MSNBC Host Makes Rob Bell Squirm: "You're Amending The Gospel So That It's Palatable!"

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[@jeffcampbell-smith1207]

"that's what you've done, isn't it?" is no interview question, it is an interrogation

[@williammoraesdossantos7957]

@@matt_h_27 oh good old Jesus love am I right??

[@matt_h_27]

william moraes dos santos Perhaps you need to learn what love actually is.

[@williammoraesdossantos7957]

@@matt_h_27 Me... For sure

[@KristiLEvans1]

That’s how British speakers talk.

[@KristiLEvans1]

You’re projecting your own culture onto someone else. They have a rhetorical way of asking questions - even in pubs, among friends.

[@jolenearmendariz397]

IT DOESNT MATTER WHAT ANYONE SAYS, WHAT DOES GODS WORD SAY! THATS ALL THAT MATTERS.

[@reneerolandgraceinyourface]

+JOLENE ARMENDARIZ AMen.

[@sharonbarrera4090]

Agree

[@DanYuleo]

+JOLENE ARMENDARIZ hmmm... good point at the end, but it *does matter* what people say. If people who are in a leadership role in the Church at large (especially people who, like Rob Bell, have an online presence), they have an influence on them. We need people in the Church who are edifying and inspiring people towards what is we should know and understand and do, and we need to be rid of the people who lead people astray (like the Rob Bells of this world). But yes! We must look at what God says prior to judging what others say. Absolutely.

[@calum66]

+JOLENE ARMENDARIZ So women can only be saved through child bearing and can't speak in church and you should stone your children when they are disobedient ?

[@ubergenie6041]

+calum morrison and yet Apollos was taught by Pricilla and she is also the potential author of Hebrews. Women travelled and were taught by Jesus, sat next to him while he ate (which no other cultures of his day did). You are doing the same thing Bell is doing. Namely, grabbing random passages, throwing them up against the wall and walking away like you have said something meaningful. Ignorant of history, culture, exegesis, hermeneutics, but those arguments come off like they were almost original...just kidding! More Richard Dawkins uninformed propaganda. I have story for you written by Hans Christian Andersen, calledThe Emperor's New Clothes! (No Hans isn't one of the authors of the gospels even though he has "Christian" in his name.

[@Donna-vh5ym]

I think Rob Bell did a wonderful job... Especially under the circumstances with this guy questioning him the way he does. LOVE WINS!!!!!

[@ShoeBooty860]

Truth wins. 2 timothy 4:3-4 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, 4 and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. Unfortunately, God is not a Universalist and he has more than the attribute of love.God is also Just. When we speak of God's attributes, we are talking about those characteristics that helps us to understand who He truly is. That which follows is a thorough, yet incomplete list and summary of His attributes. Eternality Mercy Goodness Omnipotence Grace Omnipresence Holiness Omniscience Immanence Righteousness Immutability Self-Existence Justice Sovereignty Love Transcendence Jesus speaks of the reality of hell more than any other preacher both in the gospels and his in Revelation. Mark 9:44 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. Revelation 21:7-9 7The one who is victorious will inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he will be My son. 8But to the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and sexually immoral and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death.” 9Then one of the seven angels with the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.”… Matthew 25:46 46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” Psalm 9:17 17 The wicked go down to the realm of the dead, all the nations that forget God. 2 Thessalonians 1:9 9 They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might Matthew 13:50 50 and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Acts 2:27 27 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, you will not let your holy one see decay. Mark 43 If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. Jude 1:7 7 In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire. Proverbs 15:24 Chapter Parallel Compare 24 The path of life leads upward for the prudent to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead. Proverbs 23:14 14 Punish them with the rod and save them from death. Matthew 13:42 42 They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 23 41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. Revelation 19:20 20 But the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who had performed the signs on its behalf. With these signs he had deluded those who had received the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. 2 Peter 2:4 4 For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment; Revelation 20:13-14 13 The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done. 14 Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. Matthew 10:28 28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

[@salgar1234]

Satan wins with Rob Bell’s non-biblical, human wisdom. “Did God really say…?” - Satan.

[@ststrength5044]

2 Timothy 4:3-4 "for a time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but have itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suite their own passions, and will turn away from listening to truth and wander off into myths".

[@lealeandre1063]

LIFT ATHLETICS Amen! Let the truth ring!

[@inreallife21]

What's ironic is that if you believe in eternal conscious torment then you stand condemned by that very verse you quoted. The bible teaches universal reconciliation and for christians to take that glorious gospel and twist it into spiritual terrorism and fear mongering is blasphemous. Hell is a pagan myth and has nothing to do with God.

[@michellejackson1096]

AMEN

[@waynewes9466]

InRealLife the Bible does not teach universal reconciliation. That is the by definition heresy.

[@dovybar]

The interviewer did a good job. He boldly brought this man's false belief into the light! For all of you sensitive "Christians" - don't mistake boldness for aggressiveness. We are to stand for the biblical truth. Sola scriptura

[@thalinnabarker8167]

Amen!!!

[@davidzirilli]

Great interview. Except Rob Bell forgot to squirm. Bashir kept repeating his questions after Bell answered them. That was weird. Kind of like he had an agenda. He did remember to tag on, "according to this one reviewer," but it was so obvious that this belligerence toward Bell was his own perspective that he was attempting to hide behind a thin veil of objectivity.

[@stevebaylot]

I found the interviewer very hostile. I've never particularly cared for MSNBC or its conservative counterpart Fox News.

[@JaydenLawson]

+Steve Kiely That's because it was a carefully planned ambush. Little does anyone know, but Rob Bell was lead to believe Bashir was a fan of his work, minutes before the interview, which put him in a relaxed state. Afterwood, Rob Bell went to shake Bashir's hand, to which he refused and told him to "Get... out". Disgusting behaviour.

[@pathanly4741]

@@JaydenLawson That handshake story is fake news.

[@thebigredfish]

I was waiting for Bell to say, "did you actually read it?" and then we'd see Bashir squirm.

[@samanthahill2925]

Dude wad an ass hole

[@lpopkelly]

I can't even watch this. The interviewer won't let him answer, and WILL not accept his answers.

[@OnDistantShores]

It's so painful to watch. What a terrible interviewer.

[@PRINCESS2527]

lilyylil lpopkelly because he’s wrong

[@phillipjones3007]

Rob Bell was speaking nonsense, of course he looked like a fool. The interviewer gave him plenty of time to answer his questions. Rob Bell was just ill equipped to answer, and that's the truth. Only those who are ignorant of what the Bible teaches would fall for Rob Bell's nonsense. Ignorance is the quickest way to destruction, and Rob Bell is going to take a lot of folks to a terrible end with this nonsense. I suggest you all read the Bible for yourselves. Actually hear the words and what they mean as you read them aloud to yourself.

[@OCDrummer74]

I don't see Rob squirm at all and he answered the repeated questions clearly

[@dannyboy291]

Fisrt, Bashir asks Bell to answer a question that has been debated by every single theologian for THOUSANDS of years... and he offers only two possible answers. Stupid! Then proceeds to ask him to answer yes or no to "why is Christ irrelevant to our salvation/damnation". He wrote an entire friggin book to answer that question, If he thought it could be answered in a few words wouldn't he have just tweeted about it instead... Bashir asks "Do you think that our response to Christ on Earth is unimportant?" Bell says. "it's incredibly important" I think that what Bell is saying, is that our response to Christ, while we are living is the MOST important thing. Even if it has literally NOTHING to do with Heaven and Hell. Why is our response to Christ even a part of the discussion of eternity!? How childish, to believe that the reason to follow Christ is the reward. It's important because Christ is GOD and worthy of all we have. finally, I think that using natural disasters as anti theistic propaganda is gross.

[@johncook7281]

Well said.

[@SimplyVinnie1]

Epic. How many times does Bell have to give a straight answer and then the interviewer says, "Well which is it? You have not answered." Yet Bell answers every single time.

[@arlenvanzee1922]

You are so right. Exactly what I thought in watching.

[@tnoble]

Rob Bell didn't answer a single question

[@David.McDonald]

His answer never actually answered the question, it was this or that and he said "look at this other thing"

[@David.McDonald]

I asked a christian philosopher this exact same question. His answer probably shocks you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/noiWZ3djd5Jkgbs

[@michelleonuorah7142]

I'm so glad Martin Bashir nailed this guy in the interview. Turns out Bashir himself is a committed Christian. And a real one. Good on him.

[@katylafleur1892]

Thank you, Rob Bell, for modeling so much clarity, humility, and eloquence. this is what I want to emulate when I am confronted in this way, in so many ways of life. your messages, books, sermons in my Mars Hill days, and Noomas have helped guide me through the scripture and my path to compassion and a life of love. I am so grateful to you.

