I would agree that the immediacy of the act is necessarily theoretical. But it shouldn't take away from the potential to do so. I think coming down on the side of, or flirting with, the idea that immediate forgiveness is impossible is to sanction pride.

Not everything needs supernatural intervention. As Joshua asked, choose this day whom you will serve. Otherwise, it smacks somewhat of Calvin's precept of total depravity.

I spent most of my 20's learning that the best way to forgive is to be at peace with everyone. In simpler terms, the golden rule. It got tiring for me in holding grudges against people that were weeks and months, but usually years, old.

Circumstances that are outside my control? It's a very imperfect world and things happen. It is neither fair to me nor the God I claim to serve to hold something against someone. Forgive them and move on. I'll tell you, it's wholly liberating to live in such manner.

Besides, if we claim to be Christian, or literally "little Christ", then should not our act of forgiveness imitate Christ's example - immediate, free, unconditional?

I guess the number one rule of speech giving really is true: know your audience.

Don't worry, Matt. In ten years your speech will wind up on America's Funniest Videos and then you'll get the laughs you were looking for.

Good thoughts, Matt! I decided that past summers have gone by too fast with all the normal summer distractions. So this year, I've been spending many afternoons parked at a lake about 20 minutes south of my house - reading, napping, people watching. And when the afternoon has passed and the sun begins to set, I start up my car to drive back and find myself uniquely relaxed and refreshed.

(Note to self: Stop reading articles by xtians talking about homosexuality)

This is one more reason I'm glad I left NY six years ago.

I think the ultimate insult is that my comments end up with negative numbers attached to them.

Person: I think Donald Trump would make a great candidate for the presidency!
Me: I'm so glad you're not God.
Troll: Minus 2 points for the house of Gryffindor!

Kidding aside, if personality does matter, then where in the Pauline letters is there restrictions on such? Because if we require of our leaders a certain personality over their humility in obeying the voice of the Lord, then God certainly is being put in a box.

I stand by what I said originally, God calls who he calls.

Then I'm quite thankful you're not God ;-)

Focus on personality and you'll miss out on what the Spirit is doing.

God calls who he calls into leadership - from the tongue-tied Moses to the great orator Billy Graham. They are given their personalities from God and so they are who they are. And God corrects us all when we need correction, not because of personality type but because of our human-centered thought and action.

Emphasize personality type? Hope God likes the box you've put him in.

I certainly agree on this point - to attack without having first read is to wholly subvert any validity within disagreement - and is simply wrong no matter how the cookie crumbles.

I've read a fair number of articles on this issue. Believe me, none of the men in leadership within Orthodox Christian circles are throwing around "accusations" toward Rob Bell lightly. Albert Mohler has an excellent article here and participated in a four person discussion panel here (it's a 90 minute video, but well worth viewing it in its entirety).

Matt, it's not an issue of Bell "approach[ing] theology differently". It's that he's redefining theology to fit into a universalist/inclusivist religious perspective and therefore, by it's very definition, it is heresy. And judging by his interview with Lisa Miller, he might very well be a heretic.

As Mohler et al point out in the panel discussion, universalism/inclusivism are at the core an unloving approach to Christianity. Christ is interested in particulars: social justice, righteous behavior and not least of all - belief in him as a requirement of salvation.

Someone mentioned below about reviews on Amazon. This one and this one succinctly show glaring errors in Bell's book. Such lead Bell to unOrthodox doctrinal teaching. The same was true with Rick Warren's A Purpose Driven Life and Debbie Maken's Getting Serious About Getting Married.

I've commented before in other posts of yours that there's nothing wrong with asking questions, because there isn't. But I've also advised you to take a bit longer between posts for a reason - this one demonstrates a lack of thought on the topic. It comes across as a very snarky retort, esp in light of the use of a curse. And ultimately it creates just as much dissension towards Christianity as the so-called divisiveness you're decrying. Mohler's panel states the obvious - those who have influence must be careful with their words, spoken and written, because of their leadership position and the power of words. Your blog is no different - I'd advise you not to take that lightly.

Btw, no, Evangelical Christians do not want either you or Rob Bell to go to hell. Stop being so facetiously bitter.

Hey Matt -

I think this is the type of church culture you should be arguing against. ;-)

Your story reminds me of Elijah being informed by God that indeed, there were 7000 others who had not bowed to Baal. A gracious God we serve, that even in our cynicism and bitterness, he speaks to us. Time to pick yourself up and dust yourself off, Matt. Sounds like there's a fire brewing within you.