Since Rob Bell's controversial teachings about the concept of universalism have become relevant for our Catholic parish (his Nooma video series will be shown Wednesdays during Lent at IHM) I did a little digging.
Universalism is an old, old heresy, first promulgated by Origen and roundly refuted by the Church. Here is the Catholic Church teaching on hell: 1033-1037.
Here are a couple Protestant links about the controversy. I looked around for some Catholic discussion about the situation but haven't found any. Let me know if you do and I will post links:
Original blog post that got things fired up
CBN's take on the issue
More evangelical protests about Rob Bell
UPDATE: I finally found a Catholic view of Rob Bell, and it's a durn good view, too. Found it via a Christian who is hoping to become Catholic one day soon. Important perspectives...
No Hell according to Rob Bell? I will pass on the Lenton Series and stay home to pray the Rosary.
ReplyDeleteI am surprised that "Father" James Callan has not been added to the list of lenton presenters.We are so off-the-wall here at All Saints. Makes me wonder why I stick around, guess I love the traditions of my Catholic faith too much to give in to those who would seek to destroy them.
ReplyDelete"Father" James Callan presents evangalism through the works of mercy nd social justice and action , not through song and dance and feel good Christianity. So I am not surprised he is not asked, even though he is not a member of the Roman Catholic Church anymore.
ReplyDeleteWhy can't the staff member that made the final decision on these videos be more sensitive to the fact that Rob Bell is not Catholic? If you watch the videos they are very interesting, thought provoking, but may be in the wrong place at the wrong time for some. People can be offended by things like this. If the staff were just more transparent about Bell's background, like they were with the other speakers, then there wouldn't be an issue.
ReplyDeleteIn Dean's defense, offering Protestant based video's as a resource for our Lenton Journey is not a big theological deal, as he does not hesitate to turn to Protestant resources for his own spiritual growth. Heck, we all know he was educated at Gordon Conwell, a Protestant, non-denominational seminary. Nobody should be surprised that he is comfortable and confidant to share his questionable beliefs with the parish. Face it, folks, whether you are a fan or not , he has been pretty open about where he is coming from and where the parish is headed.
ReplyDelete1:38 I challenge your closing statement. It is not "where the parish is headed", it is "where he wants it to be headed". Big difference. We will not surrender our Catholic identity.
ReplyDeleteThank you 4:38. I agree.
ReplyDeleteAmen, 4:38. Time is on the side of the Church and not these heresies and heretics that come and go down the centuries.
ReplyDeleteRob Bell gets a colored insert this week- still failing to mention his background and religious beliefs. He gets his picture in the Catholic bulletin at a time when many of his Protestant followers are "protest"-ing his position. How ironic.
ReplyDeleteWhat's the big deal really? If you watch some of the NOOMAS, they are harmless. I go to Yoga class once in a while too! Who gives a.....I'm still Catholic.
ReplyDeleteHarmless, as opposed to enriching, excellent catechesis, faithful to the Faith.
ReplyDeleteYeah. Harmless.