This article by Skye Jethani raises my level of respect for Rob Bell. I remember a few months ago I introduced my brother with this hip Pastor named Rob Bell. When I said introduced, it was in the form of introducing him to his material (wish it was in person though), two DVDs which I purchased ("Everything is Spiritual" & "The Gods aren't Angry"). I was glad my brother liked the guy and saw him looking him up in the internet. My brother was surprised why people are so critical of him. I explained some issues which people seem to poke him on but I must say some are quite harsh. I am not defending Bell here but I found the article above really explains the depth to this pastor. In the article you will find pastors can get hurt by criticism, Rob is no exception. You will also find how Rob deals with this.
Any thoughts about the article?
6 comments:
Thanks for the article. I truly respect Rob and have been hurt for him for the way he is distorted by others on the web. Calling him "unbiblical" and "heretical" is rediculous. I would venture to say he is the most 'biblical' pastor (by this i mean popular pastor) that i have ever heard teach. O yeah, his videos are great!
Kurt,
I agree with you. I have benefited much from the 'Everything is Spiritual' and 'the gods aren't angry' very much. The capabilities to talk for an hour plus without notes and still captivate your imagination. My younger sister even said that he wanted Rob to be her science teacher after watching 'everything is spiritual' with me. I always thought how his reaction to criticism would be, now that i know it challenges me to the core!
That picture looks really familiar, see that stage every week now since its the gathering place for services at Mars HIll.
I read that article yesterday and also thought it was really quite good. Rob definitely has a heart for people, and although you wouldn't think so at first glance, I get the impression he takes all the controversy a little harder than he lets on.
As for the walking around with a shopping cart, classic Rob Bell thing to do. I've never felt the object lessons were over the top, but they often are unexpected and very creative. I guess a few years ago while doing a series on Leviticus he brought in a goat.
i will take a look when i get a chance. hey - are you really in malaysia? love to connect for coffee next time i come through your wonderful country.
Mason,
Wow! Must be really cool to be in that church! When I read 'Velvet Elvis' on how the church started I saw someone with a sincere heart, not a character larger than life. And I remember my first acquaintance with the name Rob Bell was in Leadership magazine on his method of preaching with props! and what caught my attention was the one you mentioned! That illuminated preaching for me! haha. And to start with a preaching series on Leviticus starting Mars Hill, that is pretty risky but it worked. I think that gave me the impression that Leviticus was worth reading after all!
Andrew (aka Tall Skinny Kiwi),
Yes I'm from malaysia, east Malaysia to be exact. Part of a tribal group called the Kelabit. And sure, if you do drop by in malaysia I would love to meet up! Thanks for the visit!
Yes, Rob Bell is a blessing to the church. Amen to what you say here.
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