I'm reading this book called Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell. I bought it late yesterday afternoon and if I hadn't been so tired last night and then had church this morning, I'd be done with it by now. In fact, I'm almost done.
I love it.
I'm convinced by what I've read so far that Rob Bell is describing very much the sort of thing that's been going on here at this blog and with my friends like Peterson (and basically everyone else in my links).
At the beginning of the book he compares the Christian journey to his jumping up and down on the trampoline with his children. The springs are like the "doctrine" but they are not static. They make us bounce and fly on the mat and particularly so when we jump together and our different leverages at one point or another shoot one of us to a height or "revelation" that perhaps we've never achieved or imagined before. Being Christians together is about questions, discussions, and the endless search for the mysteries inherent in our very creation. It's not about arguing who is right or wrong, in or out. In fact, it's not about arguing at all. It is about living in "the way" of Christ.
I'll probably write more about it after I finish it. Of course, I highly recommend it. I'm pretty sure it's not going to mention anything at all about being gay, and yet, it sounds like it might contain the sort of wisdom easily applied to those who may be struggling with the idea of Christians who are also gay.
I think if you'll follow that link and read the pages that they allow on the Amazon site, you'll be intrigued.
love and grace,
pam
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5 comments:
great little book. Read it about a year ago. I love the trampoline metaphor.
Rob Bell sounds like a fascinating guy. I hate to admit it, but I tend to check every religious leaders' gay stance before forming an opinion about them. I know that's pathetic and narrow-minded of me. So far, my Googling has not turned anything up. However, he may address gay issues in his second book Sex God: Exploring the Endless Connections between Sexuality and Spirituality (Amazon.com) which is due March 2007.
Pam your killing me!! That is the book we are reading for April!! I think everyone I know is reading that book!! And loves it! I think I'm gonna have to cheat and read it on my way to Ohio this weekend.
OK....I'm going to try this AGAIN...I've been trying to leave a FREAKIN' comment on my OWN blog for the last 30 MINUTES and this new BETA thing is wearing me out with the google log in and all that crap!! (i'm sorry, i don't sound very Christlike, do I?)
TCS: So good to hear from you! I will catch up at your place later.
Norm!: I do that to, actually...I have some "key" issues that I like to hone in on before I spend/waste too much time...and yet, I'm pretty sure we should each be a little better about going ahead and listening, ya know? I'm saying we're alike in that way and it's probably not always a good thing...in fact, I know it's not because I hate it when those very RIGID types blow right past me just because I believe a person can be gay and Christian. Goose and gander and all that. Thanks for digging up the info. about the new book! I hadn't heard about it yet.
Carole: You'll have it finished before you ever get out of Louisiana! :)
love and grace,
pam
Brett,
I appreciate your humble and heartfelt comments. We disagree.
Oh well.
I love you and accept you as my brother. Actually, I agree with your last paragraph entirely....and could say it all to you just the same.
love in Christ,
pam
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