yes, like you, i am over it.
and yes, i still have not read the book, altho mostly because i have not had the opportunity to yet.
however, because my friend sean du toit posted the link i had to at least check it out [i trust sean] and this really does seem to be the most balanced view of the new rob bell book that i have read as it highlights stuff rob gets right and then critiques [with a lot of explanation and referece] the bits he is not in agreement with quite strongly. probably what i like most of all is that he doesn’t judge rob bell, he judges the book.
so for anyone reading or who has read the book, mark has some great wisdom and caution for you which i really think you should check out [which you can do by clicking here]
here is the last paragraph from the article so you can get an idea of the kind of tone and emphasis the article takes, but i encourage you to read the whole thing – it has some good stuff to say:
“Now, having said all that, I want to be clear. I am not saying Rob Bell is not a Christian and standing in judgment over him. My own writings and theology are open to the same critique. None of us is a perfect teacher, leader and free from false ideas. To be fair to him too, he does not quite in the book emphatically state that he is a universalist, but poses a lot of questions. However, as he does so, he clearly sides with the idea arguing it is a better story. I disagree, the gospel as we have it in the narrative and text is the only story and we need to ensure we handle it carefully and accurately. I am contending with his ideas, I think he is reading the gospel wrongly. I would still encourage people to read the book, but do so with a Bible in hand, and don’t just read the texts he refers to. If you do, you might find yourself agreeing too easily. Read the whole NT again and again, pen in hand, notebook at the ready, note what it says about life, death, hope and eternity. Consider the whole story and don’t write off the bits you don’t like. See if there are ways that you can make sense of the story, but hold all its elements in balance. I think as you do, you will find that you will hear a similar but different story to the one painted by RB, but don’t worry, God wins.”
[http://drmarkk.blogspot.com/2011/04/rob-bell-love-wins-response.html]
Dude, I never linked to that review! :p
But, I’m still glad you found it helpful . Although, I responded to Mark on his critique of the word aionos, which I think Bell actually gets right, well, kind of! Other than that, it’s a good review. My favourite review is still Scot McKnight’s: http://www.patheos.com/community/jesuscreed/?s=Exploring+Love+Wins
Have fun!
PS: I don’t think Bell is a universalist, but rather an inclusivist. Universalists believe everyone will be saved. Inclusivists believe it’s possible to be saved without hearing the word, “Jesus”. So think of Abraham or that random dude in the Amazon jungle who responds to the revelation that he has. That’s inclusivism. Bell still believes that those who reject Jesus will go to Hell, so he can’t be a universalist.