A book review of Love Wins

Ok, so this is completely uncharted waters for me. I have never formally critiqued a book. I don't know the protocol and I'm sure I will violate a number of journalistic ethics in the process, but a friend suggested on Facebook that I write my thoughts about Love Wins by Rob Bell. Since I don't have a seminary background and my exegetical skills are deficient, at best, due to my lack of training in systematic theology, hermeneutics and classic languages, I guess I'm a good person to review a book that has more depth than any other book I have read. So, with that disclaimer, enjoy my review.

Rob Bell is smarter than I am. He has extensive Biblical knowledge so I won't attempt to argue any of his points. He also has a knack for presenting thought provoking questions. I first became aware of his "Nooma" series when I was in college and found myself asking many of the questions he asks. This is what ultimately lead me to reading Love Wins: A Book about Heaven, Hell and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived. Well, that and the fact that he is being attacked by nearly every prominent member of the Evangelical world. Does a loving God send people to hell for an eternity? This is a question that I have asked time and time again and I knew this book wrestled with this same question, so I went for it.

I had heard commentary and read a few reviews about the book that said Bell was suggesting at the possibility of hinting that there could be a valid reason to ask the question about the question related to the idea that no one goes to "hell." I was intrigued, but didn't pursue much because rock star pastors are always taken out of context and are unreasonably questioned by skeptics. So I simply put Bell (and this book) into that category and moved on with my life. Then, I went to his church - Mars Hill Bible Church - in Grand Rapids, Michigan and talked to some dear friends who had read the book. Suddenly, I became very interested in this "controversy" and debate. I knew I had to see for myself what the book said, so I did the best that I knew how to block out all of the other voices in order to draw conclusions of the book on my own. I also prayed that God would let the scriptures formulate my opinion, not Rob Bell or any other pastor.

Bell's style is to ask questions. Lots of questions. I appreciate that because I do the same thing. He answers questions with more questions pulling you deeper into the story because you want answers, not more questions. He really doesn't offer many answers, but the way he phrases the questions leads to me to believe that he is hinting at something closely related to what I understand to be "universalism." Christian Univeralism is basically a school of thought that believes in universal reconciliation, or that every human being will be restored to right relationship with God. This was clearly articulated in this book. He wasn't clear on many things because he asked a lot of questions, but he does claim universal reconciliation. This is extremely appealing to many because it's difficult to have standards and accountability if, in the end, everyone gets the prize. I grew up in a church that basically taught that we could think anything we wanted to about God, Jesus and the Bible and in the end we were all good. This is obviously convenient in a world full of sinners - for which I am one. It misses the essence of Jesus, though. Why church and why Jesus if none of it matters?

This book made me think about what I believe the Bible says on many issues and who I believe Jesus to be. I'm not frightened by this. I think Jesus actively pushed people to question the status quo. He did more than anyone else. I welcome books or talks or people who challenge my faith. However, two things did scare me about this book. The first one is how arrogant we can be as created beings. We think that if it doesn't look right to us, or doesn't feel right, than God must be wrong. It's a bold statement, but I see a lot of it everywhere, not just in this book. Would God do something that I wouldn't do? That is what's being asked in this book. Does God care about people as much as I do? That's at the root. Again, I don't have any theological training, however, after reading the Bible for myself, I'm certain God cares more than I do and I'm also certain that His understanding of the world and eternity is far superior to mine. So, just because it's uncomfortable and scary doesn't mean it isn't true. Just because it's not appealing doesn't mean it isn't true. And just because I wouldn't do something if I were in God's shoes doesn't mean it's not perfect and holy. For me to even think I can put myself in God's shoes is a major problem. I don't want to be that arrogant. I guess this is my problem with Christian Universalism (which is an oxymoron, by the way). We don't get to make up our own version of God's Word to fit our circumstances.

The second thing that scares me is how quickly people are to jump on Rob Bell, the person, in response to this while attacking his claims and stance. The first thing that came to my mind when I heard one person rebuke the book was, "Oh crap! Have I become an accidental Pharisee?" As in, am I in the camp that thinks we have it all figured out? Would I be like those people who attacked Jesus for making huge and sweeping statements about what scripture says? Would I attack Jesus if he came to my church and told me I couldn't drink coffee during the service or that I have it all wrong? Am I a part of a community that believes what other people say about the Bible more than what the Bible is actually saying? This is a gentle warning that I'm not about to take lightly.

I don't agree with everything Bell has written in his interpretation of scripture, but then again, I'm not sure if I agree with all of my interpretations, either. This is precisely the point that I think is important for me to realize in reviewing this book. I'm not clear on what the Bible says in many places. And with many of the references in Love Wins, I'm flat out confused. What I do know, however, is that I'm not privileged to put my spin on what the Bible says because I either don't like it or don't get it. Strangely, the feeling that I'm left with after reading this book is that we get to put whatever spin on this whole thing that we find most pleasurable and enjoyable right now. Rob Bell says that "the Good News is that Love Wins," but the feeling I got is that the book is saying People Win. It might be one in the same. I'm not certain. Can God win, love win and people win all at the same time? Again, I'm not sure.



Exegesis is a critical explanation or interpretation of a text, especially a religious text.

Hermeneutics is the study of the theory and practice of interpretation. Traditional hermeneutics—which includes Biblical hermeneutics—refers to the study of the interpretation of written texts, especially texts in the areas of literature, religion and law.