Jimmy Robson - Outside Reading #4

With the release of his most recent book, I have become more skeptical of the theology of author Rob Bell. In his newest book, Love Wins, Bell claims that God does not send people to Hell, a concept which I avidly disagree with. However, that book is not the subject of this post. Prior to the release of this book, I had a great deal of respect for Rob Bell and still agree with many of the claims he made in his previous book, especially that of his second book, Sex God: Exploring the Endless Connections Between Sexuality and Spirituality. In the book, Bell discusses the roll of God in Christian romantic relationships and marriages. Throughout the book, Bell discusses how marriages should be a reflection of Christ's marriage to the church. He discusses how, when Christ returns, he will be coming for a pure bride. Similarly, we should be keeping ourselves pure for our (in some cases, future) spouse. He advises that women should be regarded as God's daughters, and treated in such a way. Furthermore, he emphasizes the importance of making God the most important aspect of the marriage. Both parties in a marriage should be in a strong relationship with God, and from that relationship, they will learn how to love each other better. This book is incredibly inspirational for me. As I get older, I look more forward to the day when I will have a family of my own. When that day comes, I want to ensure that I will treat my wife the way she ought to be treated. I want to be able to love her the way God loves her. In order for me to do that, I need to know the nature of God's love. Rob Bell does a great job of reminding me the importance of this fact and preparing me for a wonderful future.