Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith by Rob Bell

Book Type: Paperback
Published: 01 July 2006
Publisher: Zondervan Publishing House
RRP:£9.50

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Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith by Rob Bell
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Review:
I have had some lengthy discussions with a Christian friend of mine about religions in general and, in particular, Christianity. A lot of our discussion was about Richard Dawkins' recent book, The God Delusion, which I had recently finished. I thought that he should read it and he agreed that he would on the condition that I read Velvet Elvis. So he lent me the book and I have now read it. I was born to parents who didn't believe in any of the gods on offer in today's world. I went to a Church of England primary school and a Catholic secondary school and was allowed to come to my own conclusions about whether or not any gods exist. I found the evidence lacking and so without the experience of `meeting Jesus' which compels some people to transcend science, I defaulted to atheism (which I believe should be the default for all children). All fourteen reviews of this book currently on Amazon are written by Christians and so I thought it appropriate to have a review from an atheist since it won't just be Christians who read this book (after all, plenty of Christians have written reviews for The God Delusion). If people still choose to become or remain Christian in this day and age then I sincerely hope that they will be the kind of Christian that Rob Bell advocates. That is, to value good morals above all else. However, it is here that I have the biggest problem with the book. Early on the author writes "I am convinced being generous is a better way to live. I'm convinced forgiving people and not carrying around bitterness is a better way to live. I'm convinced having compassion is a better way to live. I'm convinced pursuing peace in every situation is a better way to live. I'm convinced listening to the wisdom of others is a better way to live. I'm convinced being honest with people is a better way to live." After reading that it seemed pretty clear that Rob Bell and I have got the same sort of morals. I am convinced about all those ideals also and I either successfully live my life by them or do my best to do so. He then goes on to say, in the very next paragraph "This way of thinking isn't weird or strange; it is simply acknowledging that everybody follows somebody, and I'm trying to follow Jesus." Being good and charitable is not something Christians can take ownership of. I appreciate that the bible teaches Christians to follow some good morals, but these are really just the same good morals (apart from the one about using the "Lord's" name in vain) that every good parent/relative/teacher should teach any child, whether Christian, atheist, Hindu, Muslim etc. What separates a good Christian from a good atheist isn't the morals; that is what they have in common. The differences are the legends, mysticism, might, superstition, culture, history, symbolism, devotion, intrigue, scandal, beauty, wars, politics and magical stories of and associated with the institution of Christianity. For those of you have read this book, the second paragraph of page 170 beginning "Suffering is a place ..." is a powerful and thought provoking passage but the one sentence about "God being there" is completely marginal. We've all been in that position, both as the sufferer and the comforter and I have never attributed its importance to any god. As I am sure you would expect me to say, I believe religion is well past its sell by date in this age of higher scientific understanding and increasingly more equality for all people. More than ever, people are capable of achieving earthly happiness and do not need the characteristically man-made idea of an afterlife to get them through their mortal existence. In most places world leaders find it ever harder to launch wars in the name of their god (although Bush has been a bit of a worry). Velvet Elvis makes a valiant defence of the Christian faith in this light. The book asks readers to question what they have been told by spiritual leaders, both past and present. It implores readers to be willing to be very creative in interpreting the bible in order to circumvent the contradictions, gaps and pretty shifty morals which can be found in this ancient compilation. At one point in Velvet Elvis Rob Bell writes something along the lines of "The story of Adam and Eve in the bible is true because it is true for all of us, everyday, here and now." I'm not sure whether creationists will thank the author for that particular defence. I believe Rob Bell's book is important for the Christian faith because it encourages Christians to be charitable and moral and to not get hung up on guilt, original sin and eternal damnation. It is quite well written but at times it is a bit too conversational for my liking. There is too much use of the one sentence (sometimes even one word) paragraph which gave this reader the constant impression that the author thought he had said something earth shatteringly profound (and he usually hadn't). I enjoyed most of his stories about his parish, friends and family - although, writing this now, I wince when I recall his story of his two friends having a non-religious wedding in beautiful surroundings and the author manages to make it about his god. I was impressed with his knowledge of the history and cultures of the Mediterranean and Middle East 2000 years ago. I was warmed to hear of the positive impact he has made on many people's lives, particularly in Africa. Rob Bell is clearly a kind and smart man. Ultimately, this book is not for those of wavering faith or no faith and so it was always going to be a book which I would be frustrated to read. However, it gave me an interesting insight into a direction which Christianity is moving. I think it is a step in the right direction.