The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum Is Rob Bell a by-product of Lewis

I just saw an interview with Rob Bell with him saying his view of Hell is supported by C.S. Lewis among others.

I know many evangelicals love Lewis and quote him often. Mainly, they can separate the 'wheat and the chaff' from his writings. Lewis' theology can be very suspect. Should we be more careful in using Lewis in our own meditations, and when we are talking to others. What is the by-product of Lewis' writings?

We have had several discussions concerning C.S. Lewis and his 'theology', his brand of Christianity. Without question, Lewis has been elevated to the status of an Icon among most Evangelicals and praised by even many in the Reformed camp. I am not one of them.

Here are a few critques of C.S. Lewis. Certainly, I do not necesarily agree with all that is contained in those critiques nor am I giving a stamp of approval on the sources, some of which have their own theological problems. Having said that, there is much in these critiques which is worthy of note. Some have questioned the accuracy of these criticisms which many have also held. I guess it all depends upon one's initial estimation of Lewis whether some of the charges are seen as legitimate or contrived through erroneous deductions made from reading his literature. You can decide for yourself.

1. Biblical Discernment Ministries

2. Did C.S. Lewis Go to Heaven?

3. C.S. Lewis and Evangelicals Today

C.S. Lewis' theology loses respect in light of his comment on Matthew 24:34:

“…he was wrong. He clearly knew no more about the end of the world than anyone else. It is certainly the most embarrassing verse in the Bible.”

(from The World’s Last Night and Other Essays (New York: Harcourt Brace & Company, 1973), 98)

...certainly Lewis' most embarrassing quote.

Here's a review of Bell's allegedly connection to Lewis anda critique of Lewis' own views.
Rob Bell, C.S. Lewis, and Universalism

Pete,

Thanks for the link. What I found even more instructive than the article was reading through all of the comments which followed. One can see where if one is predisposed to like Lewis charity flourishes even to the point of minimizing or even overlooking Lewis' errors. However, the information provided by many regarding not only Bell and Lewis but Tim Keller in regard to their respective views of hell was quite interesting.

I mention this because I suspect most people will read the short article and never bother with the comments below. I hope that some, at least, will devote just a few minutes more and read those comments.

I just thought I would introduce an article which Dr. Albert Mohler recently wrote (April 15) concerning Rob Bell.

You can read the article here:A Massive Shift Coming in What it Means to Be a Christian?” — TIME Magazine Considers Rob Bell

Thanks for the article. You might have noticed the link to an article written by Tim Keller.
http://www.redeemer.com/news_and_events/articles/the_importance_of_hell.html

This certainly doesn't look like something that Bell would agree with. Not sure about Lewis, what do you think?

Tom

I found several things in Keller's article which caused me concern. What do you think of this particular statement he made?

The image of 'gehenna' and 'maggots' means decomposition. Once a body is dead it loses its beauty and strength and coherence, it begins to break into its constituent parts, to stink and to disintegrate. So what is a 'totaled' human soul? It does not cease to exist, but rather becomes completely incapable of all the things a human soul is for--reasoning, feeling, choosing, giving or receiving love or joy. Why? Because the human soul was built for worshipping and enjoying the true God, and all truly human life flows from that. In this world, all of humanity, even those who have turned away from God, still are supported by 'kindly providences' or 'common grace' (Acts 14:16-17; Psalm 104:10-30; James 1:17) keeping us still capable of wisdom, love, joy, and goodness. But when we lose God's supportive presence all together, the result is hell.

Good grief! I know so many orthodox Christians who love Tim Keller's work. Our Sunday school did a study on one of his books. I think the majority of Christians today do not know doctrine clearly enough to be able to discern heretical teaching. This breaks my heart and the only thing one can do is urge our Christian friends to know what it is that they are buying into, whether it lines up with Scripture. Brothers and sisters, I think we are heading into The Last Days. We need to pray that The Holy Spirit of Christ would give great discernment to our Bible-believing pastors and our Reformed and Evangelical churches today.

Pilgrim, I read the article by Tim Keller about his view of hell and I was, I don't even know the word, shocked, appalled, astounded. It shows how many are preaching to "itchy ears". 2Tim4:3-4.

muchforgiven,

You are not alone in your less than favorable conclusion concerning Tim Keller's view re: Hell. There are others who are also not so pleased, for example, here are a few critiques you may find interesting and/or helpful:

1. http://www.baylyblog.com/2010/06/a-response-to-tim-kellers-errors-on-hell.html
2. http://billwalker.wordpress.com/201...he-test-case-of-rob-bell-and-tim-keller/
3. http://www.thesimplepastor.co.uk/2011/03/do-rob-bell-tim-keller-and-cs-lewis-agree-on-hell/

On other subjects, Keller is scrutinized for his “New Calvinism”, “Contemplative/Centering Prayer”, etc.
1. http://discernthetime.com/messageboard/showthread.php?p=44210
2. http://gnom.nom.vg/tim-keller-giving-you-a-roman-catholic-way-biblecom

Thanks Pilgrim,I read them all. I wish more people were aware of Tim Keller's views.
I am presently coming to the end of an intense bible study on Isaiah. In Isaiah 53, it is so clear that The Suffering Servant's appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and his form marred beyond human likeness. This was because of the wrath of God that was poured out on our poor Savior for us. How can men who should know better reduce this to his just being separated from his Father?

Doubtless, there are many reasons why such men deviate from the clear teaching of Scripture. Here are a few of those reasons which sit at the top of my personal list:

1. The need for something different or new.
2. The desire for notoriety/fame and perhaps for some, fortune.
3. An over-emphasis and thus distortion of God's love.
4. A de-emphasis or even ignoring of God's holy hatred, wrath, and justice.
5. Attempts to make the Gospel more 'palatable' and/or 'culturally relevant'.
6. The desire for 'numbers'; large quantity of alleged conversions.
7. Insert your own reasons here.

I agree that there must be some desire to make more people accept the gospel of the Good News of Jesus Christ. We both know that it is only when a person really understands the holiness,righteousness and justice of Almighty God, that they can truly understand His mercy to us in Christ. The end result of their teaching may be more bodies in their churches but not true believers who will come to Christ mourning their sin,repenting and asking forgiveness. Why can't God's Word be believed as He wrote it.
He offers the best deal a person could ever want. But I do know the answer, they are blinded and only a work of The Holy Spirit can turn on the light.

Pilgrim

Sorry I didn't respond earlier concerning this.
If I understand what Keller is basically saying here, he is equating hell with the absence of God.
Do I understand him?

Tom

"Basically", yes and in part. The punitive aspect of hell, which even Jesus spoke much about seems to be absent from Keller's view and those that take a similar view of hell... see HERE.

Of course, one must at least ask, "How can an omnipresent God be absent from any place or anyone?"