It seems that Rob Bell (from the Nooma video series, and author of several contemporary theological works) is coming back on the scene as part of the Oprah Winfrey network. This was the same guy that, around 2011 or so, made the claim that Hell is empty because God is too warm, fuzzy, cuddly, and loving to send anyone there (ok, so perhaps I paraphrased a bit). Which also, logically, would follow that Hell doesn't truly exist. Anywhoo...
Some evangelicals are elated at this news, as as Bell's new show, called "The Rob Bell Show" premiering Dec 21, will potentially reach millions of viewers. After all, he is talking about God, right? Others are concerned to once again see this once-called heretic take the stage. Personally, I share that concern, based on the message to be presented.
One blogger had the gall to call Christians who merely are concerned about this "small-minded" (huge insult there! and will truly shame ALL to repentance! haha), and went on to describe how deplorable the thought is of rejecting a message that wasn't 100% Scripturally-based. There were other things wrong, but instead of more criticism, I'll wish that blogger well...go in peace, with your evidently over-sized mind.
My point here is that it isn't enough to merely make God the topic of conversation. That doesn't make that message or conversation the truth, or Holy, or fulfilling, any more than me standing in a garage makes me a car. There can be, and indeed there is, plenty of deviation of what starts out being in line with the Truth, but gradually wanders from it.
Now to my disclaimers, before I get to my harder-hitting points:
1. Have a conversation with a large sample of Christians, and you'll find plenty of deviation in thoughts. True. But that's humans! What...like humans ever agree? On anything? (and I'm sure plenty of readers will disagree with that too, haha). I think, however, that most (but not all) deviation comes from minor differences which are peripheral to the point of redemption and salvation. Examples include using instruments in worship, the necessity of certain salvific steps of acceptance, and which translation of the Bible to use.
2. Should there be unlimited access that if someone, who is searching for Christ, wants to do so in their own comfortable method, they can? You bet.
Now that those are out of the way, what are my biggest concerns?
1. When the message no longer follows the Truth, it is not the Truth.
I'll reiterate what I said before: There can be, and indeed there is, plenty of deviation from what starts out being in line with the Truth. But that message, if it does not line up with the Truth, is no longer the Truth... by definition.
"But Cody, what actually is the Truth?" Great question, and I'm glad you asked. The Truth has been written down for us all. The Bible is God's Holy Word, and we can trust this because "all Scripture is God-breathed, and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
Does this mean that only the uber-intelligent or those of only the greatest of intellect or some special connection to God can know and understand the Truth? By no means. Indeed, even the "small-minded" can know Truth. It's not harder than one person can take--but it takes work. You just have to spend your time in the Word, and get to know God, just as you would a best friend. Anyone can do that, and indeed, Christ calls all to know Him. "But Jesus called the children to him and said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.'" Luke 18:17. Note: children don't possess immense mental capabilities...
2. So what is the problem with deviation?
Again, deviation from truth is no longer truth. We have been warned about this. In a nutshell, tricks or deviations are disguised. They don't come with flashing yellow lights or a neon sign that says "Warning! This is a trick!" Instead, the Bible says that it comes like a wolf in sheep's clothing (Matthew 7:15).
A. It is our job as Christians, not only to recognize such deviation, but to ensure that the Truth is guarded. Check it out:
- "We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ..." 2 Corinthians 10:5. Verse 6 also continues, "...being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete."
- "...guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” for by professing it some have swerved from the faith." 1 Timothy 6:20-21.
- "He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach." Titus 1:9-11. Also, "Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth." v. 13-14.
B. So why is such a message not the Truth? Look at it this way; here is a good example for you:
You may have seen a viral video of Joel and Victoria Osteen preaching to a large mass that, paraphrased, "We don't obey God to make Him happy--we do it for ourselves. And when we are happy, God is happy." First, please show me that in the Bible. Second, this is called idolatry--the worship of idols. In the context of Christianity, the "idol" is anything that is not God and the worship of such a thing. If we are doing things to make ourselves happy, that is self-serving and not a service to God, despite what that message says. The Bible has made it clear: we can either serve ourselves, or we can serve God, but we can't do both. That means that the message preached to (maybe) millions was a false one.
But the topic was about God! ... kinda.
But the message reached millions that might not have otherwise reached them!
SO WHAT.
This is utterly irreverent babble and contradictions of the Truth. Period. No other way around it. It is a sharp deviation of the message of the Bible. What you are doing, by perpetuating and supporting such nonsense, is you've now taught a message that doesn't serve God--it tells the listener to do what makes them happy. Um...That's exactly what's wrong with the world today!
So don't tell me that a message with God as the topic is going to be fruitful, or helpful, or Holy, or anything that even closely resembles the God of Truth. The threshold is higher than that one qualification.
So back to the doctrine of Rob Bell: why am I more cautious and concerned than I was before 2011? I hope that I've already made that clear at this point. If not, I encourage you to read more about what the Truth--the Bible--says about Hell and how there are truly people headed there.
I'll start you off:
"Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’" Matthew 7:21-23.
"Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few." Matthew 7:13-14.
I'm not saying that everything that comes out of Bell's or Osteen's mouths are going to be heretical. I'm only saying that I am now more suspicious than before, and it makes me nervous for this main reason:
I'm concerned that those who are seeking to follow Jesus will end up following someone who is not really leading them to Jesus and the Truth that we know Him to be.
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