Popular pastor has provocative perspective

Pastor Rob Bell has prompted some controversial conversation again. His new book challenges the common Christian belief that hell is real. The book is called Love Wins: Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived. Pastor Bell asks, "Will only a few select people make it to heaven? And will billions and billions burn forever in hell?" I have not read the book but it is reported that Bell says this is not the case.

Regardless of how the Right Reverend Rob actually answers his own question, the fact that he raises such a question is controversial enough. A news article has already provided responses suggesting that Bell may be "betraying truth" with "severe consequences." Some have implied that he may be a wolf in sheep's clothing, preaching a false gospel.

And suddenly, we are right in the middle of the really great debate, "What is required of a human to be considered eligible for eternal reward instead of eternal hellfire?"

For those of you who just leaped mentally to your catechism answer to a similar style of catechism question, just hold your horses. I know this seems like a softball being lobbed up to you for a grand-slam easy homerun. It's FAITH!!! Right? Just believe! Right? Some of you may add "repentance" and "faithfulness" or even "sacraments." But I think this issue requires some actual contemplating, not just standard rehearsed answers.

This debate is not about easy answers. The arguments can happen "in-house" and obviously between opponents. And there never is a resolution, so...the answer can't be easy.

Do you have to believe in hell to make it to heaven? Do have to believe in heaven to make it to heaven? Do you have to repent out loud or just in your heart? Is salvation a one-time thing which is permanent, or is it an ongoing conversion experience? Do you have to be faithful all the time or just try as much as you can most of the time? Do you have to believe in a T-shaped cross or can it be the plus-sign cross? What about baptism? What about God as a Trinity? Do you have to attend organized religious church functions, or can your spiritual life be a more personal thing that never involves a church building? Is it okay to believe a whole bunch of wrong things as long as your heart is in the right place? Is it okay to have your heart in the wrong place as long as you believe ALL of the right things?

What about homosexuality? What about abortion advocates? There are a variety of issues that people might say, "You cannot possibly be a Christian, and still do this, or still think that..."

Who gets to provide an authoritative answer to these questions? This is the "heart" of the issue.

People tend to think that their own perspective is the correct and authoritative way of handling these questions. Right? Pastor A says you don't have to believe in hell. Pastor B says denying the existence of hell is a false gospel and you absolutely do have to believe in hell. Pastor A says Pastor B is adding a stumbling block to the gospel and leading people astray. Pastor B says Pastor A is a wolf. Pastor A says Pastor B is a heretic. And on and on and on and on and on.

"The duty which God requireth of man, is obedience to his revealed will." - Westminster Catechism

If you are the sort that likes easy answers, all that needs to happen to settle the debate is for everyone to come to a clear agreement about what has been "revealed" as "God's will."