Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Ben Witherington on Rob Bell

If you are a Rob Bell fan like me, then you will want to read Ben Witherington postive critique of Rob's Books, and his recent visit to Lexington, KY. This is the first, and this is the second. Very informative and thought provoking.

 

 

 

Posted by at 12:52:28 | Permanent Link | Comments (6) |
Comments
1 - Lee, as a Rob groupie. Well seriously I think I like him because he talks about what is true and has always been true.

there is a good interview at http://www.premier.tv/?void=33061 (Comment this)

Written by: TCS at 2007/02/20 - 14:47:09
2 - Lee,

Thanks. I hadn't read Witherington's blog in a while, but was curious as to his take on Bell. I've not Bell's books but I do love his Nooma videos. My boys (and Kim) love them too. I've used them often in making a point in a teen class. Like all of us, his teaching needs the sort of critique that Witherington offers. He'll continue to grow.

Ben (Comment this)

Written by: ben overby at 2007/02/20 - 15:36:13
3 - Tommy, thanks for the link to the interview. Very enlightening. Rob is a very special servant.

Ben, I really appreciate the info that Witherington shared, but even more I appreciate his over all attitude in his review of Rob and his work. (Comment this)

Written by: Lee Hodges at 2007/02/20 - 22:35:03
4 - thanks for the link Lee, I was not familiar with Witherington. As for his disagreement with the nature of rabbis at the time of Jesus, that is not as cut and dry as he makes its sound. At least that is my understanding. (Comment this)

Written by: TCS at 2007/02/20 - 23:20:28
5 - Lee,

You have dug up some really insightful stuff here -again.
Thanks.

My dad was really enthused with Bell last year and bought Velvet Elvis for me. I thought it was richly engaging, but I was a bit reserved about it. Witherington helps put my finger on it. And his attitude toward Bell is much the way I would describe mine.

In all fairness, though, as much as I regard Witherington, I do not beliieve Jesus is a Jewish Sage either. I need to read Witheringtons book on that, but I already have a different view of Jesus as the prophetic King, or the Son of Man (true human/Israelite), which puts me on a slightly different course than Witherington. And I spoke to Witherington on the phone one time, as I considered going to Asbury to study with him. Great guy! But I put both Bell and Witherington in some reservation, in my opinion.

Again, Thanks for the insights.

As always, many blessings... (Comment this)

Written by: Messianic Gentile at 2007/02/21 - 08:35:04
6 - Mike, you are always a breath of fresh air. I am so thankful for the great minds and thinkers out there that challenge us, and pull us to new heights in our understanding. Both Bell and Witherington are in that same catagory. (Comment this)

Written by: Lee Hodges at 2007/02/21 - 09:55:58
Write a comment