Love Wins

A Book About Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived

By: Rob Bell

Narrated by: Rob Bell

Length: 3 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

Millions of Christians have struggled with how to reconcile God's love and God's judgment: Has God created billions of people over thousands of years only to select a few to go to heaven and everyone else to suffer forever in hell? Is this acceptable to God? How is this "good news"?

Troubling questions, so troubling that many have lost their faith because of them. Others only whisper the questions to themselves, fearing or being taught that they might lose their faith and their church if they ask them out loud.

But what if these questions trouble us for good reason? What if the story of heaven and hell we have been taught is not, in fact, what the Bible teaches? What if what Jesus meant by heaven, hell, and salvation are very different from how we have come to understand them?

What if it is God who wants us to face these questions?

Author, pastor, and innovative teacher Rob Bell presents a deeply biblical vision for rediscovering a richer, grander, truer, and more spiritually satisfying way of understanding heaven, hell, God, Jesus, salvation, and repentance. The result is the discovery that the "good news" is much, much better than we ever imagined. Love wins.

©2011 Robert H. Bell, Jr. Trust (P)2011 HarperCollins Publishers

Inspiring and enlightening

As a clergy person now working in mental health, I read/listen to very few books on theology, lacking the time to stay current in both disciplines. I am so glad I took the time to listen to this! It is a refreshing look at biblical scholarship that challenges what Christianity has become in some places: co-opted by white nationalism, an exercise in exclusion. This book presents a very different vision that allows enough space for us to all dwell in the humility of knowing that, while God’s kingdom is expansive enough for all, we understand only a fraction of the teachings we follow. It is a call to acceptance and inclusivity. And the author’s choice to read it himself was perfect! It is like listening to a very engaging sermon.

Bell's messages are best served spoken

Rob Bell is foremost a pastor. He speaks to people and for people about the fact that they are loved by God and by others even though it doesn't always seem that way. That is his job, and he does his job extremely well. In my generation, he has been perhaps the foremost master of formulating ways to communicate the most complicated and gnarly theological and historical conundrums in a manner that the average listener will understand with both mind and heart. What distinguishes him from his peers in the circle of extremely rhetorically gifted speakers from the church is his honesty, his candor, and his willingness to address honestly, from scripture, rather than from tradition, the issues that are the stickiest. He has been relentless in both honesty, in faith, and in good works. Like I was saying though: he is a profound thinker but his message is best served 'spoken,' rather than read. Probably because that is the form that he has spent the most time mastering after years of teaching and speaking with his congregation. That's just my opinion. I'm really glad I listened to the audio book before reading the prose version.

... it really does

I thought this book was a work of art. It's gorgeous.

Sure, I have some questions, and I'm going to dig in and find answers. We all need to. It's really worth it. Our perspective on this effects our perspective and worth that we assign to every man, woman and child that we pass on the street.

It's an awesome thing.

There's nothing to be afraid of or offended by in this book- absolutely nothing.

Creating Conversations on Heaven, Hell, & more

Rob Bell knows how to get your attention! This book and the campaign with it have certainly done just that. The theology nerds out there (like me) are going ape over this series of questions, which leads to more questions, and ultimately leaves you questioning.
In a paradoxical and enigmatic way Bell weaves through issues surround the touchy subjects of heaven, hell, and where we end up at from a historical linguistic conservative reading. The challenge is, many of his answers appear to be liberal. This creates an uproar because ultimately, he bobs and weaves enough to leave the door open for many possibilities.
Here's what I loved about the book: the focus on Jesus. As you read (listen) to Bell you can't help but be curious about the Jesus he's curious about. You find yourself wanting to know more of this Jesus.
Here's what I found lacking in the book: the Holy Spirit. Bell talks a great deal about Jesus and God the Father, but rarely mentions the Spirit. He either takes the Spirit for granted or doesn't want to raise questions about this controversial person.
Overall, I think people should read (listen) to this book because it gets you thinking. It also creates some great conversations. If people can start talking about the dynamics of the Kingdom of God being just as real today as they are in the future, then maybe we'll start acting like the Kingdom is now and not yet. Without a doubt, we could all agree then, truly Love Wins!

Amazing!

Amazing! Sums up what I've always known but couldn't put into words! Friendly, accessible, and read by the author who has a way with spoken word narration that can't be (easily) beat! From a fellow Michigander, thanks Rob! Shalom!

A Comfort

Love Wins is a good book for anyone who always wondered why God always seemed like such an a- -hole. I gave the story a 3-star rating because even though Rob does a great job dissecting the bible, this book is not really a "story". Gave a copy to my grandpa (who is a lifelong Catholic) and he thoroughly enjoyed it; and found his faith was reinvigorated. So, if you felt like Jesus came so that we may see god's goodness and love, this book will give you the warm fuzzies.
If you think Heaven is a place where only one brand of Christian goes... then you probably will find yourself a little uncomfortable. You picked up to book for a reason.
BE Uncomfortable.
ASK those questions...
And maybe you too will eventually see how much more wonderful your life can be when you allow love to win. xoxo

I hate to ruin the ending for you but love wins

I am a woman who is raised in a born-again Christian church with a born-again pastor father and this book helped me look at God and his love and his eternal plan in a much more sane way then how I was raised. it was life changing.

Great book, asking the the questions no one asks

I love the way he thinks, people judge him by saying he is set in stone on his beliefs, nothing is an absolute here, he is just asking questions, and for the record, this isn't anything new, The jews believe the same about the after life, and hell, have you ever asked a Jew if they believe in heaven or hell? they will give you an anwer you never expected

I love this book....everyone should read it

Best Book EVER!

Thank You Rob Bell ~ This book has helped me grow in my connection & relationship with LOVE, GOD.
The Whole World should read this book~ LOVE WINS

wow!!!

amazing! this book allowed me to get back into the hallway of christianity so that I can think once again about opening a door.