Rob Bell: THE GOD'S AREN'T ANGRY: Part III.

The Gods Aren't Angry: Rob Bell

I took the Oakwood Hall staff to see THE GOD'S AREN'T ANGRY TOUR on December 2 in Cleveland. As I sat listening to the final portion of the teaching, a solitary tear ran down my cheek. A phrase was repeated over and over and over again and was the same phrase that I heard from my wife and a mentor during my journey in experiencing freedom. A video recording of the tour is now available on DVD and will begin shipping June 6. Students at MVNU are welcome to borrow my copy for personal use.
I highly suggest a viewing of this teaching for everyone but most particularly for all those who have made it the purpose of their life's existence to critique Rob Bell or any type of teaching that is seemingly emergent in nature. Click the image above to be directed to thegodsarentangry.com where you may preview and purchase the teaching on DVD.

A Confession for the Church.

There were about 70-80 well-dressed, "appropriately adorned," monetarily secure and even affluent individuals conversing, smiling, and mingling while circling the San Diego Bay on a dessert cruise. Cheesecake and chocolate truffles had been served along with coffee and much remained to be eaten. The cruise was a type of celebration or at least a designated time to relax and enjoy company after several days of meetings and meals in dialogue about leadership, strengths, and vision for student leadership in the way of Jesus on college campuses. After consuming the freshness of the crisp air, the sweet flavored delicacies, the lights of the city, and the warmth of relationship the boat docked.
Upon descending from the ramp connecting the boat to the city sidewalk and proceeding to the shuttle for the return trip to the hotel, there were about 70-80 well-dressed, "appropriately adorned," monetarily secure and even affluent individuals conversing, smiling, and mingling while three individuals prepared their separate "beds" on cold, hard, street-side benches. One had a shopping cart with some blankets and cardboard. As he laid down and covered up there were about 70-80 well-dressed, "appropriately adorned," monetarily secure and even affluent individuals conversing, smiling, and mingling who WALKED RIGHT BY.
The "religious elite" composed of student leaders and staff members from a theological seminary and eight "Christian" colleges WALKED RIGHT BY.
I... WALKED RIGHT BY.
Not a word spoken.
Only a glance.
I... WALKED RIGHT BY.
I thought for only an instant... "I should stop. I should ask if there is something I could do to help. I could catch a cab back to the hotel after having a conversation with this man."
"But everyone will see me. I don't want to appear hyper-religious or provide a poor representation of engaging people with the love of Jesus."
So I continued on.
I was part of the "religious elite" who had better things to do or at least a certain image to maintain. Meanwhile, I was hyper-religious and provided a poor representation of engaging people with the love of Jesus.
On behalf of the Church.
To the church.
I apologize.
Grace.