To speak first about Babies, Bell acknowledges the common evangelical understanding (often seen among Baptists) that babies and children below an age of accountability will be saved. He uses this to make a grotesque argument that is presumably designed to lead to the idea that in fact all are saved. It is of course sometimes hard to see where Bell’s questions are leading, but it is clear that they are designed to lead away from more traditional understandings: “If every... Read more
Stott is obviously someone who still trembles at the Word of God. He may have concluded that annihilationism was the best theological conclusion. But he did so without changing his whole approach to the Bible. And he did so, aware that decisions in this life had consequences forever Read more
Franklin Graham’s comments about Rob Bell can be seen around 2:50 into this video: Read more
If you have got this far in reading every post I have written on Rob Bell since my debate with him, you are doing well! I am almost done. But today I want to address a strong accusation I put to him in the debate. I claimed that he approaches the Bible very differently from the typical evangelical. In other words, I believe that he no longer takes the Bible literally whenever it is reasonable to do so. Colossians 2:8... Read more
@almolx King David for a start… in reply to almolx # @almolx it is one thing to acknowledge mystery where Scripture leaves room for it. Another to deny something Bible clearly expresses. in reply to almolx # My Christian friend @purpleclaire 's book is the top rated this week and month on authonomy! http://tinyurl.com/inevitablenovel # Cows, Dogs, and Political Correctness: A blog series on the use of gender neutral language in Bible translation http://ow.ly/4LSfh # Today @unbelievablejb reported @realrobbell vs... Read more
One issue that we did not get our teeth fully into during my debate with Rob Bell was the meaning of the Greek word for “eternal.” This reminded me of a three part series I once did on Cows, Dogs, and Political correctness for some reason. Bell seemed to be arguing that it did not mean something that goes on for ever. As I pointed out, the same word is used for the eternal reward of eternal life as for... Read more
“Heaven is, after all, full of surprises.” says Rob Bell in Love Wins. Also, in one of the most worrying bits of the book in my view, he lists a whole load of questions which have the effect of undermining any sense we can have of knowing what it is that leads to clear salvation. Do we really know he seems to be saying who will be be in heaven and who not? In this quote he is speaking about... Read more
GOING GLOCAL – ENGAGING FAITHS Great introduction to @bobrobertsjr 's thinking http://ow.ly/4LrSg # @KJSMcknight: @NeilRobbie yes I did two seminars. # My friend @purpleclaire has shared the begining of her novel here: http://tinyurl.com/inevitablenovel Its a political romance. # Read more
Love is not some insipid woolly emotion offered to everyone in the same way irrespective of their response. Love is passionate. Infinite love is infinitely passionate. God’s love has content. He truly cares about us, and more than that he truly cares about the honor of his name and the glory of the trinity. God’s love is primarily turned towards himself as the most lovable being in the universe. For all eternity the Father loves and is satisfied in the... Read more
There seems to be an aversion to speaking of the eternal wrath of God these days. I noticed it in my debate with Rob Bell, and it is also seen in the following quotes from his book (anyone who knows the page numbers, please send them to me as I read it on the Kindle: “…some stories are better than others. Telling a story in which billions of people spend forever somewhere in the universe trapped in a black hole... Read more
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In