DISQUS

Roy · 2 years ago

This is kind of a battle-of-the-preacher videos, current day emergent vs evangelical 1990's talk radio. It's a well-shot Woody Allen vs a tacky video-cam Rush Limbaugh. It's Starbucks vs McDonalds before McDonalds started offering latte's.

Rob Bell is a brilliant communicator. Except I think he's wrong in one area: there is a need for street preachers that can do it well. There's a need to reach people who are past hearing a more heart-felt approach to the gospel. Jesus stood against more hard-hearted pharisees with a righteous anger, and there are people who are called to do that today. God's not always nice and cozy.

Lame-o guy, I've never heard or seen anyone shake or tremble when I explain that they are sinners on their way to hell. Maybe I lack the anointing you so obviously carry as Dr. Reason, or maybe you carry a DVD player with images of the deep chasms of hell for your audience to quake to. Or..maybe you just need to read The Message a bit more and try to step outside yourself a bit and realize a non-believer is not going to give you the time of day if you talk at them like you talk in this video.

Abe · 2 years ago

Roy,

I don't know who you are, but I agree with you 110% Couldn't of said it any better!

AT · 2 years ago

I don't understand peoples dis-like of Bell. What I've read- what I've heard - and what I've see of him....I just don't get it. In doing a google search of Rob Bell you can find a lot of people that just don't like the guy. Hmm....I don't get it.

Shannon Lewis · 2 years ago

I'm no Rob Bell devotee, but I must say that person who made the response video well ... welcome to "adventures in missing the point."
Absolutely infuriating.

Russell · 2 years ago

Saw this a couple months ago. One word for the response... NIMROD.

Crystal Renaud · 2 years ago

i got bored.

Abs · 2 years ago

I can't seem to wrap my brain around how so many in the church WANT people to live an eternity in hell - they WANT them to be punished forever unless they embrace their opinion of truth. It infuriates me that such an expression of compassion from Rob Bell elicited such a smart ass response.

Todd · 2 years ago

I watched until he Dr. Reason started sharing the message. It made me a little sick. Seriously.

I don't personally know any Dr. Loves - all of my emergent friends (two) are adamant about sharing the power and grace of Jesus - just not in the first conversation with someone.

While I'm not willing to totally disagree with Roy, I do have to wonder when and where street preachers are effective.

Dave · 2 years ago

I personally don't think I can register much of an opinion on either school of thought. I don't think Bell's got it completely correct, and I don't think the other dude has it either.

I'd like to hear from anyone who subscribes to either school of thought- someone who takes the emergent highroad of compassion in place of convicting, and has seen God actually use it to bring someone who was once lost to salvation. Same with the street preacher. Same with the "Dr. Reason".

I do think that God is the great customizer. He tailored His approach to ME, knowing exactly who I would need, and what circumstances, to bring me to that moment of decision. Jesus Himself reflects that there isn't a single, formulaic approach to sharing the best news there is. He didn't even do the same miracle the same way twice. Open arms for the lepers, food for the starving, forgiveness for the adultress, healing for the broken... and at the same time- brutal honesty for the rich young ruler, the woman at the well, the religious leaders. He balanced it out- tailoring His approach dependent upon the heart-need of the people He was ministering to.

If nothing else- we should strive for that same balance, looking to Christ Himself as our level.

carole · 2 years ago

They are both boring and a waste of time.

AmazoMan · 2 years ago

The Good News isn't very good unless you believe that there is bad news. Jesus' love really isn't necessary if you're not hopeless without it. Street preachers have done plenty to misrepresent the truth and they haven't earned the right to speak, but unlike Jesus, Mr. Bell only shares half the truth.

rick · 2 years ago

I don't understand why you posted this. Is you intention to slam Rob Bell too? To give a forum, and further exposure to those who do?

I've been following your blog/ministry for a couple of months... I would really like to read your answers to my question.

Thanks!

(Disclosure: I have purchased some of Bell's videos and have used a couple in study groups. I have also contributed to Nooma.)

Naz · 2 years ago

Only one God-approved way of sharing His good news? Nope. we have so many wonderfully creative ways we have figured out to share god with people. I think both videos have good points. I don't think the second one is against the first one. We watched that first one at a youth event a few weeks ago. Good message, although it seemed to drag on forever. And yes, the megaphone dude is annoying. The type of person they describe is not of the mind of Christ. But the second video isn't advocating that approach, while pulling someone aside and telling them "hey, all liers go to hell" doesn't seem right.

The second one is at least more entertaining, and gets a point across that we can't forget what people need to be saved from. Both videos don't show, or try to show the whole picture, but they work nice together.

loswhit · 2 years ago

rick. its called conversation.

justin aka j rocka · 2 years ago

i remember watching this a while ago.

