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

Rock solid without the cheese ; )

I have always loved Rob Bell. I was lucky to live in Michigan in the heyday of Mars Hill and hear him speak there once back in 1999. I hate that he has become largely misunderstood and misquoted over the years. This book, like all of his teachings, somehow reveal and create a picture of Jesus that deep down you already know exists, but few are as bold or able to make so real. Rob has done for Christianity what Tiger Woods has done for golf: brought it to a whole new level. I think a lot of modern church planters are afraid to admit the impact he has had on the progressive Evangical movement. Reading this makes me actually want to be a Christian again! If you can get past some of the microphone hissing here and there, the insights will forever haunt your understandings of scripture.

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!

Best book for life

This book radically changed my life and continues to challenge everything I grew up with. this book gave me spring theology and the reason why Jesus is good for me today. I decided to start living to love other people because of this book. I gives me wings. Rob, thank you for sharing your heart and passion. I am a better man
because of you.

Rob Rocks It

I read this book 8-10 years ago and probably loved it more this time on audio. Rob's cadence of ideas and insights on a version of a Liberating-Fun-Loving-Downcast-Friend to Degenerates Jesus....is my kind of Jesus.

Refreshing, life-changing, and powerful!

Where does Velvet Elvis rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is one of my favorite books. I love Rob Bell's refreshing take on things as old as time.

What other book might you compare Velvet Elvis to and why?

If you like any one of Rob Bell's books, you'll enjoy Velvet Elvis.

What does Rob Bell bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I love that Rob Bell narrates his own audio books. He is such a gifted communicator!!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The idea that we need to continue to paint the picture of the Gospel because it is Alive.... That really struck me.

Any additional comments?

Thank you, Rob Bell, for sharing the Jesus of Hope, Life, and Comfort!

Rob Bell at his best

I love Rob Bell. This book is exactly what I needed. It reaffirms everything I have always believed.

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.

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.

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.

Thank You Rob - Brilliant as Always

Read this book. Carefully and slowly. REPLAY anything you miss because your mind wandered.
It will change your heart.
It will make your life…better.

Rob Bell is a brilliant deep honest insightful world-changing leader.

He has impacted my life in profound and important ways.

I love his work.

I love the man.

Thank you Rob - for everything.