i wish Rob Bell would come out and say what he believes...

books:


	• Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith (Cover Image May Vary) Rob Bell Zondervan, 2006 - 208 pages average customer review:based on 111 reviews view larger image
	for more information click here

highly recommended

Hmm..

As I started to read the one-star reviews, I started to rethink my initial reaction to the book... and it remains the same. I do agree with the critics- nothing can ever replace or come close to the Bible. But I never saw that trying to be accomplished in this book. I am a part of a new generation in the Church, one that is tired of all the church drama, one that wants to get back to the actual living Word and what Christ has called us to do here in this life. I find that Rob Bell gives his reader a wealth of historic information about Jewish traditions, which gives the reader a new prespective and clears up many questions. For example, I never really understood why people wanted Him dead; I mean He was a good guy, never hurt anyone. After reading the chapter on the Rabbi tradition it made a lot of sense. Putting history into context is the only way the Bible can make sense to us and actually be put to use today. There is nothing wrong with questioning your faith. Without questions your faith is stagnant and not growing. God does not want us to follow blindly; that is why He gave us freewill to make up our own minds. This book brought up a lot of great points that really make you think and wonder. It is one person's opinion and should never be taken for gospel, but it shouldn't be ignored either.

for more information click here

Caution

In "Velvet Elvis" Rob Bell makes a needed call to the Church. He asserts that we need to rethink the implications of Christian truth on the lives of us those who follow Jesus, and on those who are not following Him. With a flair for making history and theology meld together understandably Bell guides the reader through a process of questioning and affirming what Christians believe and hold dear, then applying what he learns to life, friendships, politics, the environment, and an assortment of other issues. This is not a comfortable process, but many will find it useful.

However, a weakness of this book is Bell's penchant to use the poor illustrations of people he disagrees with (like Christian truth being a brick wall in which if you take one piece of truth out, like the virgin birth of Christ, it weakens the entire wall) and replacing them with equally weak illustrations (like Christianity being like a trampoline that will survive even if you take out a spring, like the virgin birth) and building an argument on them. What you get is what seems to be sound observations that can lead to some pretty bad theology if taken to their logical conclusion. Think about it, if you deny the virgin birth you weaken the Church's claims for the divinity of Jesus, and even though that may not weaken the faith of some, it sure would lead to the weakening of the underpinnings of "the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 3). Use caution, keep your bible close to hand, and keep your brain turned on while you read this.

As far as presentation goes, if you have heard Rob Bell speak then you will recognize the cadence of his spoken words in the text of this book. It is packaged in an unconventional style that is cool and comfortable, unless you are stickler for grammar and format in which case the physical presentation and writing style of the book will annoy you.

Over all I give this book a three b/c it needs to be read by mature Christians as a wake-up call to re-engage in their questioning of what they believe. However, this is not something I would recommend to seekers or young Christians b/c of the dangerous places this could lead them.

for more information click here

i wish Rob Bell would come out and say what he believes...

im reading the book for the second time bc many people have approached me with concerns about the ideas of Rob Bell. The book has GREAT inspiration and ideas. however, i urge you to read it carefully take what is GOOD but definitly feel free to leave some behind. I can assure you that if your mind set is already "this guy is a herotic" then you will want to throw the book out when you are finished. It is easy to read between the lines of this book and assume Rob Bell is crazy. However, ive decided that the book leaves room for alot of personal interpretation where you can insert your beliefs into his ideas(if that makes sense?). I was raised very conservative when it comes to christianity but have found that this book and my faith can coexist without compromising my fundamental beliefs in Jesus and God. i just wish Rob Bell would come out and the tell confused readers exactly what he means on some of the more controvercial topics in the book. my last and greatest concern is this: the book is not for everyone it can easily lead unrooted christains to believe in the "emergent church" ideas that are simply not Bible based beliefs. (the "emergent church" ideas are never directly addressed and have to be read into the text)

if you like his style and are interested in some of his less controvercial products, Try his NOOMA videos. They are amazing.

for more information click here

Excellant!

This is a wonderful book about rethinking and repainting the faith! I am 73, and still learning, growing in my faith. Each year in February a pastor-friend and I lead a Women's Retreat, and I would love to have used this book to push the envelope of our faith. However, the print is too small. This is my only complaint. Please, Rob Bell, create a Large Print edition! Thanks

reviews: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, page 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16

hot

not?

What's your opinion?

Write a review and share your thoughts!

recommendations

This Is What Christianity Is About
We are called to be the church #2
Com Group Curriculum
Innovation Design
Expanding Spirit

search for books
repainting the, christian, cover, elvis, faith, image, repainting, velvet

Impressum / about us