A friend posted
this blog by John Pavlovitz on Facebook a few days ago, stating in her status
that it is shameful the way many evangelicals are treating Rob Bell. I agree. I commented on my friend's post:
"A few years ago, I thought he was borderline heretical. But I hadn't read any of his books or listened to his messages. I just went on hearsay, and I had also been reading several apologetics websites constantly, which criticized him as well as the church growth movement, emergent churches, and people that practice and teach meditation. I have changed many of my views in the past few years, including being able to accept Roman Catholics as fellow believers without feeling the need to tell them that I believe their church teachings are wrong and why. So, now I can accept that Rob Bell can think outside the box freely without being a heretic and false teacher. Now, though, I need to show understanding to those that have been raised in a very traditional mindset and have trouble seeing outside of that. We don't need to turn around and attack those that are in ignorance attacking Rob. This has been happening almost since the beginning of the church age, and we need to begin to love one another even in our differences."
I was glad to find
such a good article that shares my newly gained perspective on the Body of Christ: namely, that the different branches of the Vine must learn to show love to one another in spite of our many differences. Our variety does not make us enemies, but provides many opportunities for learning a new perspective on the endless gifts of God.
Later I reposted the link in my Facebook status and stated: "
My views have changed so much in the last few years. I don't immediately call someone a heretic just because they don't hold the same perspective that I do in everything. Rob Bell thinks outside the box, like Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and his perspective is needed in the church. I think I should blog about this article. I haven't blogged much since I gave up lecturing Catholics on their errors. About the same time I realized that I have plenty of my own."
Please read the article and let me know what you think. Thanks!