I think Roy mentioned it already, but I think its hilarious how the guy mocking Rob Bell talks.

The video is more of an attack on Rob Bell than it is a defense of street preachers. I think street preachers are fine, but I have never seen one that was not a horrible spectacle. I remember I was at route 66 last year and there were 3 guys YELLING at people. Telling them that they were all going to hell. Even me! I tried to talk to one of the guys, but he was just loud and overtalking. I dont think anybody there who wasnt a Christian would want to be one after their spectacle. Fire and brimstone is pretty lame.

I think that guy should:

a. Watch more NOOMA videos and learn what production is all about
b. Show how a street precher can be compassionate. Maybe if your out in the streets, you could do something better than yell at and condemn people.

Rob Bell for president 2008.

Hale-Yeah! · 2 years ago

Bottom line. Nobody's got it perfect.

I like Rob Bell, but he would come across a little too "touchy-feely" for the guys I work with. But, the 2nd guy...I think the guys I work with would punch him.

Dr. Reason is like so many other Evangelicals in that he's a salesman. He's trying to validate his lifestyle by converting you to it. The 10 commandments thing makes sense to me, just not presented that way. His argument of Dr. Reason and the 10 C's vs. a real Dr. telling you that you have an illness is apples to oranges. People "choose" to go to Dr.'s, but people on the street are "forced" to listen to him.

Here is a quote that helps in any situation, especially ministry, "Relationship preceeds truth."

Todd · 2 years ago

AmazoMan - Rob Bell isn't accurately portrayed in the "response" video. I think that Dr. Love is a strawman designed to paint Emergents and emerging-types as opposed to the saving grace and coming judgment of God. That simply isn't fact.

AmazoMan · 2 years ago

I don't know if Rob Bell is accurately portrayed in the "response" video. But I do think that it's a waste of energy trying to change the perspective of the "bull horn" man. Just go share the Good News with those who need to hear it (whatever way God provides), just make you tell the WHOLE story (even if it's more than 1 conversation). The bull horn man will have to answer for himself.

Tom N. · 2 years ago

I personally like Rob's writing and speaking. He challenges the traditional ways of thinking in an effort to reach a completely diverse group of people many who have been hurt or burned by a "Christian" or the typical church in general. The response video is slightly funny but if I want to listen to Rob Bell, I will and not to some guy wasting several minutes of my time trying to be funny.

Jay Sellers · 2 years ago

I've listened to Rob speak every week for over four years. I've watched every Nooma video. I've been offered the chance to appear in one. I've read both his books. I attended the Everything is Spiritual tour and could have absorbed plenty more than the 2 hours that he spoke. I'm stoked about this fall's tour and hope for plenty more.

Here's the deal...I grew up congregational/denominational like plenty of you have. I've served as a Pastor in both the Southern Baptist faith, United Methodist faith and two flavors of charismatic. I've read more books about theology from all sides than I'm willing to admit. At the end of the day, what compels me to feed my hunger for more of his teaching is the narrative theology that engages me and encourages me to become a part of the kingdom now and seek the restoration of all things. Love wins. I'm not interested in playing spiritual kungfu with the Christian form of religious zealots and declaring jihad on all things not approved by (insert name of your favorite conservation evangelical here).

Chris Rosebrough · 2 years ago

I thought the second video was far better than Rob Bell's.

The second video was not 'smart ass' nor was it sarcastic. It actually told the whole truth.

All of are sinners by nature and at war with God. Christ died for our sins. As a result we don't have to face God's wrath.

Bell down plays sin and its consequences in his video.

rachel · 2 years ago

wow!

Joey · 2 years ago

The problem I have with this video is that he spoke of Dr. Love, and Dr. Reason, as if we are the Dr's. We are not the Dr's. we are patients. God is the Doctor. We are just the patient the bed next store...we all sick...We are all broken fractured people. And to say we are the Doctor seems a little arrogant. Because it is God saves..."by grace through faith" I don't know, I really want be careful bashing someone else...cause that would just make me no better...


just a thought

Teh Voges · 2 years ago

I saw the "counter" video of this a few months ago and thought it kind of disturbing. Not because I feel that there isn’t a need, but it really felt more on an attack on rob bell. I have had my own encounters with street evangelists. Being yelled at and told I’m going to hell when then don’t even know I’m a Christian. When they learn that I’m a Christian they begin to mock and put people down for not doing what they are doing. I don’t feel the Christian love there at all.

Todd · 2 years ago

Chris, you don't think the second video was "smart ass?" The whole description of "Dr. Love" was as equally sarcastic as Bell's description of Bullhorn Man.

