see blog title for post title

I just purchased the book Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell. I should get it in the mail in a few days. I am very excited because I really like Rob's stuff, and I haven't seen all the Nooma videos. AFTER I read the book, I decided to check out the reviews. This was a mistake. One guy's review was entitled, "The Bible is either 100% true or 100% false!" I get kind of frustrated at people who say things like that. He was obviously implying that Rob doesn't think the Bible is true...what?! I am trying not to stereotype this reviewer, but he seems like the type that believes there is truth AND he knows it...ALL. People like this are so quick to point out "heresy" assuming they have the "right" claim on truth. Sickening.

So my blood begins to boil...

After I purchase the book, a page of recommendations pops up. At the top...Blue Like Jazz by Don Miller. Now, I have read this book and I really enjoyed it. If you haven't read it, give it a try you may like it. Don describes his life experiences and how they taught him a great deal about spirituality when being in the church wouldn't. I made the mistake of looking at the reviews for this book as well. The reviews were polar; either they liked it or hated it. One woman from Illinois wrote a very long review condemning Don's book because he failed to seek out holiness by not writing against the sins of smoking, drinking, and using naughty language. May I please point you to the title of this blog again? Toward the end of her grueling review, she ACTUALLY wrote that the "problem" with the emergent circle is that they "focus too much on Jesus" and not enough on God's word. HOLY CRAP! Of course (in the fashion of many Christians who have talked too much and have run out of thoughtful things to say) she ends up saying..."read your Bible, a lot." Why do they always say that? It's like the uber answer to everything. Having problems in life? Read your bible. Trying to get out of debt? Read you bible. (or if your are angry at someone's interpretation) "maybe if you'd read your Bible, blah, blah, blah."

You can tell it's touched a nerve.

I'm sorry for the rambling nature of this post...that's what you get when you break the rule of writing something immediately as you are thinking about it.

Check out Dustin's blog (specifically the Sept 16th post) for a better-written display of frustration with Christian people. You'll also find a good discussion about Rob's new book.