[@captainbaby3]

Rob Bell, the epitome of: 2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.

[@sk8ercaligirl]

Rob Bell ignores Jesus warning about hell.

[@eddiez4975]

@@sk8ercaligirl But he doesn't ignore Paul's announcement that "every knee shall bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." So, will every knee bow or not?

[@nancymarkon831]

@@eddiez4975 Great question, and one I've had myself. I found it interesting to note that In biblical times, defeated kings bowed or were forced to bow to kings who triumphed over them in battle. We may bow down on the outside, but that doesn't mean we've bowed in our hearts and acknowledged that Jesus is who the Spirit and the Word say He is. According to scripture (we each choose for ourselves whether or not to believe the bible), every knee will bow in acknowledgement that Jesus Christ is Lord (Romans 14:11; Isaiah 45:23-24; Philippians 2:10-11), but that doesn't mean everyone bows, having received Him as their personal Lord and Savior. See Ezekiel 7:1-27 and Isaiah 45:22-25 for more about the consequences unbelievers face in the end. For salvation to eternal life, scripture says we must confess with our mouths that Jesus Christ is Lord AND believe in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead, i.e. be "born again" -- repent of sin; trust in Jesus as Savior, the One who paid the penalty for the wages of sin which is death; and as a result, receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit whom Jesus sent to be our Advocate. This "justification" event in our spirits results in salvation and lays the foundation for the "sanctification" process in our souls, the building of a personal relationship with Christ where we are conformed to His image day by day, and come to understand that we are known and loved by Him, and are able to know and love Him in return. A future "glorification" event will also occur, and "we shall be like Him" with glorified bodies, the perishable having put on the imperishable. For me, although he tells a compelling story, it's unclear if Rob Bell believes this.

[@Tquest101]

This was seriously one of the most entertaining interviews I've watched in a long time. And I love that it was on MSNBC.

[@dharmaj96]

Rob does a great job not feeding into to the interviewer's bating tactic. He is honest and sincere, and yes EVERY Christian questions and struggles and delights and rejoices in the words of the bible. It has been edited and much redacted and translated for hundreds of years, but the message stands strong and that is: God is here, within us and around us, and he wants us to be happy, and useful and whole. Love you neighbor as yourself...but certainly love yourself! If the message of Jesus is not love and tolerance and redemption through struggle...then I don't know what it is. Thank you Rob.

[@pennyf6392]

Oh bits of truth which are in the bible, but then leave out all of what he doesn't like or understand. Not a problem to have questions, but very wrong to criticize the bible, deny what Jesus said, make your own religion, and teach it to others when you don't understand what God says. God says a lot about false teachers, rebellion, lying ect. His good intentions mean nothing if he is denying what the bible teaches to spout a false love. God is love not Rob Bell. He doesn't like the kind of love that God gives us, by warning us of judgment and hell and calling us to safety in his Son.

[@MackLeeGreen]

Those of you who say that Bell answered the question must be devotees of Bell. Bashir asks him whether it's relevant how people respond to the Gospel in regards to our salvation and he says "It's incredibly relevant.." but then just follows that up with more questions. And he does this with pretty much every question Bashir asked. His answers were simply echoes of the serpent "Did God really say..."

[@xmandlt]

I find it incredibly disturbing that people are up in arms about someone who teaches what God desires - to the point that they become apologists for eternal torment and mistakenly call it 'good news'.

[@harrisonlang9218]

The Good News is that Jesus Christ died on the Cross for those you will believe so his sinless life is accounted to us and our sins are upon him.

[@chinfuzzchet3616]

He literally created his own faith in this interview. He denies the inspiration of the Word and downplays it into opinions of others.

[@tnoble]

Without hell there can't be any good news, without hell what exactly is Jesus the savior saving you from? Without a literal Adam 6,000 years ago who sinned, there is no need for a savior, no literal Adam then there is no need for Jesus.

[@xmandlt]

@@tnoble Wow. You sure love hell, don't you...

[@donaldkunzer4097]

Rob Bell does a great job of answering all the questions in this interview, a gruelling examination. To say Bell is being cowardly and copping out is ridiculous.... does it look like he is trying to win friends in this interview? Did he win the hearts and minds of the 5,000 plus people that dropped out of his congregation after he stood up for his convictions? How about the millions who are calling him a heritic? I think he has huge balls and poses the questions and serious discussions that SO many Christians ... and non-christians, and atheists, and ex-christians... have wanted, needed to put out there.

[@Knightliketest]

Wow, we really got to pray that people get out of his church.. My heart is broken for them!

[@NolanKurtz]

The interviewer is asking all the wrong questions.

[@rebelwalzt]

MSNBC the leader of Mis-Information Liberal News Media

[@julialegend6739]

No he is asking he right questions. All questions are correct. Rob is just lost and not answering it honestly. God is all Love and God is also just. A parent loves his daughter who lied and was disciplined for it. Just is love and love is just. Rob's word is not of God. Rob is trying to win the weak over with lies and will be held responsible for it.

[@dovybar]

What are you talking. Read the bible correct! The interview brought his false belief into the light!

[@Paulbarbato]

YEAHHH! YOU TELL HIM MARTIN!!!! I love it When a Christian calls out a Christian heretic on national television! "You've amended the gospels to make it more palatable to contemporary culture" God bless you Martin.

[@tnoble]

Martin is an atheist

[@PaulRentz]

@@tnoble Which is interesting that Martin asks the hard questions that point out the flaws in his thinking!

[@jeffreyyoungblood7438]

It's embarassing that a non-believing reporter can so easily show the poverty of Bell's theology.

[@wiggelpuppy5474]

The interviewer wasn’t a believer?

[@wouternieuwenhuizen9709]

Rare level of smugness in the interviewer. Bet he really, really, really likes his mirror.

[@TheMicahMindset]

In fairness to Rob Bell...this wasn't an interview so much as a series of accusations set up to make someone very uncomfortable.

[@cba4389]

Bell writes a book making claims and is asked nothing more than to reaffirm what he already stated in the book. How is that "a series of accusations"? It just shows that Bell and his kind can't handle any examination of their false claims.

[@ShoeBooty860]

Rob Bell is another feel good fraud like Joel Olsteen. 2Timothy 4:3-4 3For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. 4So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.…

[@PCKA1987]

As it should for a false teacher. Hope it gave some of his followers pause.

[@JaydenLawson]

*_Widely unknown background to this interview:_* Rob Bell is asked to be interviewed by Bashir. In the green room before the live broadcast on national TV, the producer tells Rob Bell that “Bashir is very spiritual, and he really appreciates your work, and I think you’re going to have a fantastic conversation.” Of course, this puts Bell at ease, thinking it’s going to be a positive, lively discussion. Sadly, it was a deceptive ploy that Bashir used pre-interview. After the interview, Rob Bell stands up and reaches over the desk to shake Bashir’s hand and says “We can still be friends”, to which Bashir ignores Rob Bell, does not shake his hand, and says “Get - out of here”, and Rob Bell is asked to leave. So - while Bashir appears friendly on screen, and thanking Rob Bell at the end, he is actually a very, very different character off screen. Deceitful before the interview, and quite brutal after. It’s a shame to learn the truth. Especially from someone who apparently seeks to find truth via journalism. And for those who say Rob Bell is dodging, or not answering questions, here are his clear answers to every questions asked. *_Question: Is God all-powerful, and he doesn't care? Or he cares, and he’s not all-powerful?_* (Bashir actually gets his own question wrong here... see 1:27 - he asks "God is all-powerful and he cares, or he cares and he's not all powerful?". Good start Martin!). Answer: 1:33 - I think that this is a paradox at the heart of the divine, and some paradoxes are best left exactly as they are. *_Question: Are you a universalist who believes that everyone can go to heaven, regardless to how they respond to Christ on earth?_* Answer: 1:58 In regards to the question "Are you a universalist?", I would say first and foremost - no. *_Question: Is it irrelevant and immaterial about how one responds to Christ in this life in terms of determining ones eternal destiny?_* Answer: 2:41 - I think it’s extraordinarily important. Stupid Bashir isn’t listening, or perhaps he’s not getting the answer “HE” thinks he should receive. So he asks again: *_Question: Is it irrelevant as to how you respond to Christ in your life now to determine your eternal destiny? Is that irrelevant? Is it immaterial?_* Answer: 3:08 It is terribly relevant, and terribly important. Now Bashir’s supreme listening and journalistic skills begin to shine, as he forgets that he just received a clear answer only seconds ago, and asks again: *_Question: Is it irrelevant and immaterial about how you respond to Christ now to determine your eternal destiny? Is that relevant or irrelevant? Does it have a bearing, or does it have no bearing?_* Answer: 4:01 I think it has tremendous bearing. Finally, Bashir realises he needs to go back to listening school, and moves on, as he’s asked the same question three times. *_New question: (about someone else’s critique of the book) That’s true, isn’t it?_* Answer: 4:36 - No, it’s not true. Basher now boldly takes a new angle by not asking the same question three times… and throws a curve-ball by asking a brand new Question: *_So why do you choose for example to accept and promote the works of the early writer Origin, and not for example, Aureus, who took a view of Jesus’ deity as being not God. Why do you select one and not the other?_* Answer: 4:53 - Because first and foremost I’m a pastor… *_Question: The book is unbiblical and historically unreliable. That’s true, isn’t it?_* Answer: 5:38 - No, that’s not true. Basher doesn’t let him even finish 4 words before talking over the top of Rob Bell, and tries to put more words in his mouth. You, my friend, are witnessing journalistic excellence unfold before your very eyes. He finally gets to his next *_“Question”: Here comes Rob Bell - he’s made a Christian Gospel for you, and it’s perfectly palatable, it’s much easier to swallow. That’s what you’ve done isn’t it?_* Answer: 5:56 - No I haven’t *_Question: How much is this book you working out your own childhood experience of being brought up in a fairly cramped evangelical family, and really finding that difficult as you became an adult? How much is this actually that?_* Answer: 6:27 - Oh, I would totally own up to that in a heartbeat. I think we’re all on a journey… *_Video ends. After cameras turn off, Rob Bell goes to shake Bashir’s hand, and see the top of this comment for what happened there._*

