Katie,
Thanks for your question.
This clip [http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=ae45f51892676638d874] raises some interesting points and I hope you will find my response helpful:
First of all, I don't believe that Cameron Beuttel gives Rob Bell the benefit of the doubt in this clip. I am familiar with Rob Bell's Nooma videos and I don't think Mr. Bell is claiming that the walking on the water story is ABOUT Peter's lack of faith in himself. Instead, I think Mr. Bell is trying to present a new twist on a story we already know well.
Mr. Beuttel makes many solid points. Of course we NEED to have faith in Christ. Faith in Christ is what saves us, it's what changes everything, as Paul writes many times over. This message comes out loud and clear in Galatians 2:15-21, perhaps the thesis for Paul's entire ministry: "... we have come to believe in Christ Jesus, so that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by doing works of the law, because no one will be justified by works of the law ..."
But Mr. Beuttel twists a point Rob Bell raises and extrapolates that Mr. Bell is trying to tell the viewers of the "Dust" video to believe in themselves over believing in Christ. That's not a fair accusation; those who are familiar with Mr. Bell's videos know he places faith in Christ as completely paramount to Christian discipleship.
What is more, Mr. Beuttel argues against the notion that God believes in us. This is ridiculous.
Mr. Beuttel uses this Rob Bell Nooma video to assert this is "humanism disguised as Christianity." Humanism in its most secular form places man (or oneself) above all else in creation -- even above any notion of a Creator. But Rob Bell is not a secular humanist. He is a religious humanist. And all of us should be Christian humanists. Our love for one another is the very reason why we promote and protect the dignity and sanctity of every human life, from the unborn and the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized to those on death row.
Of course God believes in us and Of COURSE God is a humanist! We are God's greatest creation. We are made in God's very own "image and likeness" (Gen. 1:26).
Mr. Beuttel argues that "when we elevate man, we lower the cross." I don't believe this is true. God elevates man. God believes that we are worthy of being saved -- even to the extent that we are worthy of the sacrificial self-gift of His Only Begotten Son -- even after failing Him, ignoring Him, denying Him, and disobeying Him again and again throughout history. The cross elevates mankind because it invites us to pick up our own cross, follow Christ, and be saved. God did not save us by mere fiat or a divine command; instead by invitation to a personal, love relationship with God -- because God respects our free will, our autonomous being, and elevates us so we can have life to the full for all eternity in complete communion with Him. I cannot think of any greater destiny for mankind!
This kind of thinking, that diminishes humanity, that focuses on what we do not have, are not capable of, or the errors of our way leads to a defeatism which says: the world is the way it is because we are fallen, sinful people. We can do no better. THIS is a great lie! This is like walking on the water with Our Lord and then faltering and failing and saying: this is the way it has to be.
It doesn't, and that is why Jesus rebukes Peter. Oh, Mr. Beuttel, "You of Little Faith!"
Furthermore, the Scriptures are meant to be opened and interpreted as they speak to us. I appreciate Rob Bell's suggestion for a new insight on this walking on water passage. I don't believe Rob Bell is trying to replace this interpretation (Peter having faith in himself) with how the passage is traditionally interpreted. Instead, I think he is trying to challenge us to believe in ourselves, to embrace the Good News of the Gospel, and our commitment to share and spread it.
Too often, we sell ourselves short. We don't think we're qualified to be called to such a role or responsibility. But we know well (ESPECIALLY through the example of Peter, perhaps the dimwit of all the disciples) that God doesn't call the qualified; God qualifies the called.
Mr. Beuttel attacks Mr. Bell to make this a clear-cut case of either/or. But I would invite Mr. Beuttel to consider this passage as a both/and scenario and to broaden his understanding and appreciation of the Sacred Scriptures.
Of course we must have faith in Christ. But we must also have faith in ourselves. God does.
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3 comments:
It's not just that video. Rob Bell's basic theology is flawed. Listen to all of his videos, listen to his teaching, read his books. They do not hold up to the scrutiny of Scripture.
I don't consider Rob Bell to be the definite source of theology. But I don't think it does anyone justice to dismiss his insights and what he contributes to the conversation. This is the gift of the Word: that it breathes life into the world in many tongues, times, and perspectives. We have much to learn from each other to better appreciate the depth and breadth of the Word.
This is not to say that there are not people who misinterpret the Word or even manipulate it. But Rob Bell doesn't seem like the kind of religious leader who uses Scripture to promote a specific agenda; rather, he proposes new and different insights to get us to think and feel the Word in ways we might not do on our own.
It has parallels with Lectio Divina. You can sit with people and appreciate what they have to say when they read the Word -- but that doesn't mean they have any authority on the passage. Of course, we reserve that for the wisdom of the whole Church.
But I appreciate your comments.
peace.
As a Christian of long-standing - nearly 22 years - one thing I have learned is I don't know everything!
As someone who has found Rob Bell to be both challenging and provoking I suggest that it's worth reading the following:
http://www.marshill.org/pdf/narrativeTheology.pdf
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