Bell doesn't downplay sin at all - he merely recommends taking the time to get to know people before condemning them of their sin.

Chris Rosebrough · 2 years ago

Todd.

I didn't see it as sarcastic at all. It was an illustration to make a point about how not telling the whole truth isn't loving at all.

Roy · 2 years ago

Chris was it not a response to make fun of rob bell's video style and then a response to what Dr. Reason thinks of Bell's theology? It sure looks like it.

Thomas · 2 years ago

So... I could careless for the emo -ting of Rob Bell or anything else the other guy said. I have never really heard of either. Bell had it better I guess but what does having it perfect matter when it comes to grace. Bell said, "the distinctive characteristic, (attribute, quality) of Christians is Love." He goes on to quote John in the New Test. asking you or Bullhorn guy if you measure up. His angle is flat out wrong. God is Love says John. THEREFORE, love is a person and John says waht you do if that person lives inside you and is coming out.

The distinguishing mark of a Christian is The Holy Spirit (Gos John chaps. 14-17) I think if we allow Jesus in via the HS instead of trying to build the qualities of love in our flesh, we will be fine. We would identify more with the Great Commission too which calls us equally to HEAL THE SICK, CAST OUT DEMONS as well as preach the gospel to all nations.

I don't have an "internal compass." I have the power of the Holy Spirit working mightily within me. It is what Paul said he had and it is what Jesus said we would have in the Gospel of John. It is the reason he went to the cross and died. He took our sins and gave his life to us. We now live on the forgiveness side of the cross and not the intellectual assessment side of our lives any longer.

Post mods and emergents better start accepting the true power of the Gospel and allow for a transformation rather than just defining it and hopefully putting it into practice. Let Jesus be Jesus - he is not a manual. This "greek wisdom" that has infiltrated the church and caused a loss of power and evangelism is getting disgusting, disheartening and becoming a real joke.

I lived in a place where there was a bullhorn guy on the street every weekend with his wife doing the same thing. He wouldn't let his wife speak even. She was only there to pass out the tracks. I would stand on the corner and try to undo Bullhorn guy with my own "love conviction." It didn't work and I went home baffled. The Lord spoke to me and said, "I am love. That is who I am. Allow me to give you the words and actions as you need them and then you will see results."

Obedience over sacrifice. Love is not a characteristic, a quality or an attribute. It is a person. The Kingdom of God is righteousness joy and peace in the Holy Spirit. When we have an intimate relationship with him, we have overflowing and contagious life. Bell got the commandments of Jesus right. We should do the first one more than the second. Matter of fact, out of the worship of God in Spirit and truth the second will come quite naturally.

Tom N. · 2 years ago

Talk about a hot topic. I am a worship pastor with a conservative seminiary degree and have read both books of Rob Bells. I actually purchased the Bullhorn video because of it's message. I have never heard Rob downplay sin but rather focus on loving people as Jesus loved them... and letting the conviction of sin take place through the teachings of the Bible instead of being condemned verbally by a by a bunch of well meaning Jesus followers. What it shows to me is that we don't trust that God will reveal himself, teach them and grow them spiritually so we take it upon ourselves to point out and condemn their sins.

RedByrd · 2 years ago

"10 out of 10 people die" HA statistics are 100% accurate 80% of the time. Nice try "Dr. Reason."

Seriously, that's interesting. Although, Los, I don't think that dude was trying to be funny. I think he seriously believes in his little video and simply hipped it up to compete with Rob's, and that's scary! I totally dig Bell and culturally think he's typically correct. Nothing more to add here really than what ya'll already stated. I got all cheesed out and uncomfortable though when Dr. Reason began sharing the gospel. That was wickedly cornballish and uncomfortable.

rick · 2 years ago

loswit... thanks.

Sorry for asking.

Vince · 2 years ago

Conversation...It worked.

i enjoyed the responses as much as the videos.

alex mclean · 2 years ago

wow - I wasn't expecting to see this many responses when I came here from my google reader...

I was going to say, "blah blah blah, blah blah blah blah blah blah!" - that's what started happening about half way through both videos...

Just do what God called you to do, I can't even remember the last time I saw a street preacher.

Boyd · 2 years ago

Andy Stanley once said, "We want to make Sunday mornings for the people that aren't there on Sunday mornings." He was saying that to reach lost people we must identify with them. Paul said that in order to reach people he became like them (1 Cor. 9:21).

To reach non-Christians today, we must reach them in the context of their culture. Try this: talk to ten people on the street about street preachers and see what they say. I have tried it and 10/10 in downtown Atlanta in Centennial Olympic Park said that it turns them away. It is something culture looks down on and we keep doing it.

