Elvis is good.
Okay, there are really just so many interesting things I can and probably will talk about or write about from this book I just finished, Velvet Elvis. I am just really in agreement with this man, Rob Bell. I’m smoking what he’s selling, as he would say. That’s a nice metaphor.
“If the gospel isn’t good news for everybody, then it isn’t good news for anybody.
And this is because the most powerful things happen when the church surrenders its desire to convert people and convince them to join. It is when the church gives itself away in radical acts of service and compassion, expecting nothing in return, that the way of Jesus is most vividly put on display. To do this, the church must stop thinking about everybody primarily in categories of in or out, saved or not, believer or nonbeliever. Besides the fact that these terms are offensive to those who are the “un” and “non”, they work against Jesus’ teachings about how we are to treat each other. Jesus commanded us to love our neighbor, and our neighbor can be anybody. We are all created in the image of God, and we are all sacred, valuable creations of God. Everybody matters…
…Oftentimes the Christian community has sent the message that we love people and build relationships in order to convert them to the Christian faith. So there is an agenda. And when there is an agenda, it isn’t really love, is it? It’s something else. We have to rediscover love, period. Love that loves because it is what Jesus teaches us to do. We have to surrender our agendas. Because some people aren’t going to become Christians like us no matter how hard we push. They just aren’t. And at some point we have to committ them to God, trusting that God loves them more than we every could. I obviously love to talk to people about Jesus and my faith, I’ll take every opportunity I can get. But I have learned that when I toss out my agenda and simply love as Jesus teaches me to, I often end up learning more about God than I could have imagined.
And one thing to keep in mind is that we never arrive. Ever. One of the illusions of faith is that at some point we get it all mapped out and things get smooth and predictable. It is not true. The way of Jesus is a journey, not a destination. On a journey, the scenery changes. A lot…”
Interesting. I have not read his book, so don’t have context, but solely based on the quotes you have posted, I would say I am not in total agreement with him - and would say I am even a little cautious.
There is a very interesting thought in his quote. Does true love have an agenda? If not, what is true love? If there is no concious purpose in love, is it just empty flattery and kindess?
Does God have an agenda when He loves?
Yeah, I can understand where you’re coming from on this one, Jess. I guess I would let him speak for himself in his book, but unfortunately I don’t have it anymore.
Yeah, I think he could have worded it better, as far as saying love isn’t love without an agenda, because, yes, if there literally is no agenda, it doesn’t really exist. But I don’t know, maybe he’s trying to exaggerate the point that apparently he feels like often people are engaging in relationships to check people off a list. And, I hear what you’re saying Jess, and also I hear what he’s saying. I think in reality you’d probably agree with one another.
For example, if I really truly honestly believe what I believe as a Christian (that what I believe is true and that God offers one truth and way of salvation in Jesus), then in reality, I *would* want everyone around me to believe what I believe. Because if I didn’t, it would be the most selfish thing imaginable! If I didn’t really care if people believed in Jesus, then deep down I don’t know how serious I would be about his message. So, yeah, when I love people, it’s because I want to show them God’s love in my life, so there is an agenda. But, I think Rob Bell is pointing to something else, at least that’s what I gathered from his book.
Good thoughts!
Cause and Effect.
It’s hard to imagine love without an agenda. It’s against our nature. It’s called unconditional love. Isn’t that how we describe God’s love? What value do I place on my wife if I only love her with an agenda? Rather than looking at it as an agenda, think of it as cause and effect. Why do we love God? Because He first loved us. God is love, so when we love we reflect God’s character, and by loving others we love God back i.e. the greatest commandment. I don’t think it’s as much God’s agenda as it is simply His character. The more we experience, practice, and learn to love others unconditionally, the more understanding and appreciation we have of God and His character. Cause and effect, again.
It is the Spirit’s responsibility to draw all peoples to Himself as they respond to His love through the evidence of His character experienced. It may not necessarily fit the modern mechanistic theology but allows God to be bigger than our comprehension. This is my rationalization for action. I’m sure it has a few holes but I welcome discussion.