Caleb Dyer > Recent Status Updates

This is so helpful. Asking a lot of questions I had no idea how to articulate, and I am excited to get to some answers!

So good so far

I love historically contextual theology, especially English reformation era

That was difficult. Rob obviously cares about people, but man his view of God and his holiness is very warped. He genuinely believes that a God who sends people to hell, to be punished for their sins and rejection of a Christ, without giving them infinite chances to repent throughout eternity, is not a good God nor the God of scripture. Lots of emotionalism in the book. I have more thoughts, but not enough space!

He seems to view scripture as primarily men’s words about God as opposed to God’s self revelation. The metaphors for salvation are not just the authors searching for culturally appropriate ways to explain what they think happened at the cross, but Christ himself telling us in the words of men what he accomplished.

He has a very subjective understanding of what a “better” story is. He asks many, many questions, but fails to answer them in a compelling, biblical way. He sure quotes the Bible, but only to ask questions, not to answer them.

“At the center of the first church is the belief that history is not tragic and hell is not forever” wow that is a statement. He claims that a belief that God will reconcile all people, even those suffering in hell, is an orthodox belief held by thousands of orthodox Christians throughout the church, but he fails to recognize the council of Constantinople in 553 that condemned that very view as heretical.

Rob Bell does not understand how the Greek language works or how the NT relates to the OT. Lots of problems would be solved with a few basic Greek classes, as well as reading through the Shorter catechism with Scripture proofs.

Listening to audiobook. This guy could use a dose of traditional, confessional reformation theology.

Really helpful book on the reason for living. It’s easy to take it for granted, but this helped me think through why life is a good gift from God. Mental health is such a complex topic, and I may not agree with Alan Noble on everything, but his pastoral heart was clear, and I will be able to use what I learned in the future!

Feels like I’m in class back at OBU. Love it

Good read, but won’t read the rest. My wife will read the rest and fill in the gaps when we watch the movies 😂

Storyline was interesting, but wasn’t a huge fan of the romance in it. Reminder of why I read the type of books I do lol.