Hell, Rob Bell, And What Happens When People Die
By Bobby Conway
Published by Multnomah Books
Hell, Rob Bell, And What Happens When People Die discusses from a Biblical standpoint the issues and resulting controversy surrounding the book Love Wins by pastor and speaker Rob Bell. The author, Bobby Conway, pointedly, systematically and boldly dissects Bell’s arguments and leaves the reader with a solid Biblical understanding of how and why Bell’s views oppose what is clearly taught in scripture. At the end of each chapter, Conway provides helpful links to find more information online through his ministry called the One Minute Apologist.
I was immediately interested in reading this book as I personally remember that Saturday afternoon, stumbling upon the Twitter feed of a well-known Christian author and speaker declaring “Farewell, Rob Bell” and wondering something along the lines of “what in the world is that about?” After doing a bit of digging online, I discovered the internet reactions were to a new book release by Bell titled Love Wins. Being familiar with Bell mostly through his Nooma series of video teaching clips, I was a little surprised, but mostly disappointed at what I found.
Bell, a modern, trendy type of mega-church leader/preacher is what some might refer to as “edgy”. His Nooma series of video teachings had even been shown in my home church at our more contemporary service. Bell’s style is more focused as to attract a younger, more “hip” crowd than the traditional “church” crowd. Trendy can be a catalyst to sharing the gospel with some who might not otherwise entertain the idea of “church.” And as with any method or program, the gospel that is shared must remain based on the truth of tried and true methods agreeing with Biblical counsel. Conway points out where Bell’s teaching in Love Wins falls short of conveying the Truth and instead offers, as Conway puts it, a “false hope.”
Overall, Conway does a great job of clearly but lovingly addressing Bell’s views without watering down Biblical Truth or tearing down Bell’s character.
Recommend? Yes.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher, WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group, through the Blogging For Books book review program, for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”