dave C
Rob Bell seems to point to a belief in self that is unbiblical. In his numa video “Dust” he says that the story of Jesus walking on the water (Matt. 14:22-31) is an example of Peter’s lack of faith in himself, not a lack of faith in Christ. If Peter lacked faith in himself and started to sink, that implies that we don’t need God for everything if we just believe in ourselves. Are we ourselves good without God? I believe that all righteousness comes from God and that there is nothing we have of ourselves that can be acceptable to God (Isaiah 6:46, Romans 3:10).
I’m not sure that Rob Bell believes in absolute truth. Do we need God for everything? According to Rob Bell, the answer would be no.
November 28, 2010 at 7:53 pm
Howie Howard
Still unsure about Bell but one thing I’ve noticed is there is alot of ministers out there who have made it there mission to only find “false” teaching with outher ministries and not point out their mistakes. Look books written by all ministers are not to be a substitute for the word of God. Our relationship is based upon the spirit and the word of God. We may find words of incouragement through outher material but what really matters is ones daily relationship, personal relationship with Jesus, Christ said when he went away that the holy spirit would come to help us, guide us, and lead us. My opinion is that if you can find a word of incouragement from Bell, or Pastors Hagee,Hinn, Stanley, Hybels, Myers, Hickey,or Dobson and so on great. As long as you know that they are human just like us and only through the help of the comforter can we understand the word of God. I think we as humans seem to want to place preachers and teachers upon a great podium and want to only believe what they say! NO and I know all of these preachers and teachers I’ve mentioned would agree that you should test,probe, and follow the written word of God in all their writings. If something doesnt agree with you then maybe you should either go to the source of who said it or move on after all we all as believer of Christ have the spirit and access to the word of God and after all thats all that really matters.