4.5⭐️ rounded up. Thoughts to come. ( )

A nice read by a great author and communicator. Though what he's said is really nothing new theologically, his conversational style makes the points accessible. However, though I would like to agree with most of what he says in this book, his argument essentially is that he dismisses that which he doesn't like. Although hell is not mentioned by name in the Bible that often, heaven is mentioned even less. In addition to those few verses, though, there are many other scattered throughout Scripture that mention punishment, blessing, etc., that have been used in this discussion over the years. I feel that Bell skips over these, as it makes his argument seem more sound. By doing so, he misses the great debate based in hermeneutics and the great mysteries of theology - trying to reconcile that which one might find puzzling (or downright revolting) with the faith that one truly believes. ( )

I appreciate that this books caused me to think about a lot of topics in faith I don't always think about. Although Rob Bell probably wanted me to think about topics A, B, and C, I often found myself thinking about topics X, Y, and Z instead. I understand the controversy around Bell, this book, and his beliefs, but I never really felt like he made a clear point about the topic of Universalism. Instead, I was just happy to have him encourage me to think more deeply about how we approach faith, in his personal style (that many of us know from the Nooma video series). ( )

Bell’s book is certainly a quick read, and given his experience as a preacher, the audiobook – featuring his own narration – makes it an entertaining and persuasive read as well. One of his main theses is that any truly loving person is reflecting the Love of Jesus Christ, the Love of God; those who reflect the Love of God are, of course, going to be blessed in heaven. He quotes John 14:6, in which Jesus declares that he alone is “the way, the truth, and the life;” Bell points out that Jesus doesn’t declare in what way people must follow him or that people even have to know that they’re following him (154). Bell never fully admits how unorthodox his ideas like this one are, how much they vary from very crucial pieces of long-taught doctrine. His book comes off not as a launching pad for readers to get out their Bibles and study what they personally believe, as Velvet Elvis did; rather, he plants it all in the readers’ minds as obvious truths, which has obviously brought out vehement reactions. I greatly enjoyed this book, and because of it – and many detailed reviews – I felt forced to get out my Bible and to retrace its messages with a fresh approach. Because of this book, I have been devoting time and – sometimes painful – effort in reexamining my own personal beliefs, whether they are in-line with this evolved, unorthodox message Bell espouses or if the narrower faith of my upbringing can hold the only spiritual truths. Bell repeatedly states the ever-familiar “God is Love,” and he devotes an entire chapter to the concept of “dragging the future into the present,” a wildly attractive way of phrasing the need for believers to love others (1, ?). The ease of this perspective stuck with me most strongly, this idea of making our planet and as perfect as the heaven we hope to reside in one day. Bell speaks of bringing heaven to earth, making our world and our relationships with others more about Love and less about literalism. With a careful dose of self study, Bell’s book brings out plenty of loving, open-armed parts of our orthodox doctrine, and so, Love Wins is truly not all bad. ( )

since i've actually read this book i'm entitled to comment - lol. I do however choose not to since i think you should read it yourself and make your own opinion.
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