How does Love Win?

Prior to today, I've had only a vague awareness of the the new Rob Bell book, "Love Wins",and no knowledge of the discussion and furor that has apparently swept the internet.

Then this morning, I read an article from Yahoo News "Most Viewed" articles, discussing the existence, particulars, and some debate about Hell; opinions regarding Bell's book; general aspersions and debates raging from both sides of the argument; and other related topics.

Later, I came across an ongoing discussion on an internet forum about this book and author. Within this discussion were links to several reviews/critiques of his book. Then things got meta. Further into that discussion, I happened across an outstanding blog post, which was itself discussing the discussion about the book.

Having not read the book, and further having no first-hand basis for forming an opinion of Mr. Bell, I will refrain from adding my two cents to the discussion of the book itself. After all, the net sum of my input would be based entirely on second and third hand recounting of what he may or may not be saying or mean. The topic at hand - God's plan for salvation and eternity - is far too important for me to wade in to the middle of somebody else's argument and start hammering away at the imperfections I see from my 'lofty perch'.

I do, however, want to take a similar tack as Mr. Norvell did in this post, and continued in this one. Obviously, people with a genuine interest seem most often to fall into one of two categories. The first are those who disagree with Bell's theology, writing, conclusions (hunches?), etc. On the flip side are the pro-Bell writers and defenders. Granted, there are those who enjoy sitting on the sides and throwing molotov cocktails into the fray, but I won't count them as an actual part of the discussion.

To read the commentaries and reviews, the core argument is a big one - maybe THE big question of Christianity. Does God give an alternative to Salvation through Christ? Can and will we all be saved eventually, regardless of our decisions made here in the life we're currently living? Needless to say, the gravity of the question brings out strong opinions and accusations from both sides as they battle to defend their beliefs. Far too often in what I've observed, the battle is very WWI - both sides stake their borders, dig their trenches, and begin a battle of attrition that is bloody, messy, and serves to advance neither side.

Civility is often one of the first casualties in these conflicts. Charity, love, and rationality often soon follow. It saddens and hurts to consider that in what is essentially a discussion based upon the mighty power of God's Love and Mercy, both of those are conspicuous by their absence. The real crazy thing to me in all of this is that the discussion centers around a book that is not even in publication yet. It comes out tomorrow, the 29th of March, yet this discussion has been going all this past weekend.

My encouragement for my Christian brethren is this: By all means, continue to hold your arguments and beliefs with passion and fervor. But check the manner in which you do so. In all things, argue with love, and with compassion. Let the world see Christ arguing through you, that they may be convicted and know His glory. If you find yourself faltering - resorting to personal attacks against your brother rather than focusing on the topic, using destructive or dismissive language, or otherwise straying from the true topic, then please stop yourself. You have already lost the battle, and risk doing far greater harm in the larger war. And in that war, you and your opponent in this battle are supposed to be on the same side.

In so many ways, Christianity - especially American Christianity - has become the Corinthian Church. We're so focused on which leader's interpretations to follow (1 Cor 3:1-4) that we short change the true leader of the Church - Christ, and Him risen. And with the freedom and anonymity afforded by Twitter, Facebook, and the Blog-sphere, we have lost all inhibition against airing our quarrels among and in front of non-believers (1 Cor 6:1-8). And yet so many wonder why the Church has lost its efficacy.

I admit to being a gross hypocrite in my words. I too am terrible at arguing my position in love and compassion, and fall too often into the trap of anger, bitterness, and crudeness when my arguments are unpersuasive. I continue to pray that God will continue His great work in forming my heart and mind into the image that He seeks me to portray in this world. I offer the same prayer to all of you tonight as well.