A Ministry of the School of Theology and Christian Ministry—Olivet Nazarene University

God Talk

The recent publication of Rob Bell’s book, Love Wins, has prompted active discussion about eschatology, universalism, and Rob Bell, himself. In this issue of God Talk Mark Quanstrom takes a careful look at Bell’s book and the proposals he makes – implicit and explicit. This insightful review will help you navigate the conversations and ideas surrounding Love Wins.

Next month we follow this article with a look at the views of the early church on these issues. Bell finds support for his positions in the work of the Church Fathers. Mark Frisius (ONU professor of theology whose specialty is the early church) takes a careful look at what the Church Fathers have to say.

Featured Article

Does "Love Win?"

Mark Quanstrom   1/05/12



Does “love win?”  Of course it does, which is what Rob Bell wants to affirm in his latest book published earlier this year, titled “Love Wins: A Book About Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived.”  That’s quite a title!  Rob Bell, according to the title, is going to inform the American public of the fate of every person who ever lived!  I’m not sure I would want to be so presumptuous but the title served its purpose.  People were interested!  It debuted at # 2 on the New York Times’ bestseller list where it remained for several weeks.  Evidently, people want to know where they are going to go when they die.  Evidently, people want to know what the Christian faith has to say about the future.  And we would say, “Of course they do.”

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Tags: Death, Eschatology, Heaven, Wesleyan-holiness
 

Recent Articles

Christian Faith and Dialogue with Modern Science

Carl Leth   11/01/11

A Challenging Conversation

The conversation between classic Christian Faith and the disciplines of modern science is a challenging one. This is true, in part, because of the polarizing and strident voices that are heard most loudly. Scientific imperialism and Biblical Fundamentalism stand at opposing ends of this engagement and call us to the margins. Either we offer an unqualified surrender to the authority of science to determine the boundaries of our conversation or we demand the submission of science to (particular) Biblical conditions. There is much more talking “at” each other than talking “with” each other.

Nonetheless, this is an important - even inescapable - conversation for the Church despite its difficulty. As a Christian theologian, committed to the classical and Biblical definitions of the Christian Faith, I will approach the conversation from that perspective – and without apology. However, that doesn’t mean I can’t engage the disciplines and findings of science seriously and respectfully. This article is an attempt to navigate a “middle way” that attempts to engage both domains seriously and respectfully.

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Tags: Creation, Evolution, Faith & Science