As a member of Time Magazine’s “Top 100” in 2011, and founder of the Mars Hill Bible Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with a huge following, Rob Bell gained recognition as one of the most influential Christian leaders in the country. His previous bestseller, Love Wins, challenges traditional Christian evangelical concepts of heaven and hell, and was sufficiently controversial to separate him from the Mars Hill Bible Church, in search of a larger, broader audience. He has since become a Christian author, inspirational speaker, and created an overwhelming presence on the Internet through online publishing and social media.
In What We Talk About When We Talk About God, Bell discusses perceived misconceptions about what we understand God to be, and our spiritual relationships, based on outdated scientific models. He presents the reader with his belief that God is with us, for us, and ahead of us, and how accepting these beliefs may change the course of our lives. Whether or not we agree with Bell, and I find there is much to agree with, I think a more accurate title for the book would be “What Rob Bell Talks About When He Talks About God”. It is provocative. The language is hip. The stories are cool. Bell refers to atomic theory, quantum physics, energy, reductionism, surfing, comedy clubs, water-skiing, and all kinds of other stuff. In his book these apply directly to, or act as illustrations for, our spiritual beliefs. Despite the possibility of feeling stuck in a drawn-out sermon, this book is enjoyable, and recommended for questioning millennials, whom it appears to be targeting.
--Rosemary Szczygiel, Hilliard Branch Library
Find What We Talk About When We Talk About God in the Nassau County Public Library System catalog.
In What We Talk About When We Talk About God, Bell discusses perceived misconceptions about what we understand God to be, and our spiritual relationships, based on outdated scientific models. He presents the reader with his belief that God is with us, for us, and ahead of us, and how accepting these beliefs may change the course of our lives. Whether or not we agree with Bell, and I find there is much to agree with, I think a more accurate title for the book would be “What Rob Bell Talks About When He Talks About God”. It is provocative. The language is hip. The stories are cool. Bell refers to atomic theory, quantum physics, energy, reductionism, surfing, comedy clubs, water-skiing, and all kinds of other stuff. In his book these apply directly to, or act as illustrations for, our spiritual beliefs. Despite the possibility of feeling stuck in a drawn-out sermon, this book is enjoyable, and recommended for questioning millennials, whom it appears to be targeting.
--Rosemary Szczygiel, Hilliard Branch Library
Find What We Talk About When We Talk About God in the Nassau County Public Library System catalog.