First, I must say that I have very much enjoyed Rob Bell's past work with the Nooma series, and his two books that he has authored, Velvet Elvis and Sex God. I feel that Rob Bell is a fresh thinker and wants to dig deeper into preconceived notions that we often approach scripture with. Bell's latest offering is no different. Jesus Wants to Save Christians, A Manifesto for the Church in Exile challenges Jesus' followers to approach salvation humbly. To often we get caught up in reaching the world for Christ, when God's church can use some salvation as well.
Bell lays out an argument that the church is blessed to become a blessing, and that somewhere down the line, we have missed the mark. Our call to become a blessing has been lost in church programs, buildings, slick marketing, and politics for power.
Retracing the roots of the Christian narrative, Bell suggests that God has "heard the cry" of the oppressed. Since the beginning, God's purpose for His people is to be a blessed people so that they can be a "blessing" to the world, sharing in God's dream for this world. Bell moves through the narrative starting with Cain and Abel, moving to the Exodus and Sinai. Bell argues that the cry of the oppressed moved God.
When the oppressed becomes the oppressors under the "wisdom" and reign of Solomon, God moved to action.
To bring about a new kind of Kingdom, a true faithful marriage between the divine and humanity, Jesus is the promise for a better world through His death, burial, and resurrection. His followers have the opportunity to live out this blessing to the World.
However, more times then not, the church mission is lost in midst of many distractions. Bell reminds us of our purpose. He reminds us to move past the distractions. He reminds us that Jesus wants to save us from anything that can hinder His work in this world.
Rob Bell is not the first to point out this. You can finds similar work with Shane Claiborne and N.T. Wright. Bell does, however make this subject very accessible. Contrary to others, I am also a big fan of the format of Bell's books including this one. Jesus Wants to Save Christians is a short read, which is not a bad thing at all. I would recommend this to those that are looking at their Christian faith and wondering if there is more. I believe you will find more in this tangible calling to be a blessing to the world.
-dj
http://audaciousliturgy.blogspot.com/
4 comments:
Great review, Dan! Thanks for posting it.
Beth Murphy
Zondervan
I am a fan of Rob Bell, thanks for the post!
The book, as every Rob Bell book so far, is challenging and inspiring.
Also, check out Church of the Savior in Wash D.C. they have figured a way to transition itself to close after 60 years of ministry to downtown D. C. I'll try to e-mail some of the info to you. It's been a church on the edge for years, founder of FCA attended and participated in many of the ministries, as well as many other church leaders from throughout the United States. The outgoing/retiring founders is somewhat critical of mega-churches, specifically for their having to worry about paying for large facilities. More later.
Osojo
I love Rob Bell and his fresh way of thinking. Definately out of the realm of the usual church box! Awesome review and keep up the good work!!!
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