[@ThatClassic70sGirl]

+Jayden Lawson - What is your source for that information?

[@ben-si3dk]

His theology falls short of answering the first question, even the interviewer knows that and gets him right off the bat

[@CrismaFire]

This man is not of God anymore the Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton who both claim to be Reverends.

[@JaydenLawson]

+CrismaFire Agreed! How can Bashir be of God after you watch this!

[@Lemuel-lo6ey]

Apostle Paul's clear warning to the church at Rome, Romans 16:17-18 ...''Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.'' How amazingly true that is.

[@2tce]

This summarizes it all!

[@iszrock]

you sound to have a very weak faith. you really don't know what you quoted. you don't know what that actually means do you. your taking a literal approach to that passage and have never once taken the time to understand Paul. Do you really know what a heretic is??!! can you beak diwn a heretic agenda, there motive, can you give me examples of heretics in the bible. can you explain what your litmus test is in determining heresy? or are you one who believes your denomination if the one true faith and others have got it wrong. have you read the book. the bible says in 1 Thessalonians 5:2 to test everything and hold on to what is good. tell me what have you tested in this writing? If not why have you rejected this part of scripture? By this logic, i can call you a heretic because you refuse to test your faiths interpretations?!! this is not the way we treat our brothers and sisters in Christ.. or is it true of what many people have said to me that Christians eat there own. that love is not really in them if you don't eventually assimilate to that way of thinking? i challenge you brother to start really testing what you think and hear. its not a sin to question. if your not allowed to question and test your faith or denomination, that would seem very cult like. especially if your pastor or leader forbids it. really learn what a heretic really is before labeling someone.

[@iszrock]

for those of you that have not gone to Seminary and want a better understanding of heresy, here's a start. here she is not what you think been wrongfully used especially nowadays: this is a great starting point to better understanding the history of heresy. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heresy_in_Christianity

[@bigearthpodcast5194]

The only crime Rob Bell seems to commit is that he is inviting us to question things. We either do that or behave like robots...something God himself never wanted us to be. We should get over the ‘controversy’ and answer some of these tough questions for ourselves. God is big enough to handle that. As Bono says - ‘Don’t walk God across the road like a little old lady.’ Franklin Graham calls Bell a heretic. Maybe he is is, or not. But in the end, we need to face the question - ‘Do we love God or not? If we love God than we love Christ.

[@undeadmonk2265]

He’s asking loaded questions and demanding answers. No matter how you feel about Bell this is not how you interview someone.

[@timmckinnon1233]

He asks Rob Bell a yes-or-no question. Rob Bell gives a paragraph-long response which doesn't even come close to answering the question. The interviewer was simply calling out the bullcrap in Bell's "religion"

[@radscorpion8]

i thought jesus was pretty explicit about throwing sinners into an eternal fire, how can a pastor just blatantly contradict that message in the bible

[@ForumLight]

*_"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."_* 2 Timothy 4:3-4

[@carsonsanders4316]

Wow, Rob Bell did an excellent job of keeping his cool and keeping Christian values to a very (in my opinion) rude and intrusive interviewer who (again, in my opinion,) was very closed off and steadfast in his closed minded opinions. I'm very impressed with Rob Bell after watching this video and not at all discouraged in his words or beliefs.

[@wezvandez]

Rob has had to deal with tons of criticism, and so he has learnt to do it well.

[@TheJustin4848]

Rob Bell's philosophy is very flawed. Stop blaming the interviewer.

[@pennyf6392]

Read the bible. He denies what Jesus said.

[@waltermitchell2359]

I so happy he was not soft balled this interview and that gentlemen made him answer him Rob bell has left the true Christian biblical understanding of the word of God

[@wishingwell12345]

Has Rob Bell ever given a straight answer?

[@777sun1]

Squirm ?!! It's rare that we see someone having the screws put to them on live tv by an interviewer with an obvious bias handle it with such joyful exuberance !! LOL

[@Straightisthegate]

If people are good only because they fear punishment, and hope for reward, then we are a sorry lot indeed. -ae

[@pennyf6392]

People are not good. Some people think they are good, but the bible says "all have sinned". People don't act good because of fear of punishment. That is why we need Jesus. He gives us the Holy Spirit when we come to him as we are and give him our sins. He cleanses the damage of our sin inside us and strengthens us to stay pure. The reward is what he gives us for being his child, as a parent would a child they love and who they have a relationship with. As to understanding punishment, that is a reality he allows us to know. He doesn't hide from us the consequences of sin. How would it be loving for God to not let us know the consequences of turning our back on God's love. Would you not warn your child not to go to a dangerous side of town. You may not describe all the horrors that could happen there, but you may give an overview of why you are warning. It is the relationship with your child that would cause them to believe you and not go there. It is our belief in a God who does not lie that keeps us safe from dangers in this world and the next.

[@ForumLight]

*_"And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him."_* [Luke 12] *_"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding."_* [Proverbs 9]

[@kevinscholes]

he didn't squirm he answered really well under extreme pressure

[@JaydenLawson]

+Kevin Scholes So true. It's not well known that Bashir ambushed him - he lead Rob to believe this was going to be a friendly discussion, before being so cruel on a live, national program. Good thing that Bashir is the one who looks stupid - he's doesn't even listen to the answers.

[@JaydenLawson]

+Regent Vault it might not be sound reasoning to you, but it is sound reasoning to the girl. Situations like this have occurred, so what is your response? Does the girl go to hell because the teacher has turned her away from everything to do with Jesus?

[@kevinscholes]

+Regent Vault rubbish

[@pennyf6392]

answered with lies and his own version of whatever his religion is. He is a cult.

[@ubergenie6041]

Nice! Martin Bashir leads with the age old trilemma. An either or fallacy that assumes two options and only two options. Namely God is not loving, or He is not powerful enough to stop suffering. Problem is the complexity of allowing free will and getting the world a good God would want. There is no logjical problem with allowing evil, even natural evil, given that the God of the Bible rewards people in heaven whom he allowed to be victimized by moral or natural evil on Earth. When you have everlasting life what does a few years or even decades of suffering compare to endless millennia in paradise. Further Jesus and his disciples were more than willing to suffer next to everyone else. Even more so, The God of the Bible is not some wet-nurse here to maximize your fulfillment of Maslow's hierarchy. That said Rob Bell is hardly the guy to ask about this problem. Not much of a philosopher and less of a theologian. God doesn't give people free will to reject him, according to Bell.

[@abnermikalixen5890]

Then you haven't read the book being discussed. Bell clearly states a few times in his book that even after material death, it is still completely up to the individual to turn to God. He doesn't even begin to hint that God forces anyone. But if you don't believe that Love can melt the hardest of hearts, then you have not been encountered by love. Yet :)

[@therealgospelofchrist6823]

Man was created flesh so all reject God for the flesh cannot please God.

[@urkput]

Thanks Greg! Love Rob Bell even more!! :)

[@blizzcazurd3228]

He actually did answer the original question.. The original question was a closed question so it requires an indirect answer. We were created in what we call an epistemic distance from God.. the only way we could have been while maintaining free will. So God created and allowed us to do what we want so although like a father that allows his son to make mistakes, God allows us to do the same but that doesn't mean he doesn't care.

