Dear Rob Bell

Hello, Mr. Rob Bell:

In the past week, a post streamed in my Facebook Newsfeed by someone. It was about an article in which you were quoted as predicting that the Christian Church is close to embracing "gay marriage" and that if we do not do that, we will be "left behind" because we are reading an "outdated book of 2000 years." Now I do not want to take your words out of context. I have read them quoted but while I know you have a show on Oprah Winfrey's TV network, I have never watched it. But what I saw bothered me. I had read that article and I left a comment there.

I doubt it if you will ever read this, Mr. Rob Bell. I'm small-time and I know it. That does not really matter as it once did to me. I'm working for an Audience of One and for anyone who will read any of my posts and experience transformed lives through the power of God. Hopefully, someone who follows you or may follow you, Mr. Rob Bell, will read this. They need to know that while you may mean very well and be a nice, good, likable guy, that you are teaching things that they need to know can hurt them spiritually if they are not warned. I'm sure that if you really want the best for your followers, you will not be threatened or angry if they do their due diligence about what you teach. Right?

The post I saw was preceded with the person's own comments. This person was lauding the courage of the numerous persons who have "come out" about their sexual orientations. And before going any further, I agree with the person who posted on Saturday when I saw that post, that no one should be bullied, despised or rejected based on their sexual orientation. Those people who have picketed "gay pride" events with signs like "God hates fags," and other hateful rhetoric, have no excuse. They are behaving in an un-Scriptural, un-Biblical, and un-Christlike fashion. By the way, I have read one of your books, LOVE WINS, and I have reviewed it on an earlier post. In that book, the concerning thing was your denial of the reality of Hell as is so clearly, if uncomfortably taught in the Bible. It has been said that you do not believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God, Mr. Rob Bell. I can just about believe it. For it would take questioning the Divine authority of the Bible on Hell or homosexuality or anything else, to enable anyone to reject these teachings or to re-define them.

AS I read the article that was shared this past Saturday, I was saddened as it made clear that an entire generation has been raised with the idea that right and wrong are relative, the lines between good and evil have been blurred and redefined, and we are slowly progressing to a "higher plane." The social acceptance of abortion, homosexuality, and premarital sexual intercourse are only symptoms of what is wrong with us today. And it is only getting worse. It is expected that "gay marriage" will one day be legal in all 50 states in the US. It is already legal in 39 states. I live in Missouri, where it is still illegal, but I know that one day it will be legalized in my home state. I agree with those who subscribe to liberal, progressive values, that many of us Christians have proved to be mean-spirited, judgmental, offensive and un-Christlike in how we have dealt with those whom we disagree with. There is no excuse for that, as Scripture tells us to be "gentle, patient teachers of those who are wrong" and to be always ready to answer those who question us about what we believe "with gentleness and respect." But the answer to this is not to react by redefining right and wrong, calling right wrong and wrong right. This is what has happened today.

Mr. Bell, I wonder if you are aware that James has declared, "Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. (James 3:1, NIV). That is you, Mr. Rob Bell. As a writer and speaker who has probably millions of followers, you teach and influence many people. This also includes people I know. They agree with your values of tolerance, love, brotherhood, peace and understanding. Scripture values these things also, but only in the context of truth. Jesus says of Himself, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no man comes to the Father but by me." (John 14:6, NIV). If you actually read the four Gospels and let them speak for themselves, you will understand that Jesus was not Mr. Nice Guy and did not worry Himself about offending people or keeping everyone happy. Ever read all the material in Matthew 23? Does any of that sound like a mealy-mouthed, Nice Guy Jesus? He let the Pharisees have it. He cursed them and called them snakes, saying they were going to Hell and leading their followers there, also. You want to know why He spoke to them so harshly? He blasted them because they were teaching the people false teachings and leading people to Hell. No, I don't dislike you. I have no reason to. I don't even know you. I just know what you are teaching and I have problems with it.

What would Jesus say to you, Mr. Rob Bell?

Sincerely,

Lisa DeSherlia