Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith by Rob Bell
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Book Reviews of Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith
Book Review: Are you a brother or sister of Jesus, or a Pharisee
Summary: 5 Stars
Jesus came to set us free from religion (among other things). At that time, the Jewish temple structure.
Today, Jesus would come and set us free from some forms of Christianity (as religion, and not a relationship) that are strikingly similiar to the Jews of Jesus time. We have a lot of churches that are more like social clubs than the hands and feet of Christ bringing love to the poor and oppressed in society.
Dallas Williard talks about the Gospel of "sin management", and others have expressed dismay at the Christians who feel they are better than others and are in the "in crowd" (as in heaven), so feel they can and should judge others. Sound anything like the Pharisees?
Some people go all ape-#$%^ over Bell - today's Pharisees. You will read some of their reviews, and some even dedicate their time in "Christian service" to anti-Bell (and other controversial Christ followers) website or blogs bashing their Christian brother. Strange. Not sure what Bible they are reading. Wonder what they have read of John 17, when Jesus prayed for our unity. I wonder if they think the greatest commandment, is "follow all the traditions of your elders."
This is a great book, that I highly recommend. Don't let the religious pharasitic folks of today keep you from wrestling with God. God wants us to wrestle with Him and His Word, just like any loving Father! ;)
Grace, peace, and joy to you!
Book Review: Hmm..
Summary: 5 Stars
As I started to read the one-star reviews, I started to rethink my initial reaction to the book... and it remains the same. I do agree with the critics- nothing can ever replace or come close to the Bible. But I never saw that trying to be accomplished in this book. I am a part of a new generation in the Church, one that is tired of all the church drama, one that wants to get back to the actual living Word and what Christ has called us to do here in this life. I find that Rob Bell gives his reader a wealth of historic information about Jewish traditions, which gives the reader a new prespective and clears up many questions. For example, I never really understood why people wanted Him dead; I mean He was a good guy, never hurt anyone. After reading the chapter on the Rabbi tradition it made a lot of sense. Putting history into context is the only way the Bible can make sense to us and actually be put to use today. There is nothing wrong with questioning your faith. Without questions your faith is stagnant and not growing. God does not want us to follow blindly; that is why He gave us freewill to make up our own minds. This book brought up a lot of great points that really make you think and wonder. It is one person's opinion and should never be taken for gospel, but it shouldn't be ignored either.Book Review: Life-changing
Summary: 5 Stars
This book has opened my mind to expand beyond that which I've been taught all my life. Not that I regret any of my past upbringing! I feel sorry for those who view Rob Bell's ideas negatively, especially by those who have their faith in God already. God has given us a mind that is to be stretched and challenged so that it may be used to its fullest and that's exactly what this book has done for me. I don't have to agree with everything (and I don't!) written in this book to fully appreciate Rob Bell's thought process in how we take so much for granted from that which was told to us as it was to our parents by their parents, who were told by their parents, etc. Rob Bell is like Martin Luther was in his day: a man who has realized there is much more to God and His Word than what the traditions of the organized church have dictated to us. It doesn't necessarily "disqualify" what the organized churches have been teaching. More importantly, Rob Bell explains the background of scripture -- what the words spoken/written meant back then -- so that we can understand how to make it applicable in our lives today and every generation forward. Open your mind and read this book for a life changing understanding!!Book Review: Inspiring to Tear driping to a smile on your face
Summary: 5 Stars
Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell, has to be one of the greatest inspiring books that can even teach a Christian who is strong in His walk. Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell, first goes into asking God questions is a good thing, as when we ask God questions we find answers, and those answers helps us to grow in the Lord. Rob Bell goes into talking about Gods' creation and how the Lord wants us to use it. The best section in this book is about the Jewish history of Jesus Christ. This section of the book really got me to be in awe of our Lord Jesus Christ.
There are seven topics in this books that Rob goes into. He calls them movements. Velvet Elvis, has brought me into a new understanding of passion. I've been a born again Christian for three years with a fire and this book just kept my flame going if not made it go higher.
I recommend this book for any Christian of any age, in fact get two copy's of this book one to keep and one to pass on. This is a book that will change your walk for ever, and even put you in tears of how beautiful our God is. Your Pastor would even enjoy and get inspired by Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell.
This is a spirit filled book, and I look forward to reading more by Rob Bell.
Book Review: Great for Christians with Critical Brains
Summary: 5 Stars
Not since Daniel Taylor's 'The Myth of Certainty' (InterVarsity Press) has a book been so encouraging to Christians with critical brains. Both authors contend that rational certainty is impossible, implying that everyone has faith in something - whether in the god(s) of a particular religious system or in the supremacy of reason and logic over metaphysical speculation. Where both Taylor and Bell use honest questioning and story telling to illustrate their points of view, Bell adds the use of scholarly exegesis to help paint a portrait of Jesus' message that challenges a host of the theological assumptions that many contemporary Christians hold (intentionally or unintentionally) without question. He presents his material in a way that invites those of us who are unsure about Christ and/or the church to see the good news of the Kingdom of God from a different (and more accurate) perspective. Bell's writing is accessible, which, when considering the weight of some of the concepts he attempts to convey, is quite a feat. 'Velvet Elvis' has the potential to be mutually encouraging to those who follow Jesus and those who do not. Needless to say at this point, I highly recommend this book.