Theology Blog

There is currently a lot of controversy about Rob Bell’s recent book lately and the words are flying on both sides of the coin as it relates to the book on heaven and hell. I have not read the book yet, it has shipped today and I look forward to reading it. No matter what I end up deciding about the book, I recognize that I could be wrong. I do not think that anyone can really speak about the content of the book or the theology of the author without reading it. Reading a review is not enough. I do not think anyone can speak to the character of the author, unless perhaps they are someone who is close to him.

In one way, its a bunch of controversy about nothing as God is not changed by what one person writes. On the other hand, it is a big deal because theology really matters. I wonder what will happen with the book. Either Rob Bell will challenge his readers and add thoughts to the dialogue within Christendom, or he will walk away from orthodox thought like many others (Brian McLaren). I have no assumption as to what he is going to do, and that is part of the problem with this controversy. Most are approaching this book with a decision already made, or at least a leaning as to whether or not Rob is going to be right. That is hard to do without actually reading the book. I like most of Rob’s work, but I am also feeling cautious about this one.

One of the things that I am realizing as a pastor however is that we must really wrestle with theology and look out for false teaching. I am not saying that Rob Bell is going to engage in false teaching, but this controversy reminds me that as pastors we must guard against, watch out for and speak out against false teaching. Something may sound and look good and may even seem scriptural and in the end it does not end up being scriptural at all. One of the great challenges of pastors of the present and the future is not just to preach and teach the word of God, but to teach and equip our people to think theologically. Our congregations need to be able to discern and think carefully about something that is being considered and be able to sort out the many ‘theologies’ that the world is offering up.

In months, this controversy will be over and we will move on to the next thing. Whether the book ends up being good or bad in my mind is not the most important issue. This controversy has reminded me of the great call of pastoral ministry to be sure that we are carefully thinking theologically and teaching our people to do the same.