What We Talk About When We Talk About God

March 18, 2013
Bell's (Love Wins) signature sermonic style, studded with stratified paragraphs, moves the reader comfortably along. However, behind his easy-to-read approach is a deeper sensibility, a heavier theological hand, than in any of Bell's previous works. While in the past Bell has questioned traditional views on sex, sacrifice, and hell, now he tackles the big one: God. He writes of "waking up in new ways to the God who's been here the whole time," a divine being who is with, for and ahead of humanity so that a jaded generation of "spiritual but not religious" may see Jesus, and divinity, in all things. As always, his work is replete with unexpected stories, relevant pop culture references, and new takes on old scriptures; Bell is finally certain about his ontological uncertainty. Undoubtedly, conservative readers will find much to argue with, and Bell seems content with that, hoping that for many others, this book will be a welcome breath of fresh air in a spiritual haze. Agent: Chris Ferebee

June 15, 2013

Conversations about God have devolved into meanness, ignorant scripture-citing, and useless either/or statements, claims Bell, a popular Christian pastor and author. In order to reassert the presence of a benevolent God, Bell turns to contemporary understandings of science, ethics, and sociology, using them to identify how God factors into modern life. With a smattering of pop culture references and bits of humor, Bell makes an argument that will appeal to believers looking for more rational conversations about God. The author reads, and while the first chapter starts at a fast clip, Bell soon settles into a good pace. VERDICT Bell's fans, as well as those of Tim Keller and other modern Christian thinkers, will find much to ponder and enjoy in this title.--Amy Koester, St. Charles City-Cty. Lib. Dist., Wentzville, MO

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