[@hehateme1017]

The word hell was translated from words that all mean Grave, except when it was translated from Gehenna and that word was the name of the garbage dump of a city where things are destroyed and cease to be. Study the original languages, people instead of clinging to hundred year of translations based from false doctrine that was added by the Catholic church.

[@jamesmcalister1383]

Thank you! Nobody seems to understand this horrible Catholic dogma because nobody will actually study it!!! Nowhere in Scripture does it describe the creation, purpose or avoidance techniques of 'hell'...

[@Upper_Room_Studios]

Rob Bell: "I begin with the belief that when we shed a tear God shed's a tear." He beings with a stance that is NOT in Scripture. No wonder he is wrong. He didn't even start with Scripture but his own conjecture. SMH. #FalseProphet #WolfInSheepsClothing

[@peterthebull]

if you like easy answers and cling to false dichotomies - you won't like Rob Bell. As soon as that stops working for you, you'll care a whole lot more for how Rob Bell wrestles with the issues.

[@JaydenLawson]

+PETER KEYS agreed, and well said.

[@CorporalCake]

+PETER KEYS The Christian message is simple and true. Rob Bell twists and contorts and manipulates it to allow us to continue living however we want. He takes what is straightforward and makes it complex. The Bible condemns just that. Check out Galatians 1:6-9.

[@Valanor1]

sometimes convoluted answers are merely efforts to circumvent straight forward truth. Sometimes things really are stark black and white. Sometimes truth is very explicit and excludes any other formula. Sometimes vague and long-winded sentences are mere escapes from giving a simple answer.

[@JaydenLawson]

CorporalCake you couldn't be further from the truth. Rob takes the simple message of Jesus and applies it to modern life. Have you seen any of the Nooma videos?

[@JaydenLawson]

Resplendent Sounds like you're talking about your own answer :P

[@aragornsargonath6793]

The questions posed by the interviewer is exactly what's wrong with the discussions we have about religion. We have way too many people taking religion to literal. The interviewer was wanting Rob Bell to make a blanket black and white, literal answer to every single question. Humans, not only biologically, but also emotionally are way more complex than that. Several questions were asked, answered, then asked again....talk about being accusatory.

[@tnoble]

The Bible is literal, otherwise you might as well throw it out the window

[@sfarmer51]

Great interview to show Bell's understanding of the Gospel. Yikes!

[@tkmcclure100]

He doesn't squirm! Complex issues about hell and the issues of faith are not either or! Shame on Bashir for battering on that basis!!

[@thefleetfooted]

In the words of John Piper, "READ THE BIBLE!!!"

[@jccarter19]

haha. Love it. Why do you mention that here, though? Rob went through acclaimed Californian seminary... I'm pretty sure they read Bibles there, haha. God bless

[@thefleetfooted]

Because people that don't read the Bible are much more likely to be swayed by this nonsense that he preaches. It's fully unbiblical. God calls homosexuality an abomination. It's there in black and white, like how much more does it need to be spelled out for this dude? But honestly, he knows exactly what he's doing. He is what we call a false prophet, someone that preaches something that adds to or deletes from the Word of God. He is the worst kind of false prophet because he preaches truth mixed with lies. Plus, just because you read the Bible does not mean that you interpret it correctly. Satan knew the Bible backwards and forwards, yet he used it to tempt Jesus! Like, come on, son.

[@EvilEyeGypsy]

(Judges 21:10-24 NLT) So they sent twelve thousand warriors to Jabesh-gilead with orders to kill everyone there, including women and children. “This is what you are to do,” they said. “Completely destroy all the males and every woman who is not a virgin.” Among the residents of Jabesh-gilead they found four hundred young virgins who had never slept with a man, and they brought them to the camp at Shiloh in the land of Canaan. The Israelite assembly sent a peace delegation to the little remnant of Benjamin who were living at the rock of Rimmon. Then the men of Benjamin returned to their homes, and the four hundred women of Jabesh-gilead who were spared were given to them as wives. But there were not enough women for all of them. The people felt sorry for Benjamin because the LORD had left this gap in the tribes of Israel. So the Israelite leaders asked, “How can we find wives for the few who remain, since all the women of the tribe of Benjamin are dead? There must be heirs for the survivors so that an entire tribe of Israel will not be lost forever. But we cannot give them our own daughters in marriage because we have sworn with a solemn oath that anyone who does this will fall under God’s curse.” Then they thought of the annual festival of the LORD held in Shiloh, between Lebonah and Bethel, along the east side of the road that goes from Bethel to Shechem. They told the men of Benjamin who still needed wives, “Go and hide in the vineyards. When the women of Shiloh come out for their dances, rush out from the vineyards, and each of you can take one of them home to be your wife! And when their fathers and brothers come to us in protest, we will tell them, ‘Please be understanding. Let them have your daughters, for we didn’t find enough wives for them when we destroyed Jabesh-gilead. And you are not guilty of breaking the vow since you did not give your daughters in marriage to them.'” So the men of Benjamin did as they were told. They kidnapped the women who took part in the celebration and carried them off to the land of their own inheritance. Then they rebuilt their towns and lived in them. So the assembly of Israel departed by tribes and families, and they returned to their own homes. Obviously these women were repeatedly raped. They killed and raped an entire town and then wanted more virgins, so they hid beside the road to kidnap and rape some more.

[@futiish]

Which version?

[@krawllins]

John Piper should read the Bible. The whole thing especially for a person in his position. Sitting there saying stupid axs stuff like if you have a mental illness you just aren't a believer, etc.

[@davidforeman4348]

In no way did he make Rob "squirm." Rob knew exactly what he was saying. Thank GOD for Rob Bell!!!

[@lealeandre1063]

David Foreman God has nothing to do with what Mr. Bell is saying. If Mr. Bell is right than there is no need for jails and prisons. All the criminals should be released so that the loving people of this world can love them into submission. Love them until their taste and desire for evil is completely gone. God will punish people in hell because he cannot supernaturally make someone want to good when the person really desires to do evil. God is not a bully. Since you believe God should not punish but love all evil people until they become good, go ahead and prove that you are right. Try it in your own city. Let the criminals out and receive them with the love you think God should extend to them forever and watch them become good. loving and harmless people. Please make sure you have 100% compliance. If you don't you will prove God right in his plan to destroy the people who decline His generous offer of forgiveness for their sins and the grace to live a life of loving Him and their neighbors. Peace!

[@kram1art]

Lea Leandre I find it pretty interesting when people jump to such extreme scenarios. To propose the idea of releasing every criminal in a particular region and "receive them with the love you think God should extend to them" is both irresponsible and quite frankly, not the love we are called to show to those in that situation (in fact, Christ said to VISIT those imprisoned, not prematurely release them). To "love" is to give "the best and most needed thing". Justice here on earth is, I believe, a form of that love. It allows the ability to (when done correctly, as I have my issues with the current legal system) give the offender time to reflect on past transgressions, seek forgiveness (and to learning to forgive oneself), and be transformed by the process. (Note: I realize this is a VERY idealistic and general view but that conversation is best saved for another time/venue.) Another flaw I see in your comment is that you state "[God] cannot supernaturally make someone want to good when the person really desires to do evil'. I find this statement to be a pretty wallet-sized picture of God and His abilities to transform a human. In fact, I would beg to differ and say that He has indeed done just that many times in the past as is evident through many testimonies (I would even dare to say Paul was a HUGE testimony to this very transformation you claim God is incapable of). Furthermore, I believe you mistaken our roles and God's roles, as they are not (and never have been) one in the same. You say "since you believe God should not punish but love all evil people... go ahead and prove that you are right. Try it in your own city." This comparative reasoning is significantly flawed because in essence you are saying "if God should do this, prove that YOU can do it and THEN based on YOUR (human) abilities, I will believe God can do it", when in reality since it's abundantly clear that God ALREADY LOVES ALL PEOPLE, then WE are called to do just that. Our flaws don't prove anything about God other than the fact that we all need His LOVE to inform and TRANSFORM us. Our job is to love everyone because we are so loved. This "us vs them" mentality that you propose with statements like "His plan to destroy the people who decline His generous offer" eliminates all room for grace, love, and transformation. It's a black and white, us vs them, absolute right vs absolute wrong way of thinking that takes away our ability to connect with others on a personal, emotional, and intellectual level, therefore causing us to fail in one half of the ultimate rule for living here on earth that Christ Himself gave to us: "love people."

[@jayjuanjones3202]

David Foreman "Thank God for Rob Bell"? You're as stupid as him if you support him!

