April 28, 2011

My Main Criticism of Mike Wittmer's Book

I have one main criticism of Mike Wittmer's new book Christ Alone: An Evangelical Response to Rob Bell's Love Wins.  Tragically, this book breaks Wittmer's streak of books with titles shared with 80's rock songs.  His previous books were Heaven is a Place on Earth and Don't Stop Believing.  The saddest thing about all of this is that there was an absolutely perfect and obvious choice for a reply to Love Wins...

wait for it...

Love Hurts.

That would have been prefect on so many levels.

Seriously though, a snarky title would have been a terrible idea.  One of the strengths of this book is that it avoids attacking Rob Bell as a person even while explaining deep concerns with his theology.  It doesn't fight straw men with straw men but instead deals with the deep issues with a combination of respect, insight, and conviction.  Christ Alone is an ideal book for people thinking through the eternal issues raised in Love Wins.  Wittmer helps us to see that the Bible's message is not embarrassing but a compelling story that fits the reality of God's holiness and the darkness of the human heart. 

There are several excerpts from Christ Alone at the book's website http://www.christalonebook.com/.
      
This books reminds us that any message we give people is only loving if it is true.  I've heard a lot of people say that no one should pass judgment on Rob Bell's book without reading it.  I hope that these same people have the same openness to Mike Wittmer's reply.  If you are someone who has read Love Wins and found it persuasive, I plead with you to read this book as well.  Please don't say, "I don't need to read that book.  I already know what it says."  And if you do say that, please remember that when someone gives you the same reply about not reading Love Wins.

Okay, I admit that the title Love Hurts would have been a bad idea, but I'm still depressed that this book breaks the string of 80's rock songs.  Therefore I vow that if I ever invent a time machine and go back in time one of my main priorities will be to join a hair band and record a one hit wonder titled Christ Alone: An Evangelical Response to Rob Bell's Love Wins. 

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