Rob Bell's 'Love Wins' a Hot Topic for Evangelicals

Kim Linton
Rob Bell's new book "Love Wins: A Book About Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived" has many Christians questioning the author's theological slant -- and agenda.

"Love Wins," which was released ahead of schedule, is sparking heated debates on Christian blogs, forums and social networks like Facebook and Twitter.

Bell recently appeared on Good Morning America to promote his book and answer questions about the controversy surrounding his teachings.

Who is Rob Bell?

Rob Bell, senior pastor of Mars Hill Bible Church in Grand Rapids, MI, is no stranger to criticism. While Bell denies being a universalist, his teachings on heaven, hell and salvation often stray from traditional, Evangelical Christian theology.

For example, early critics of Bell's book claim the most important distinction between his teachings in "Love Wins" and Evangelical Christianity are the implications by Bell that no one will go to hell since everyone is already saved -- which lines up with Universalist Salvation theology, and not Evangelicalism.

The verdict is still out on "Love Wins"

While the verdict is still out on Rob Bell's intended theological slant in "Love Wins," early marketing campaigns, press releases and pre-release reviews of the book have lit a fire in pastors, church leaders and Christians around the globe.

If early interpretations of Bell's intended message hold true, the author will essentially be nullifying the gospel of necessity of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12) -- a message Evangelical Christians will not embrace.

Published by Kim Linton

Kim Linton began her writing career in 2001 as a contributor for Ministrymaker Magazine. Kim's work has since been published on a variety of websites including Woman's Day and Intel, and featured on several...  View profile

  • Critics claim Rob Bell's teachings lean heavily toward universalist theology.
  • Bell's teachings on heaven, hell and salvation are being questioned by the Christian community.
  • "Love Wins" was released ahead of schedule because of the controversy.
Rob Bell is the featured speaker in a series of religious films called NOOMA.

20 Comments

Post a Comment
  • Robert O. Adair1/23/2012

    Great artical! Very much on target!

  • Randy Inman9/5/2011

    Nice work!

  • tracey westphal5/15/2011

    It's very interesting to talk to people in West Michigan about his book. I also wrote a piece about his book, but I didn't have the links you have. Nice details to include. Thanks for sharing.

  • Sheryl Young4/27/2011

    Great conclusion. I also agree with Jack. I tried to comment on your Yahoo News Easter article, refreshed the page and everything, but it didn't seem to allow it!

  • johnt4/19/2011

    he is just as evil as "your best life now" false teacher

  • Jack Wellman4/10/2011

    I think this man's teaching is what Paul would call the false gospel. To leaven out hell and preach only heaven is giving them only half the message. One drop of poison added to a glass of spring water renders is all useless and deadly. Rob Bell is interested only in selling books and attracting a huge following after himself.

  • Sarah D.4/5/2011

    very interesting!!

  • J P Whickson3/21/2011

    Great information. I remember this pastor from previous headlines in the news.

  • Mike Powers3/17/2011

    Very well written. Thanks!

  • SFaloon3/17/2011

    Sorry, Guest, no true Christian wants anyone to "burn in hell". The thought actually tears at our hearts. We hate it. This pastor, and I use the term loosely, is falling into the 'I don't want to offend anyone state'. Sad, sad, sad.

Displaying Comments
Next »

To comment, please sign in to your Yahoo! account, or sign up for a new account.