[@davidforeman4348]

+jayjuan jones Thank you! And thank GOD for Rob Bell. If someone like you calls that stupid, then I know I'm on the right track! THANK GOD FOR ROB BELL!

[@jayjuanjones3202]

I'm praying you get saved sir.

[@rachelannakennedy]

I don't see him squirming. I see him impressing me.

[@SA-gw1gb]

Wow Martin Bashir would make an amazing prosecutor. I felt like I was watching someone guilty of a terrible crime bring cross examined.

[@JaydenLawson]

+symara kaslov the problem is he's supposed to be a journalist. You don't go hunting for the answer you think you want - you hunt for the truth. Repeatedly putting words in other people's mouths is deceitful and the lowest form of journalism.

[@TMcConnaughhay]

He was cross examining him because he knew what Rob Bell was saying was a lie!

[@seus2731]

....Martin was just forcing Bell to revise the facts of what himself wrote on his book....

[@jezuzizkool]

The interviewer is not capable of seeing in a non-duelist mind. He insists on being black and white instead of living into the grey

[@SubtleStair]

+Chris Johnson The existence of grey does not negate the black or the white. Sometimes, it really is black & white, good or evil, right or wrong with no room for grey.

[@NolanKurtz]

+Chris Johnson Do I sense a Richard Rohr influence? :)

[@iessaioi]

Kind of like hot water vs cold water. Sounds like you'd rather be luke-warm. I'll take hot or cold over luke-warm any day of the week.

[@ryanwicks7751]

Jesus said whoever isn't for Him is against Him in Matthew 12:30... sounds pretty black and white to me.

[@NolanKurtz]

Good point Ryan. In that sense Jesus really is portrayed as being quite dualistic. I think what the Church has unfortunately fallen into, though, is a sort of tribalism that operates out of a narrow view of what it means to be "for" Christ. There are many professed Christians who believe and say all of the right things yet largely miss the essence of who Christ was.

[@dsbiddle]

A guy on MSNBC is harder and more confrontational than I've seen most christian talk show hosts. Good for you, Martin Bashkir.

[@polopopolo2197]

I think the interviewer did a great job. Trying to get him to stay on point which Rob Bell does not do very well.

[@restauranteelcafetal4876]

Are u sure?

[@DMS_6482]

I thought the same thing! I agree Polo!

[@kerrychandler942]

Really misleading headline. You have a ridiculously biased interviewer who obviously didn't read the book being unbelievably hostile to an author / pastor who is being very loving in the face of outright abuse.

[@SarahsKnight0]

But, you don't understand, Kerry; being nice and loving isn't the way a believer is supposed to be. Verbally chiding and judgmental is the way! (Note my sarcasm.)

[@victorsanabria5479]

I totally agree with you Kerry!

[@jeneeboothe7690]

Couldn't agree more.

[@jccarter19]

So so true. His first statement was a clear indicator that he didn't read the book. Rob Bell does not state in the book that all go to heaven upon death.

[@philthomas4187]

you nailed it man, he obviously did NOT read the book. i found multiple evidences of that. pretty much every person who has made a video trying to go against him is totally misinformed.

[@IfIknewthen]

"you're the one making the speculation" OUCH

[@Bienbendecida]

@Benjamin Clark, the Greek verb for sin is "hamartano" it literally means not a part of, not a share of, it's what happened in the hearts of Adam and Eve when they made the choice to go their own way. Its implications are beyond not being perfect, although when one hears "missing the mark" that's what we think. The emphasis of this word is on self-empowerment rather than God empowerment. It's heart says "I can do this myself" I can be like God/a God, call my own shots. The antithesis of this is surrender and reliance on God and His righteousness. As far as God being an elitist, He gave His Son Jesus for all of humanity-an incredible act of love-the proportions of which we cannot fully grasp. Accepting that sacrifice and calling myself a follower of Christ means I will be a part of and sharer of God's divine love and relationship.

[@justingeorge8049]

"That's true isn't it?" Geez, Bashir isn't and interviewer, he's a Inquisitionist; a prosecutor.

[@OnDistantShores]

Like why even invite the guest? Just say what you think if you don't actually want to do an interview.

[@dovybar]

@@OnDistantShores you don't understand. The host was anxiously waiting for this interview to happen to account this man for the false Gospel that he is spreading. The host as a christian did his duty well. Salute

[@OnDistantShores]

@@dovybar Nah I think you don't understand. It doesn't matter what side he was on or what point he wanted to make. It doesn't even matter if he's right or not. If he had a perspective, he should just share it. Don't set up an interview and not actually listen to the ideas of the person you're interviewing.

[@dovybar]

@@OnDistantShoresthis interview was probably the only chance to get this man to listen to this very important criticism. Interview or not, whatever chance to get them publicly rebuked, not to insult, but so that all those people following him would hear the truth. Peace

[@dovybar]

Bible commands us to stand for the truth of God's word, not letting any of the "little ones" be driven away by false teaching. That was I believe the interviewer's real intent. And biblical truth covers everything what he said to that "pastor"

[@TrueBiblicalChristia]

I appreciate the MSNBC asking "tough" questions, especially when it's such a far-left network.

[@JaydenLawson]

+Yochanan TrueBiblicalChristianblog when you ask "tough" questions - you are supposed to listen to the answer... not ignore the answer and then ask it again. MSNBC need to find a journalist that listens. The best interviewing happens when the interviewer listens to the interviewee.

[@BlueSauce1974]

+Jayden Lawson the questioned ask was simple. can a person be accepted into Heaven without accepting Jesus Christ as their personal savior. All Bell had to say is No only Christ is the way to Heaven. However Bell wouldn't say that. It's a simple answer! False light all the way is the game Bell is playing. You're sticking up for a man who won't state the truth. Believe me, the Christians who know the true light, know that even you are being a false light for sticking up for anything that does not match what the word of God says about hell.

[@777sun1]

Yes, when the "far left" media attacks what we don't like and thereby confirms our mental conditioning we can change our tune about the purveyors of "fake news". Gotta love that !

[@seus2731]

@@JaydenLawson Martin repeats his questions bcz Bell is not answering, Bell is just dancing around the questions but not giving a straight answer, and unfortunately for him, Martin is not Oprah, Martin demands straight answers

[@duderu4real94]

As for Rob Bell, he is preaching another gospel.

[@ubergenie6041]

Bell's Method: 1 - Make generic statement about the Bible, "The Bible is about Restoration!" 2 - Make a sun hectic statement about people's feelings, "People have always put their hope in restoration." 3 - Give equivocal meanings to the key words in the problem texts that don't support your argument. 4 - Rinse and repeat.

[@bradbarrett8894]

Why wouldn't we want Rob Bell's interpretations of scripture in regards to "salvation", "hell", and "judgement" to be right? I mean really, think about it. Even if he is wrong, shouldn't we want him to be right? Or do we actually look forward to a HUGE number of our fellow humans not ever coming to a knowledge of Jesus' love, grace, and liberating mercy? What causes us to think Rob Bell such a heretic because he "... wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4). Does this make God a heretic too? After all, they both seem to want the same thing. Regardless of what our stance is on universalism, etc., we need to check our motives as to why we so desperately want to uphold and defend a belief that many, many, many will be denied Jesus.

[@parttimegamers259]

+Richard McKeag One of the best analogies I've ever heard about hell is that it is a room that is locked from the inside. I don't think there will be any "winning over" souls after life on earth ends. I'm a Catholic and what the Catholic Church teaches about this is a person's will becomes fixed at the time of their death. So if they were rebellious toward God in life, they will continue to reject Him in death. likewise if they are a friend of God before death by God's grace they will remain with Him eternally.

[@bradbarrett8894]

I'm curious as to how a Catholic theologian or philosopher would defend the belief that "a person's will becomes fixed at the time of their death." How would you defend that belief? Will we be any less human after death? If so, what will it be that makes us less human? If not, then why would our wills be fixed? After all, it seems like one of the aspects of our essence that makes up our "humanness" is the fact that we do not have a fixed will but make choices. If our ability to make an informed choice is taken from us or inhibited in some way after death, it seems we'd lose a major aspect of our humanness. What would we be then? Would we still be us? I mean, would I still be me? And if I'm not fully me, the me that rejected or ignored Christ during my lifetime on earth, then why am "I" being punished? After all, it's not really me. How can I be accountable for the rejection that I continue commit after death? A major theological problem with this view is that if my will were to be fixed after death, I could not be held accountable for further (everlasting) rejection and that would severely contradict or call into question the justice of God. Again, I raise the question: even if Rob Bell is wrong, shouldn't we hope that he's right? Do we really want to believe that a HUGE number of people, people just like us, will be rejected Christ for all eternity? What would be our motivation for that? If I commit to some version of universalism, will that make me any less a Christ follower?

