Issues related to doctrine and differences of opinion about scriptural truths are far, far from new events. Jesus walked the earth often initiating such discord in his efforts to promote discussion. And in doing so, He often bore the brunt of harsh criticism. In John 10, Jesus makes a fervent case for who He is, about why He has come, about His connectedness to the flock. Passionate, heartfelt, beautiful words. He lays the very core of His heart on the line. He puts it out there for all to see and hear.
The response? John 10:19 “The Jews who heard these words were again divided. Many of them said, “He is demon-possessed and raving mad. Why listen to him?” Later in that same chapter, those same Jews picked up stones to stone Him. Jesus’ response in John 10:32 “…but Jesus said to them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?” He asked a question. He didn’t tweet and bid them farewell. He engaged and continued to dialogue. And after the Jews responded (vs. 33), Jesus followed it up immediately with three more questions in succession (vs. 34-36).
It’s no secret that American mainline denominational churches are losing members at a staggering rate. People left and right are leaving the pews in mass exodus, or never entering at all. In 2009, George Barna released results of a survey that stated “Overall, the current research revealed that only 9% of all American adults have a biblical worldview.” That same survey stated “The research data showed that one pattern emerged loud and clear: young adults rarely possess a biblical worldview. The current study found that less than one-half of one percent of adults in the Mosaic generation – i.e., those aged 18 to 23 – have a biblical worldview, compared to about one out of every nine older adults.” (http://www.barna.org/transformation-articles/252-barna-survey-examines-changes-in-worldview-among-christians-over-the-past-13-years).
How does one obtain a biblical worldview? The manner of acquisition varies, but the question is not how it’s obtained, but why is it even necessary to obtain? How does good bible theology influence, shape, and sway how I live, how I love, how I think, how I learn? And if it’s not the bible influencing, shaping, and swaying how I live, how I love, how I think, how I learn…what then earns that place of prominence? Our worldview influences EVERYTHING. But I’m a good person…why do I need an ancient book and some guy in a flowing robe telling me what to do?
I believe many adults…and most especially young adults…are passing over Christianity, skipping over the bible, because many Christians today are MORE about what they hate, despise, and detest, and LESS about love, humility, and meekness. I find many worldviews are founded in arrogance and hate and not in humility and love. We’re more likely today to find Christians focused on the “do nots” than the “do’s”. As someone recently stated, “Why would I want to become a follower of Christ? His followers are some of the most hurtful, angry, offensive people I know. My friends truthfully have fewer problems with Christ and more problems with Christians and their arrogant leaders.” Ouch.
Good theology and good discussion about theology have gotten lost in translation. If I want to show a person how sharp my new Cutco knives are…should I stab it into my neighbor’s body, or have him come to my house and watch me using the knife to create a beautiful meal that we can share together? Is the same not true for discussions about theology? If I stab the knife of theology into my neighbor, I virtually end all discussion. Engaging and allowing my neighbor to watch me use the knife, to see what it can help create…thus a relationship is born. My neighbor might think his Chicago cutlery is far superior. At least he’ll have the chance to dialogue with me about it, since I didn’t stab him with my own knife.
Friends, it may appear I’m talking in circles and going nowhere, but the reality is this…WE CANNOT AFFORD TO AVOID THIS CONVERSATION ANY LONGER. Questions are not the enemy. The questions raised by Rob Bell—and at this point, they are just questions—those very questions are being asked by 91% of American adults who DO NOT have a biblical worldview. How are we responding, knowing that the 91% includes many, many believers?
I don’t believe cutting off the discussion is the answer (i.e. stabbing my neighbor). It feels like that is exactly what John Piper and others did when they fired the opening shots…seemingly saying it's wrong to ask questions first. “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.” (I Cor. 13:1)
It would be much different if Piper had read the book and was responding from the questions stirred in him, prompted by what he had read. After READING the book, if it does indeed promote universalism, then discuss and promote good teaching that counters the misinformation—counter with biblical truth that seeks to inform the 91%. By all means, enter the discussion, but do so in love.
But seemingly lopping Bell’s ear off (wait, didn’t that happen in scripture?) because one doesn’t agree with what MIGHT be in a book that hasn’t even been read yet… Clanging that gong loudly might appear to get the “truth” across, but the person has no ear left to listen.
I watched and found Rob Bell’s infamous video clip both unnerving and intriguing. It flat out messed with me! Much of what he writes and speaks elicits a similar response in me. It challenges…it provokes…it forces me to dig around in my heart, my head, and my bible. But I'm reserving any opinion on the theological foundations of “Love Wins” until after I’ve read the book. His theology concerning heaven and hell may very well be flawed. But that should be just the beginning of this discussion, not the ending point.
In my opinion, too many evangelicals speak as if they've earned the right to be heard—even loudly demanding the right to be heard—when they haven't done a good job listening or asking questions in love, as they move towards the revelation and revolution of truth. The outspoken critics may be completely correct. But the fight before the fight makes me wonder who will listen now? Who will bind the wounds of the hurting and patch the jabs of self-righteousness that cut so deeply into so many?
I’ve been to seminary so I should have a good handle on this whole heaven and hell dialogue. But the truth is I feel as if I’ve barely begun to scratch the surface. The dialogue leads to more questions which leads to more questions which leads to more questions about more and more biblical topics and theology. I’ve lopped off plenty of ears and ended potential discussions before they ever began by displaying an arrogant attitude that boasted “I’m right and you’re wrong.” I don’t want to be that person. For me, that is not honoring the Christ I love.
The discussion about heaven and hell is endless, and honestly, I love that!! It gets me excited to dig in and search and explore more along the journey. Not in an effort to show I know the truth, but in an effort to understand and bridge gaps for those who—like me—are searching for truth wrapped in love.
We are a band of misfits, all searching for truth and doing it imperfectly. We never really arrive until we get there. But for now, we’re stuck with each other on this journey of truth...and love. Scripture says, “For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” (Where’s that scripture found? 1 Corinthians 13:12…the LOVE chapter… Hmmmm)
Nine percent is not okay. We must work together to repair the problem, not increase it. Love already won over 2000 years ago on a cross. But it’s not winning today. Please don’t shoot first, love first. Please don’t ask questions later, ask them now. This is a discussion we can no longer avoid.
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