Thursday, April 21, 2011

Wrap Up on Bell's "Love Wins"

A number of friends who are just now getting to Rob Bell's Love Wins have been asking for my opinion about it. I don't have the time or the expertise to write a thorough review or criticism of the book, but I'll make a few short comments. Then, I'll refer you to several blogs that have done a wonderful job of identifying and discussing what's good and not so good about the book.

I didn't find Bell's book to be nearly as controversial as all the hype and hysteria insinuated. I guess some evangelicals are shocked that someone so popular among their own would go public with speculations and ideas that theologians have been wrestling with for ages. Sadly, many high-profile conservative evangelicals seem to think heresy charges should be directed toward those who simply ask questions or humbly admit their uncertainty about some theological theories and constructs.

The style and substance of this Bell book are absolutely consistent with everything else he has published. Bell talks about faith and theology and discipleship in a personal and reflective style, almost poetic. He doesn't really assert new theological propositions as much as undermines old ones.

Rather than leading Christians astray, I'd say Bell's book is far more likely to cause those who have given up on Christianity to give it another look. The book's best quality is its invitation for people to believe and follow Jesus, even if they cannot believe in the beliefs of some Christians.

For a rich and helpful discussion of Bell's book, here are three of the best blog series I've seen:

Exploring Love Wins by Scot McKnight
The Jesus Creed Blog

For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ben Witherington III
The Bible and Culture Blog

Divided By Hell: An Assessment of Rob Bell's "Love Wins" by JR Woodward
Dream Awakener Blog

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Lenten Readings and Video for April 17-23

Some of us our reading through the Gospel of Mark during these weeks leading up to Resurrection Sunday. It's a wonderful way to enrich your Lenten season and prepare your heart for a more meaningful Easter. Each Saturday night, I'm post the reading schedule for the coming week. I'll also post videos of Max McLean's interpretive recitation of each chapter.

Lenten Readings for April 17-22:

April 17 – Mark 14:43-65
April 18 – Mark 14:66-72
April 19 – Mark 15:1-15
April 20 – Mark 15:16-32
April 21 – Mark 15:33-41
April 22 – Mark 15:42-47
April 23 – Mark 16:1-20

Watch Video of Max McLean's Recitation
Click Here to Watch Mark Chapter 14
Click Here to Watch Mark Chapter 15
Click Here to Watch Mark Chapter 16

Saturday, April 09, 2011

Lenten Readings & Video for April 11-16

Some of us our reading through the Gospel of Mark during these weeks leading up to Resurrection Sunday. It's a wonderful way to enrich your Lenten season and prepare your heart for a more meaningful Easter. Each Saturday night, I'm post the reading schedule for the coming week. I'll also post videos of Max McLean's interpretive recitation of each chapter.

Lenten Readings for April 11-16:

April 11 – Mark 12:28-22
April 12 – Mark 13:1-27
April 13 – Mark 13:28-36
April 14 – Mark 14:1-11
April 15 – Mark 14:12-26
April 16 – Mark 14:27-42

Watch Video of Max McLean's Recitation


Click Here to Watch Mark Chapter 12
Click Here to Watch Mark Chapter 13
Click Here to Watch Mark Chapter 14

Saturday, April 02, 2011

Lenten Readings and Video for April 3-8

I'd like to invite you to join me in reading through the Gospel of Mark during these weeks leading up to Resurrection Sunday. It's a wonderful way to enrich your Lenten season and prepare your heart for a more meaningful Easter. Each Saturday night, I'll post the reading schedule for the coming week. I'll also post videos of Max McLean's interpretive recitation of each chapter.


Lenten Readings for April 4-9:

April 4 – Mark 10:17-31
April 5 – Mark 10:32-45
April 6 – Mark 10:46—11:11
April 7 – Mark 11:12-33
April 8 – Mark 12:1-12
April 9 – Mark 12:13-27

Watch Video of Max McLean's Recitation

Click Here to Watch Mark Chapter 10
Click Here to Watch Mark Chapter 11
Click Here to Watch Mark Chapter 12

Valley Christian Church Website

I haven't had time for many posts this week because I've been putting in lots of overtime to get Valley's new website launched.

We've got a ways to go, but I'm pleased that we're up and running. Check it out. And if you have any comments or corrections, email me. Thanks.