A recent firestorm within the realm of religion and the media regarding pastor Rob Bell's new book titled, Love Wins: A Book About Heaven, Hell and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived, has sparked a fascinating and difficult conversation about the afterlife and the choices we make in our lifetime. I do not envy Rob Bell as he has faced difficult questions from various people in the media and in the religious community. Questions such as, "Are heaven and hell real places?", "Is accepting Jesus the only way to get to heaven?", "If I were an Atheist and I give to the poor, help those that have been abused, love to the fullest of my being, would I still be sentenced to eternity in hell by a God who says He is love?" These are some of the most difficult questions to answer for people of faith because there is no physical evidence to support either side. None of us have died and come back to tell us how it all works. The truth is, we don't have all of the answers. This is what I believe is so beautiful about being human.
Discussion about what we think and how we formulate these thoughts and beliefs is what I believe is what we are here for. If we can have these conversations with an open mind and respect everyone's point of view, we can broaden our own definitions of who God is and why we are here. I don't think it is our job to say who is going to heaven and who is not, to assign blame for the bad things that happen in our lives. It is simply our job to bring the attributes of heaven here to this world. The bible describes heaven as a place without sorrow, pain, suffering. A place of never ending joy and peace. Isn't that what we should be working towards here in this world? If we were to focus on loving people, supporting one another and enabling people to be more fulfilling versions of themselves, then who could argue our own salvation? Especially a God who sent his son to endure death on our account?
For me, the image I project of God is evolving everyday. I believe the more I dwell on who God is, and broadening my view of Him, the more I feel that I can begin to be an image of Him. I've gone from thinking God is this divine being sitting up in heaven, punishing me for my sins, to believing that God is here with us, shedding a tear when we shed tears and celebrating right alongside of us when we celebrate what is good in this life. I would never think that God caused an earthquake that caused a tsunami that caused massive destruction that is still on going because I believe that God loves us too much. He is all powerful and loving but it is not my place to question why He would allow this to happen. I am merely to respond to it. I believe that He works through situations like these to gather His people to demonstrate love and support through trials such as natural disasters because we all experience some kind of trial and hardship in our lives. We all require that love and support and the more we practice giving it out, the grace we experience is as close to heaven as we will ever get here on earth.
Here is a great post by Fuller President Richard Mouw on Rob Bell and his book so you can get another point of view.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Tipping Point
I attended a conference called Catalyst West last week down in Irvine. This is the third consecutive year I've been a part of it and each year I am filled with inspiration and dreams. The theme was "Take Courage," a great reminder in these times where our faith is stretched to unseeable ends. We get to hear from some of the most innovative minds and extraordinary communicators from all parts of the world. My next blog posts will offer some insight to my experience at "Cat West."
The opening speaker was Andy Stanley, the founder of North Point Ministries. He gave a talk about individual acts of courage, the tipping point of something extraordinary. Though not always dramatic as say, David and Goliath, we have ample opportunities to live out the most heroic versions of our lives. Whether it's having the courage to stay when it would be easier to leave, or vice versa, we all have moments that may seem insignificant at the time, but prove monumental down the road of our journeys.
As we travel through life, we all need a little help, or a lot of help in some cases. It takes courage to ask for that help. It takes courage to be honest and vulnerable. Secrets compensate who we are. We are afraid of what others might find out about us or we're afraid of what we might find out about ourselves.
The encouraging news? Every high profile leader has sought out help. You and I are not alone in our need for help. We are no less for asking for help. It takes courage, so take heart.
When all is said and done, what story do you want to tell? This could be the most courageous story of your life so take it by the horns and don't ever let go.
The opening speaker was Andy Stanley, the founder of North Point Ministries. He gave a talk about individual acts of courage, the tipping point of something extraordinary. Though not always dramatic as say, David and Goliath, we have ample opportunities to live out the most heroic versions of our lives. Whether it's having the courage to stay when it would be easier to leave, or vice versa, we all have moments that may seem insignificant at the time, but prove monumental down the road of our journeys.
As we travel through life, we all need a little help, or a lot of help in some cases. It takes courage to ask for that help. It takes courage to be honest and vulnerable. Secrets compensate who we are. We are afraid of what others might find out about us or we're afraid of what we might find out about ourselves.
The encouraging news? Every high profile leader has sought out help. You and I are not alone in our need for help. We are no less for asking for help. It takes courage, so take heart.
When all is said and done, what story do you want to tell? This could be the most courageous story of your life so take it by the horns and don't ever let go.
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