[@parttimegamers259]

+Brad Barrett Let me look into that for you, But my initial thought on the whole "fixed will upon death" thing is that our lives on Earth is THE test. We know that human beings are different than other known creations of God. For instance, angels are creations as well, but they apparently do not have free will as we do. So, if humans are the only known creations that apparently have free will, for what purpose do we have it? Scripture seems to indicate that this life has some sort of significance in determining our disposition toward God. We were created free from sin, but we chose sin, and then had to be saved out of that judgment. Paul talks about "running the race in order to win the prize." Then of course there is the resurrection and judgement day. The dead will rise to be judged for what they did on earth. The goats and the sheep will be separated and the "goats" will be cast into the "lake of fire." If Rob is correct, why all the mumbo jumbo about hell?

[@randomvideosonline1]

Actually it's pretty clear that Angels have freewill as well. That is why some "Chose" to rebel and some chose not to. The choice was just much more obvious for them because they were able to see God face to face not like us who for now "see in a mirror dimly." I believe when we are resurrected we will still have Freewill but to quote one of my professors he said it would be like eating a Tar sandwich.. yes you could eat it by why would you ever want to. Once we see God for who he truly is We will have not desire to do anything but love him.

[@pennyf6392]

So no. I would not want someone to lie to me because the truth seems difficult. Why would I want Rob Bell to be right anymore than I would want Jim Jones to be right. Is Rob Bell more loving than God? Am I more loving than God? No!! He has as Rob Bell denies put up with every disgusting sin of mankind and time and time again tried to get mankind to listen to him. You obviously don't think the average person is very bad, but do you think that child murderers are bad? Do we lock them up? Well, God sees the affliction that people suffer in secret here and he will set things right, as he should. He warns and has even made a way in Jesus for a child murderer. His love is far greater than ours and Rob Bells version. God's version gives full forgiveness for the worst crimes. We can instantly be set free and all our sins forgotten. Is that not love? However he will not force us to come to him because he gives us free will. His Way is available to all and he reaches out to those who don't know him, so no one will die suffer unjustly. That is also why he calls us one on one to come to him and secondly to bring others to him. We cannot judge God as unloving when the author of love is calling to us and we reject him. We cannot judge God as unloving when we know the truth and have heard, but turn our back on others and do not call them back to a loving God. It is not God on trial for not being loving enough, it is us!!!!!

[@tsupfoo]

The question put to Rob by the host is not an either/or alternative as he suggests i.e., either God cares and is not all powerful or God doesn't care and is all powerful. It is also not axiomatic that the proposition that "Love wins in the end" (which I don't accept necessarily, would make responding to Christ now "irrelevant." The host offers typical antithetical propositions as if they are axiomatic polar extremes one of which must be true. But they are not the only alternatives. Rob made a powerful statement that was completely skipped over: "Love demands freedom." Love demands a choice. Choices demand consequences. God has given the earth to mankind. Doing so does not mean He is unloving or uninvolved. He is incredibly involved and caring...enough to send His only Son to die! But He also elevated mankind to the position of His Own Image. And He hasn't taken that away. He has not taken every detail of earth's management back to Himself. Correcting excessive Calvinism and mistaken eschatology (futurism and re-created earth) would give understanding of many of these paradoxes.

[@JaydenLawson]

+Tim Robinson Great comment. It wasn't a good interview by Bashir. I think he must've thrown that first question in there at the last minute - it was strangely out of place. Not that the rest of the interview was any better! He repeats a question three times, to which he got three clear answers!

[@pennyf6392]

I'd rather hear him quote God's word than his little cliché's. God gave us freedom of choice and that contradicts Bell's beliefs. Freedom of choice involves freedom to come to God for salvation which is spoken throughout the old and new testament. Bell believes that the world does not have to come through Christ to God. He says that Love means there is no heaven or hell either. Jesus himself said differently. Bell contradicts on judgment. He says that that it is natural to want justice for the wrongs of the world, but then denies that the consequence of hell can be legitimate, though Jesus was very clear about it. God does not send people to hell. Sin takes mankind to justice which is punishment and God provided the ultimate deliverance from all penalties. That is true love, not Bell's version of love. God calling people to himself and then providing the Way to get to himself is perfection. God warning us that false teachers will be used by the devil to keep you from the truth and try to trick you, is love. Preserving his Word so that we do not have to depend on other men to teach us the truth, is love. Calling all men to bring the truth to others and be kind, is love. God is not on trial for not loving, but lying is not loving.

[@sponsler]

Rob Bell forgot Righteousness and Justice. His 'god' is not a God of Love but of a form of shallow human emotion and even that is insufficient. A person who killed your wife and children and burns your house down is never caught and no one knows who did it. Where's the Justice? "Vengeance is mine". Then the King will answer, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for Me.’ And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

[@Rickkelley365]

My dude Rob got his post-modern, subjective, self-contradictory philosophy shredded like a pulled pork sandwich. Couldn’t get out of his own way.

[@ryanhunter3059]

Your response to Christ in this life is EVERYTHING! Jesus gives a parable in Matthew 22 when he talks about heaven being like a wedding banquet. "For many are invited, but few are chosen" (verse 14). the King invited guests to his party, and they refused. "but the paid no attention and went off- one to his field, another to his business." (verse 5). The king says in return, "'the wedding banquet is ready, but those i invited did not deserve to come." If you don't respond NOW, you will not be

[@broadwaystar2011]

I cannot stand this interviewer.

[@garthdeb]

Hell bound and much blood on his hands- excellent intervewer

[@susewambold8175]

Bashir stood his ground on biblical theology. Good job

[@spitfireap77]

Bashir understands the Christian message, "Pastor" Rob Bell doesn't. That's basically what I saw.

[@crawdaddct]

Good job Rob Bell, love does win.

[@Gokujr768]

its funny, how is it that martin bashir is the one calling this false prophet out face to face but none of our own are doing it?

[@oneskepticalguy781]

Because we are not simply brainwashed robots and we research and found that rob bell IS CORRECT!!!!!

[@waynehampson9569]

Whatever a person fears they deny.

[@cycling_with_kenz]

so, that's why so many male evangelicals deny their homosexuality .... okay

[@maybebabyny]

Good God....Bashir just spanked the hell out of him.

[@jamib1853]

MSNBC does have some intellect on the staff who does his research well

[@Vvs77707]

You better go back on Oprah and have easy questions!! Y’all seem to think the same! 🤦🏼‍♀️

[@KamaikioleMauga]

Rob Bell plays with theology the way a cat plays with a mouse - Albert Mohler

[@TimothyTitusDaugett]

There was most assuredly an easy answer for the question he was given. All he had to do was quote what the scripture actual says on the subject of the question. The problem is that he does not want to repeat what the scripture teaches on the subject.

[@MrEthan1008]

Repent Rob Bell.

[@judithpowell9864]

Rob Bell did not 'squirm' in this interview. He responded with patience and faith. I love his teaching on the Love of God, which will always be unending : Eph 3:18 - "And I pray that you will have the power to understand the greatness of Christ’s love and that you can understand how wide and how long and how high and how deep that love is." Nobody knows what eternity will bring and Rob Bell brilliantly reminds us that it is how we live now that will determine how we will live in eternity where "Your gates will always stand open, they will never be shut, day or night, Isiah 60:11. I love that he believes that God's love is all powerful and will triumph even over evil. I believe that too. That is my God of salvation and what Jesus came to tell us. It is so unpleasant to see all these quarrelsome, nastly comments and discussions on the internet, some perhaps by Christians. Let us live and let live and agree to disagree but the only thing that matters is how we can love one another with God's help to stand against hatered and aggression. I stand with anyone on the path of Love, the way of Truth and Life which is Jesus' way - the only way. 1Corinthians 13 covers it all for all of us: "If I speak in the tongues[a] of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing."

[@ricky2564]

+Judith Powell How about this.... "Don't fear those who kill the body but are not able to kill the soul; rather, fear Him who can destroy the body an soul in hell" Matt 10:28

[@5ystemError]

+Ricky I love these games where we just throw out verses from the Bible. It's like Scriptural Scrabble(TM). The more obscure the passage the more points you get! I'll throw mine in, even though it's not from The Bible but from an early church father (a doctor of the church, in fact) and saint. St. Cyril of Jerusalem wrote, "We explain not what God is, but candidly confess that we have no exact knowledge concerning Him. For in what concerns God, to confess our ignorance is the best knowledge." It's sad how ignorant we are of the intellectual tradition of the early church. The Bible is a signpost. It is a record of divine encounters. It is not a collection of witty one liners.

