Theology Nerd Alert: The Most Awkward Thanksgiving

So John Piper, Rob Bell, and Francis Chan walk into a house…

Here’s the full comic. (Personally, I would have used Joel Osteen as the punchline.)

This makes me happier than it probably should. And also sad, because theological divisions are an unfortunate reality…and heresy is an unfortunate reality as well.

For those who aren’t huge nerds like me, Rob Bell made waves…what, a year ago?…when he came out as a universalist. Basically, he doesn’t believe that Jesus is the only way to Heaven, and that there is no Hell. Which are two of the foundational beliefs of the average Evangelical Christian.

I actually used to attend Rob Bell’s former church (Mars Hill in Grandville, MI) back in 2002-2004. They used to be a very good, theologically sound church. Rob Bell is a gifted expositor, and I learned quite a bit from him. Unfortunately, since that time his theology has become…regrettable. If only putting him in a room with John Piper for a while were enough for correction! (We won’t mention my unfortunate history with Calvinism.)

At some point I should really write a “5 Things I Learned from Rob Bell” post (or something along those lines). For now, I’ll leave it at this:

This Thanksgiving, I’m thankful for all my pastors, past and present – both those who have challenged my theology…and especially those who kept me on the straight path.