tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20905577.post325016393623108916..comments2024-02-22T04:58:19.083-08:00Comments on My Reflections: Bell and LewisUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20905577.post-47282546581998768322012-04-24T21:37:55.995-07:002012-04-24T21:37:55.995-07:00Joseph, I don't think these comments require a...Joseph, I don't think these comments require a specific response (or rejoinder), but I will say I appreciate your boldness. Thanks!My Reflectionshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06398084457749292224noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20905577.post-35319686456221510692012-04-24T10:47:19.351-07:002012-04-24T10:47:19.351-07:00What business is it of mine to judge those outside...<i>What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?</i> 1Cor 5:12<br /><br />While Lewis may have been making a case for Christianity by addressing those outside the fold, Bell is addressing those within the church & the misplaced emphasis of how the concept of heaven & of hell has been abused. I do believe Bell understands this truism: living out one’s religion will be directly proportional to how God is viewed. We will act toward others & the natural world according to how we perceive the God we claim to worship. <br /><br />Just from the varied theological perspectives held by those in your Wednesday nite class I can detect a very obvious posturing determined by the theological conclusions of those holding them. Some hold their conclusions tightly to their chest as if any contrary idea a personal threat. Others have just as strong convictions, but do not insist theirs is the final word on the subject. <br /><br />I do agree Bell’s PR approach preceding his book’s release was over-the-top. He does set himself up as a self-styled martyr when he paints the big red target on himself, smug in the resultant label of heretic, provocateur, pot-stirrer, controversy pitchman, carnival barker, etc. However, he did nothing outside of what a good strategist would utilize to garner maximum attention to his cause.<br /><br />So, he has provoked those within the church. Amen. It is these very topics that actually force us to consider the type of deity behind the concepts being questioned. Such theological examination needs to be encouraged. And Bell has achieved this successfully whether or not the responses are knee-jerk or contemplative.Josephnoreply@blogger.com