For example, I would respond negatively if some random person came up to me on the street and hugged me, as would 95% of Americans. That is odd in our culture (whether non-Christian or Christian culture). Then why are we using something that turns people away to win them for Christ?

Now there is always that 5% with street evangelism that it will work for, but the damage it is doing/has done to the 95% is unprecedented, especially among the younger upcoming generation. Entire ministries have made it their goal to help those turned away by hellfire and brimstone street evangelism and similar tactics. And it is a painstaking process for those ministries to do their work because of how deep these wounds go.

What was once effective in the older cultures of America, has long been a cultural taboo and hot button that we ignorantly continue to press. Street evangelism was a tool that brought in converts in droves in previous generations. But what we have forgotten is that Christians that chose it back then because of it's ability to reach the culture at the time. Street advertising was popular and effective in the 1900's for all sorts of companies and businesses. It was not a "Christian" thing to do, it was a cultural thing to do that Christians adopted because they were smart. But times have changed, let's not be stupid. There are many other better methods that do not carry the negative feelings and baggage that street evangelism does.

Rob Bell is known for his desire to reach non-Christians through culture. He is following in the footsteps of those who adapted street advertising into street evangelism. He is adapting film. We cannot hold on to tools once used to make disciples too tightly. God does not tell us how, only that we must.

Who knows, in 50 years video outreach may be a cultural taboo that some Christians still ignorantly fight for.

Albee · 2 years ago

My wife calls me Dr. Love.

Not From California · 2 years ago

I kept waiting for the sarcasm. When exactly is it supposed to start? Perhaps you need to see some real sarcasm so you can recognize that the "lame-o" guy wasn't being sarcastic. Or maybe you just need a dictionary.

Sarcasm: A form of irony in which apparent praise conceals another, scornful meaning.

"lame-o" guy didn't ironically praise Bell. He was up front and said what he thought about Bell. He was sincere the whole time.

And for the record, I think the best response to a bullhorn guy would be to kick him in the nuts.

the bear · 2 years ago

My wife calls me Dr. Feelgood

Los · 2 years ago

Probably a dictionary.
Los

Billy Chia · 2 years ago

Los,
The first time I saw Bullhorn my wife and I were in a Christian bookstore where they continually loop Nooma videos all day. We just stopped and started watching this one and just cracked up every time Bell said, "Hey Bullhorn guy."

I ran across not funny sarcastic guy's vid on youtube about a week ago, but in all honesty the thought didn't occur to me to post it or that it might inspire 40 or so comments on my site.

I have to give you props for finding just the right kinda random stuff around the web and putting it here are ragamuffin soul.

chris g · 2 years ago

that second video is about 10 minutes and 11 seconds too long!

ally · 2 years ago

i had this going on in my shop!! i manage a christian bookstore and some folks took exception to bells nooma dvds! Boy did they decide that they would slam me for selling his dvds & books!!
what can you say really.............bullhorn is not one of my fave noomas but i dont know what all the fuss is about...........but then heaven forbid that we might "preach" the Gospel differently that our great grandparents did!
I have encountered some of the most angry & vicious people who attack Bell's ministry, Brian Mclaren, Steve Chalke, Erwin McManus, Mark "macho man" Driscoll and the list goes on........they are full of love!!

D Rho · 2 years ago

Juxtapose.

Could they both be right?

I think if you mash these 2 ideas (love and wrath) together somehow you're getting nearer to the heart and passion of God.

D Rho · 2 years ago

Great post Carlos!

Victor · 2 years ago

I'm not sure Bell and Friel are even coming from a similar point of view on what the gospel actually is. From what I've heard from Bell, "the gospel" isn't a formula that you speak with words in order to get somebody to believe a certain set of beliefs. Friel's motivation for "sharing the gospel" seems to be an escapist view, with most of the emphasis on going to the good place instead of the bad place when you die. Bell comes from more of a restoration angle on the Scriptures. It seems to me that these two videos are simply the tips of each man's theological iceburg; a discussion on the videos might be able to progress further when these things are taken into consideration. Am I way off?

Joey · 2 years ago

Victor
No...You're not way off. They are both trying to take a deep idea, and share it in a short period of time. There is far "more" to both of them...

Ryan · 1 year ago

Rob Bell is a heretic. To anyone who buys into his feel good, all positive "gospel," please re-read Scripture. The unsaved need to know that they're are wicked sinners, just as we were, before they can realize a need for a Savior. I really feel sorry for those that you are "leading to Christ." It's a false christ that those people are following. My prayers are with you.