Bell's Ten Big Ideas and the Future of American Religion

http://www.patheos.com/Progressive-Christian/Bells-Big-Ideas-James-Wellman-04-01-2013.html

Rob Bell's ideas are at the very crest of the wave that is the future of American religion. Here are the top ten ideas that I take away from Bell.

By James Wellman, March 31, 2013

The waters of American Christianity are churning right beneath our feet, and Rob Bell's ideas are at the very crest of the wave that the changes are producing. Here are ten things I've learned, gleaned from my book on Rob Bell and a New American Christianity and from talking with him about his recent book, What We Talk About When We Talk About God.

1) "Love God and do you what you want." St. Augustine's magnificent phrase is much quoted but rarely tried. Bell does it. He is not afraid "to swing for the fences." From this audacity comes a special delight and joy that, for many, is literally intoxicating. This is the freedom and liberation that Bell lives so well. Says Bell, "I have nothing to lose, so why not try the next thing."

2) God cannot be domesticated by the church, so don't try it. As Bell told me, "Church should be a catalyst for the kingdom; it is not the kingdom of God." What I most respect about Bell is that he didn't build a cathedral at Mars Hill; he bought an old rundown mall for $1 and painted the walls black, set up chairs, and did church. He left it without debt and today the church remains a catalyst for charity and for the incarnational love of Christ.

3) "Ordain everyone." For Bell, clergy worship defeats discipleship. Everyone, as he loves to say should be ordained—teachers, business people, lawyers, and custodians; each is called to holy life. Imagine what Lehman Brothers would have done differently if their CEOs were ordained.

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