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.
April 28, 2011
April 21, 2011
The Epic Finale! (Come on, go ahead and watch it!)
Okay, here is the deal. I'm a giant dork and I know it. A few years ago we started making superhero videos for the kids in our church for some VBS programs we wrote. Yes, I know that making superhero videos makes a person a giant dork, but hey, it's for the kids and the videos have some good theology embedded in them. (The message comes through the best when you see them all together.) There are a few hundred kids with DVDs of these series and they like them a lot. My own kids are demanding that I make more of these too. Eric is very concerned about what is going to happen to the Princess. We actually have a lot of fun making these, even though it is a lot of work. I write them and do the editing and effects as well. It's fun seeing what we can pull off on our own. For what it is, I think they're actually decent. If you're even moderately impressed I would be happy.
So, the epic conclusion to the newest Powerman & Mosquitoboy saga is now online. You should watch it, eh. You'll make me feel good if you do.
This is the 10th and final part of the last series that we did. (There were five episodes, split in half for YouTube.) You can see the whole thing from the start at http://www.youtube.com/PowermanMosquitoboy. You can also be a fan of Powerman & Mosquitoboy on facebook.
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