[@JaydenLawson]

+Judith Powell Agreed - he didn't squirm. He answered each question, and the interviewer obviously wasn't listening, because he asked the same questions again, to which he received the same answers! I'd say the interviewer was the one squirming

[@judithpowell9864]

glad to read your comments, good for you.

[@ubergenie6041]

Here's the problem. You believe in the authority of scripture I see, based on your use of them as evidence of God's love. The problem is Jesus speaks about hell as a real place. One that no one wants to go to. Further he speaks about it more than the rest of the Biblical authors combined. Further still, he speaks of hell 3 times more than he does heaven. "Wide is the way that leads to destruction, and many are those who find it." Remember the sermon on the mount. "Many" are said to find the way to destruction, "Few" the way to righteousness." Rob ignores the data rather than engaging it. "Nobody knows what eternity will bring," you stated. Did Jesus know? Did he at least know more than anyone else, if he didn't have exhaustive knowledge? Why ignore what Jesus of all people has to say on that subject?

[@jenm1336]

I think we all need to pray for Rob Bell

[@JaydenLawson]

+Jen M and moreso for Bashir. Poor guy doesn't know how to listen to answers to his own questions.

[@benjjrgraham6842]

bashir would not have handled me like that. and rob means well, but when you don't speak your truth it's like punching the wind.

[@rosaryjames]

The interviewer makes Bell squirm because he asks leading questions, tries to trap Bell in false dichotomies, and is incredibly aggressive.

[@timmckinnon1233]

He asks Rob Bell a yes-or-no question. Rob Bell gives a paragraph-long response which doesn't even come close to answering the question. The interviewer was simply calling out the bullcrap in Bell's "religion" He wasn't trying to trap Bell in "false dichotomies", he was simply showing Bell how delusional he really is in his "Love wins" theory

[@Chomper750]

​@@timmckinnon1233The very first question was a false dichotomy.

[@sheilazoe8321]

Apologize Bashir!!! This interviewer is attacking his guest. So cringy.

[@kram1art]

"That's true isn't it?" What kind of questions are these? Tolerant dialogue is replaced by interrogation in news media. Great answers by Rob, in my opinion, despite the host trying to bait him into answering in a way he wanted Rob to. It's a shame to see so many people looking for firm and concrete answers when our faith is something that is a journey and therefore always growing. We can't lose the wonder of speculation and get comfortable in doctrine and dogma.

[@JaydenLawson]

+Mark Wroblewski yeah there's a lot of unreasonable people commenting on here. It's quite astounding.

[@pennyf6392]

He pushed him as he should. Bell is judging Christian biblical beliefs as untrue and creating his own religion that denies the bible. The answers to all questions are in the bible, but because the answers don't fit Bell's view of how God should be, he changes them and then teaches others (who obviously are not reading the bible for themselves to test his words) to believe in a false way. He is forming a cult and what he teaches is false and the bible says false teachers will be judged. He denies what Jesus himself said and taught as unloving, which sets himself up as more loving than Jesus? Really? Preserving the bible intact is a drop in the bucket of the love of God. He created the universe by his word and preserved his words through the ages. He had concern that we have the truth at our fingertips. Sending his own Son to forgive us was the ultimate along with the great works he still does everyday. After all, he is ALIVE!!

[@jtatsiue]

Thanks for that thoughtful reply Mark, it's a much needed counterbalance to all the zealotry and rigid dogmatism expressed by people clinging to an evangelism that they assume is congruent with the scriptures when in fact the original Hebrew and Greek tell a much richer and denser tale.

[@jebronlames5493]

Mark Wroblewski great answers? Where? Lol. All he did was gave subjective dodges. If you’re gonna go on a news outlet and have your book critiqued, have the gumption and skill to answer the interviewer’s question.

[@ben-si3dk]

Mark Wroblewski, don’t make the mistake of thinking your journey defines truth. That idea is nowhere in the word of God. And it simple puts you in as the ultimate object of the universe. Your experience defines Gods word? Or you define Gods word based on your experience? That doctrine does not exist in the Bible. It’s just a modern day christian saying that makes people feel good about themselves. Jesus clearly said He would send the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth. Would 1 billion people all with different experiences come to the same Truth that way? Never. But Gods word is the same for all of them. We need the Spirit of God to take Gods word and teach us what God means by it. Jesus said ‘I am the way, the truth and the life’. He said ‘you MUST be born again’.

[@GlyseAttack]

I agree with the interviewer. The thing is that God is love, yes, but He is also Holy. We have to understand that. For people who don't know who Jesus is, and who don't know about the Bible, God will deal with them in His own way. The other thing is that we can't put God in a box.......God is so vast and so holy, it's hard for us to comprehend Him but if we see who Jesus is, the third Person of the Trinity, then we can begin to understand Who the Father is.

[@unmeritedfavor918]

Romans 2: 11-16 " For there is no partiality with God. 12 For all who have sinned apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. 13 For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous before God, but those who do the law will be declared righteous. 14 For whenever the Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature the things required by the law, these who do not have the law are a law to themselves. 15 They show that the work of the law is written in their hearts, as their conscience bears witness and their conflicting thoughts accuse or else defend them, 16 on the day when God will judge the secrets of human hearts, according to my gospel through Christ Jesus."

[@GlyseAttack]

***** Read your Bible. The Trinity DOES exist. What YOU are believing in, is a lie.

[@GlyseAttack]

***** I still believe in the Triune nature of God. Whether you believe in it or not doesn't mean you're saved or unsaved. God bless.

[@GlyseAttack]

***** There is one God & He has a triune nature. And yes, I believe in Hell. I also believe in Heaven. Jesus talked & warned more about Hell than what He said about Heaven. When I left my first comment, I didn't know that I'd have to deal with your long, drawn-out replies....your "books". Anyway, let's just agree to disagree on this & let it drop for Pete's sake! If you want to have the last word, you can.

[@kevindebaar5218]

Rob Bell has clearly asked questions that are truly in line with the character of YHVH and pushs firmly against the box that nearly 38,000 denominations have placed YHVH in. Rejecting that Gods love is beyond our comprehension, and that the possibility exists that the people who haven't lived as righteously as we have will be punished is where the problem lies, To love others as yourself is about falling on your face before YHVH and begging for him to have mercy on those who have fallen short on this earth. I don't believe what you saw was squirming as much as frustration or even irritation.

[@tnoble]

What you said doesn't line up with scripture

[@jpcharlebois9681]

He didn’t squirm at all. He stayed calm and answered clearly even though he kept being interrupted. Very misleading video title.

[@jjguigs1614]

for the love of God just let him answer the questions you're asking without trying to own the interview yourself, whoever the dude is interviewing

[@susannilson5873]

Please don't see Rob Bell as a Christian

[@IfIknewthen]

The host said it all when he said "you are the one speculating"...that's all we need to know. Bell's belief can be summed up in one phrase "wishful thinking"

[@mabellehardie]

Oh this makes me sick!! He is preaching another Gospel than the one Jesus did!! A wolf in sheep's clothing. He knows nothing about real redemption.

[@thomascampr]

He's a Wolf in Wolves clothing. Hopefully its Obvious this fraud has no clue what he's talking about. he makes me sick. Such a fraud . God wrath is coming.

[@lealeandre1063]

mabellehardie Jesus already told us this would happen. This is confirmation that His word is true. All the people who say the bible is a myth no longer have an excuse.

[@ThebossaruChamp]

Is real redemption really about getting away from hell?

[@michaelkochenburger8136]

"That's true isn't it?" "That's what you've done haven't you?" Seriously? I value a sort of neutral interviewer that strives at least during the interview to appear indifferent. This guy seems like his goal is to make Bell out to be some sort of heretic which if you follow Rob Bell's fruit that just isn't the case.

[@KristiLEvans1]

That’s how British people ask questions. Or British-English speakers.

[@KristiLEvans1]

He’s not a heretic, if he claims to be a Biblical Christian. He doesn’t.

[@seus2731]

then maybe Bell should just stick with Oprah....

[@richardwhittington6210]

@@KristiLEvans1 and Michael Kochenburger :-) British News interviewers ask questions in that way when interviewing slippery politicians - and they use the same technique against politicians of all shades of opinion. But British people? Well I'm British and I'm not rude like that - but I might be if I was interviewing a slippery politician :-D But the interview technique does not work well/fairly in an exploration of ideas (which includes theological ideas). Seeing this interview again I'm not so sure that Bashir does manage to make Rob Bell look stupid (perhaps I've been influenced by the latest revelations about Bashir's consistent unethical behavior as a journalist which has stripped him of credibility). :-)

[@tnoble]

Rob Bell is in no way a Christian, he doesn't believe in the God of the Bible

[@ohhithere8055]

He’s allergic to saying the word sin ..

