I just read a post at Godfidence.org (http://www.blog.godfidence.org/2008/05/rob-bells-trampoline) that was critical of Rob Bell’s Velvet Elvis book (great book – if you haven’t read it, go buy it). The author of this post was critical of Bell’s analogy that doctrine is more like springs on a trampoline than bricks in a wall. Bricks in a wall are rigid and cannot be removed or replaced without damaging the wall, but springs can be stretched, review, replace if needed, without damaging the trampoline. The goes on to say – its more fun on a trampoline too.
Jason at Godfidence said that if you remove *all* the springs then you just have a tarp and that doctrine cannot be removed or changed. I disagree with him (and commented as much on his post). If you remove *all* of the bricks from a wall all you have left is mortar – Bell wasn’t suggesting you remove any doctrine, only that you are open to examine them, put them under the microscope, and test them. If they are true, they will hold up – if they are not, then they weren’t Doctrine to begin with, but instead a misunderstanding of scripture that can be corrected.
Bell goes on to say ‘all truth is God’s truth’. If I thought the Earth was 6000 years old based on my interpretation of the Bible, and you proved through science that it was 4trillion years old – My understanding of the Bible changes – not my faith. And I believe that is the point of Bell’s approach.
Have you read the book? When you get a chance, go read Jason’s post… I’d love to hear your thoughts?
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