Velvet Elvis

Repainting the Christian Faith

By: Rob Bell

Narrated by: Rob Bell

Length: 3 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

"We have to test everything. I thank God for anybody anywhere who is pointing people to the mysteries of God. But those people would all tell you to think long and hard about what they are saying and doing and creating. Test it. Probe it. Do that to this book. Don't swallow it uncritically. Think about it. Wrestle with it.

"Just because I'm a Christian and I'm trying to articulate a Christian worldview, doesn't mean I've got it nailed. I'm contributing to the discussion. God has spoken, and the rest is commentary, right?"
—Rob Bell

©2005 Rob Bell (P)2012 HarperCollins Publishers

Long Over Due

I would have saved many maudlin days if I had known about this book when it was released. I found that the text articulated much of what I’ve been thinking and feeling in my own spiritual journey, especially of the past five years. I know this will be one that I read over and again.

Refreshing

Powerful thoughts to ponder. Most know that the Christian church in America has been missing the point for a while now. This book helps to put your finger on it. Very challenging, liberating & refreshing.

A New Viewpoint, Refreshing, Eye-opening

I have always wanted to read/listen to a book by Rob Bell but hadn't quite done so due to others in my (no longer attending, previous) church that told me this man was quite heretical and wasn't an "approved" teacher..... then it hit me, I'm sure Jesus wasn't an "approved" teacher. So I joined the so-called heretics and decided to see for myself what Rob Bell was all about. I had some assistance in picking out where to start with Rob Bell and this one was recommended by more than once from my "heretical" friends. I have to admit, they were right.

Rob Bell has an amazing way of using imagery and analogies to explain complex Christian theologies and ideologies that some Christians (such as myself) were taught to accept as taught in Church and to not "lean on my own understanding" of them. Although Rob is quite strong in his beliefs about the topics discussed in this book, he doesn't make one feel belittled or offended at anything discussed. Rather, he opens up many topics for reflection and greater understanding and gently holds the readers hand as their eyes are opened to many facts and background histories not taught in our Churches today.

I came away from this book with a renewed sense of hunger and greater love for my fellow man. I listened to several sections over and over because the topics he was discussing were simply that profound. If this were a physical book, there would be highlighter and notes all throughout.

My only complaint on the book was the speed at which Rob Bell speaks. Playing on 1.0X was simply too fast in sections where he was very passionate about what he was discussing. However, listening on 0.75X was perfect and allowed me to grasp everything more clearly. Thankfully the Audible app has such features.

If you are even REMOTELY interested in the book summary I strongly encourage you to read/listen to the book.

A book every person seeking God should read.

A breath of fresh air. Love Rob's work. I track with him on so my levels!

All time favorite

This book is one of my all time favorites. Narration is great with the author knowing where to put the emphasis.

great read

loved that the author read the book...it felt more like he was talking to us rather then reading a script. I'm reading this very late in the game 2017, it was written in 2005. still relevant, still captivating.

Amen! Hallelujah!

Gives me so much hope and understanding as to why I never felt at peace being told God was vengeful and there was just absolutely no hope for some.

Profound and expansive!!

I have rarely listened to words which gave me so much life. Every sentence carries a power which I've never felt before.

Eye Opening

This is my second Rob Bell book I have gone through and I have enjoyed them both very much. He has a great way of connecting with me in a clear and open way. He approaches the church as an open and inviting place instead of pushing Jesus or trying to convince me to believe as he believes.

Absolutely beautiful

Incredible and life altering. One thought that stuck out for me was that, if God deems you worthy of love, then you are. Stop trying to earn it. Stop insisting that you don’t deserve it. Stop jumping through hoops to attain it. It’s already yours! Wow. Seems simple, but it hit me right in the soul.