[@tishaunridley5951]

if Hell isn't an issue for you than follow him......otherwise follow Jesus Christ

[@JaydenLawson]

+Tishaun Ridley Hell is an issue, and I appreciate Rob's views on it, and I follow Jesus... can you give us a third option? :)

[@tishaunridley5951]

+Jayden Lawson see God is not a God of confusion and if we open up if word is plain and simple. Throughout the Bible old testament and new testament God tells you exactly what is required of us. This man says God's word isn't complete, not true. When Jesus died on the cross he said it is finished. His new covenant was to save us from Hell and to give your life to Christ. There is no condemnation if we choose Jesus as our Lord and Savior, but choosing the ways of this world Hell is definitely your destination plain and simple. This man is a false teacher of the Gospel, and people first will be tricked in buying his book instead of opening the Bible which is free and get the truth.

[@JaydenLawson]

+Tishaun Ridley thanks for your perspective - I do appreciate it. When you say that rob says that God's work isn't complete - I think you may be misunderstanding that. Obviously the work of the people who wrote the stories from the Bible is complete. But I think what Rob would mean is that God has always been at work in human history. God is helping and restoring and caring, and shedding tears for humanity in this very moment right now. You believe that right? That God is active today? So... that's the first point, which I'm sure you agree with Rob on there.

[@JaydenLawson]

+Tishaun Ridley as Rob states in the video - your second point delves in to the places and experiences that are very, very messy. Like he says - he talked with a lady who was abused by her church Minister. The one who is supposed to be loving her and helping her based on the teachings of Jesus. If that is the kind of person that following Jesus creates - then I'd say that lady will have a hard time believing anything about Jesus. So there are many, many variants in the human experience that must allow other ways for people to live forever. What about the billions of people that have never heard of Jesus, or the Bible? What happens there?

[@tishaunridley5951]

+Jayden Lawson oh most definitely. He is not sleep, but his standard has already been set. I have an unseen partner called the Holy Spirit living on the inside of me, and every second of the day he guides me. The problem is a lot of us don't know the power of the Holy Spirit and we don't tap into the Spirit to leaf us. For thousands of years we have been in a spiritual battle with God and Satan. We leave it up to our own understanding and that's where confusion and destruction comes in. Good speaking with you.....Be BLESSED I love you in Christ😊

[@BenjaminWirtz]

Rob Bell ,master of double speek

[@rxcsmi]

But he aint got nothin on obama

[@BenjaminWirtz]

rxcsmi true dat.

[@deusvult5737]

rxcsmi HAHAHAHA

[@razback8661]

I'm not a Rob Bell fan, but this wasn't an interview; it was an interrogation by a fool.

[@ShoeBooty860]

An interrogation of a heretic.

[@razback8661]

Vermont, an interrogation of a heretic by a fool.

[@HanYhak]

That "fool" was accurate in his summation.

[@ShoeBooty860]

Razback Razback

[@ShoeBooty860]

Tim Bushong Tim Bushong

[@mgdarenz]

"The gospel of the grace of God awakens an intense longing in human souls and an equally intense resentment, because the truth that it reveals is not palatable or easy to swallow. There is a certain pride in people that causes them to give and give, but to come and accept a gift is another thing. I will give my life to martyrdom; I will dedicate my life to service- I will do anything. But do not humiliate me to the level of the most hell-deserving sinner and tell me that all I have to do is accept the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ" (Oswald Chambers).

[@BigG99]

I take it Rob Bell rejects the doctrine of Election. lol

[@jccarter19]

Wow, that's a good question. I wonder what he thinks on that too. Hmmmm... I think he'd see it as one viable option, but then mention the verse from Timothy that God wishes for all to be saved. He'd probably admit that they conflict, but there are many scriptures that conflict...what do we do with them? we're forced to pray and use our best judgement on these, you know? He touches on this in Velvet Elvis. That book easily, along with the Ragamuffin Gospel were the two most influential books in my Christian life. Take care!

[@BigG99]

well they don't contradict so much as some may think.. When its stated in 2 peter 3:9 for instance that he desires all to come to repentance, hes talking about his patience with the elect of God if you read it in context. As for timothy, God does desire all to be saved but we know not all will be saved so its not so much a description of God's will as much as something He desires. Its the same as we read in Ezekiel 33:11- As I live,' saith the Lord GOD, 'I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live.'" Will they perish? Yes, because God punishes the sinner who is not covered in the blood of Christ:... timothy is a sentiment that doesn't negate the truth of election. Good thoughts my friend.

[@TMcConnaughhay]

yep!

[@PeterKruseMusic]

Martin Bashir is obnoxious here. In the parable of the sheep and the goats, Jesus was clear that people who went to heaven are those who took care of the least of these. Those who went to hell were those that ignored Christ by ignoring the least of these. Jesus also used the Good Samaritan as an example. The religious leader walked right by the sick person while the non-religious Samaritan took care of that person. According to Christ, actions will speak louder than words on judgment day. I think this is also at the heart of Rob Bell's message, and Martin Bashir acts like a Bible know-it-all when he isn't even a Christian.

[@coswyn]

Are you suggesting that in Matthew 25:31-46, Christ is saying that those who did these good deeds are saved by their works? That would be contrary to scripture. What is in line with scripture is that these good deeds are a byproduct of a reformed condition - that they were done by the sheep/saints naturally, according to the new nature they received when they were saved, and that they were saved only by faith in Christ. He does not sit them at His right hand because they did good, but because they are His by the faith they exercised in Him as their Lord and Savior, and that they were known by their works (Matthew 12:33-35). To merely 'do' good works is not enough (Isaiah 64:6; Ephesians 2:8-9) to be set apart on that day described in Matthew 25, but only by grace through faith in Christ can we sit at His right side (John 14:6).

[@unmeritedfavor918]

coswyn James 1: 14-19 " What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but does not have works? Can this kind of faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacks daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, keep warm and eat well,” but you do not give them what the body needs, what good is it? 17 So also faith, if it does not have works, is dead being by itself. 18 But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith without works and I will show you faith by my works. 19 You believe that God is one; well and good. Even the demons believe that-and tremble with fear." Mathew 5: 16 "n the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." If you have love in your heart, it will show in your action. The bible says God is love. 1 John 4: 8 "Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love."

[@newfreedom21]

i can't determine which one of these two is more dangerous

[@nightwatch6938]

***** Michael, evil has a way of making its way into the lives of even those who have good intentions. those who killed for religious reasons we're also formulating their own theories not following the true teachings of the Bible. you sound a lot like me before I actually educated myself and became a believer. I spoke on things I didn't know about and oh how very ignorant I was, thinking the little bits of information I had heard or seen could be used to complete a theory I so strongly believed. I was humbled when I was wrong. but I accepted that I was wrong and vowed to never speak ignorantly again. if it isn't something Im educated in,I choose to say nothing at all.

[@nightwatch6938]

OneManwithGod so true. So true

[@hellsunicorn]

***** This is an absolute cop-out. Atheism is either the outcome or the determinate of a philosophy/worldview. Communism is atheistic, ergo it has as much in common with your professed belief as the people who oversaw the inquisition were of mine. Switching the definition in order to absolve yourself of an asinine argument doesn't make you smart, it makes you a hypocrite. Furthermore, if you want to talk about religiosity among the prison population, you may also want to consider the high suicide rate amongst people with atheistic, agnostic or otherwise secular beliefs. ajp.psychiatryonline.org/article.aspx?articleid=177228 Can't say I was surprised by the findings of this study when I first read it. In my own experience, most atheists were either compulsive drunken morons or depressingly fatalistic pseudo-philosophers.

[@jamesjarrait5926]

hellsunicorn Lol. The title of "Atheist" is given to those who answer none when asked if they believe in a god. If you want to push it so far as to call it a worldview then go for it. I will give in and say that a lot of atheist's might be more prone to suicide but is that really surprising. When you have a belief it makes life feel and seem better. Personally I don't need to drink that kool aid to be successful. Besides from what I have seen religion has a terrible side affect of feelings of un-earned superiority

[@tashalavergne6201]

The moment you judge someone is when you give people permission to judge you. The thing is we are all made of the same energy and that is god. You may decide to be a conductor of light, or to spread darkness. Fortunately light is incredibly more powerful. Be light be love be one. We have tried everything else.

[@pennyf6392]

Jesus is the light of the world. Satan is an angel of light, deceiver, and a liar from the beginning. He is called the Father of Lies. Coming to Jesus is the only way to have light in you.