Rob Bell is a pastor in Grandville, Michigan, and I really like him.
A lot.
The side of me that is incredibly superficial and shallow is willing to concede that maybe it is because I like his glasses. He even has cool hair, even though it is much shorter than I could get away with wearing.
The part of me that is nauseated by the utter cheesiness that is found in many Christian bookstores likes Bell’s creativity. Followers of Christ claim to have a relationship with the Almighty Creator of all that is, and yet Christian bookstores across this nation are filled with utter crap with “Jesus” or “The Prayer of Jabez” stamped on it. This mediocrity permeates not just the Jesus Junk but also much of the music and multimedia that is available as well. Rob Bell has a non-profit company, Nooma, that creates incredibly imaginative videos that can be used as part of group studies, sermons, or just as stand-alone experiences.
The side of me that is somewhat rebellious in all things, even the spiritual, likes the fact that he is willing to challenge the norm. I love his approach to things, his willingness to question. In his book Velvet Elvis, he affirms many of the traditional Christian beliefs while simultaneously confessing that some of these, while certainly important, are not the main thing to him. I appreciate his willingness to address some of the taboo subjects of evangelicalism.
You know what I truly love about Rob Bell? His honesty, his openness, his willingness to admit that he is a flawed creation. Unlike many people who fill church pews Sunday after Sunday… much less the pastors who fill the pulpits… Rob Bell doesn’t try to pretend that he has his crap together.
Recently, I was watching a Nooma video that featured Rob Bell sharing about a conversation that he had recently experienced with his counselor. His willingness to admit that he had a counselor was refreshing for me. So often today, there is still a stigma associated with counseling or mental health situation. We don’t think a thing about the person who takes prescription medication to lower the amount of acid her stomach produces, but we judge the person who needs antidepressants. We don’t give a second thought about a person who has regular appointments with a physician to monitor a heart condition, but we pity the person who has regular appointments with a counselor.
Thank you, Rob Bell, for your honesty and openness.
For the record, I had a conversation with my counselor this morning. I found it to be insightful, encouraging, and helpful.
So how far can a pastor go in ‘challenge the norm?’
Good question, Chris. I am not sure I have a definitive answer for you in that one. Can I give it more thought and give you the reply that it deserves rather than a flippant, off-the-cuff type of response?
BTW, I checked out your photography site… you are extremely gifted. If you were a little closer, I would try to talk you into taking some pics of my family!
How did you happen to stumble across my little corner of the universe?
Thanks Blair:) Photography is an addicting hobby.
It’s a small universe on the web, and I thought I might try to explore:) I found your post on Bell, and having a somewhat contrary view of his book, was curious for more of your insight about the mentioned question.
I don’t mind waiting, and I appreciate you taking the time.
I’ll check back every now and then.
-Chris
1. Thanks for the comment
2. I heart Rob Bell and was lucky enough to see him in person last year. Though at times he makes me whine, it’s usually a good thing.
3. That facebook video you posted below is awesome