Critique of Rob Bell

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Critique of Rob Bells BookLove Wins
Dr. Mike Stallard Baptist Bible Seminary
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What is good about the book

• People are capable of viewing God as a God of
  judgment (p. 37)
• Earthly future for Gods kingdom (heaven and
  earth merge together p. 42-43)
• Clear testimony of his salvation experience (p.
  194)

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General contents of the book

• The idea of hell in traditional Christianity is a
  violent , untrue doctrine
• The afterlife has more continuity with the
  present life than usually believed
• Universalism or an open-ended future is the only
  option that allows Gods love to win

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What is wrong with the bookStyle and Tone

• Mocking, sarcastic tone
• Raises false concerns and makes caricatures
• Use of worst examples to make points

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What is wrong with the bookAbuse of History

• Misquotes Martin Luther and makes him a
  universalist (p. 106)

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What is wrong with the bookAbuse of the Bible

• Examples
• John 316 (p. vii)
• Phil. 210-11every knee shall bow (p. 99)
• Rev 21-22 no blood and violence (p. 112)
• John 146 exclusive and inclusive (p. 154)

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What is wrong with the bookTheological Problems

• Postmodern Strategies
• Present is how the future will be (cp. Mt 22)
• Forever is not a biblical category
• Way of God is never violent (cp. Rev 19)
• Lake of fire ignored for most part
• No clear definition of the gospel

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What is wrong with the bookThe Issue Behind the
Issue

• Postmodern Worldview
• Questions to keep the conversation going not to
  find answers (remember Matt 22)
• Rejection of anything harsh