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Rob Bell Talks About How Jesus Christ Has Been ‘Trivialized,’ Author Also Discusses His Own Spiritual Journey

By Phyllis Asinyanbi
Published on: 15:57 PST, May 29, 2016

Rob Bell is a former mega church pastor who believes that Jesus Christ has been “trivialized” and that people have stopped adhering to one religion.

Bell caused a huge controversy in the Christian world when he wrote a book, Love Wins. In it, he questioned whether there is a literal hell, then he left Mars Hill Bible Church to pursue other interests. He founded the church in 1999 when he was 28-years-old, but in 2010 began dividing teaching pastor duties with Shane Hipps.

In 2005, the church was 10,000 strong, but in 2011, Bell left because he had a vision of taking a message of spirituality to more people. He then moved from Grandville, Michigan, to California in 2012, per the Christian Post.

“I think for many people, spirituality, religion, God, Jesus, whatever has been trivialized. I think we’re way beyond one particular religion, we’re about what does it mean to be human.”

He no longer identifies himself as a pastor or even a “spiritual teacher” as this often causes others to distance themselves from him.

Bell believes that the teachings of Jesus Christ affirm everyone and that Jesus himself would be offended that a religion that has so many rules was started in his names, added the Christian Post. The former pastor also says that there are many who call themselves Christians who don’t follow Christ and others who follow him closely but choose not to call themselves Christians.

“I don’t find the categories helpful at all. I think what Jesus is doing is calling us beyond form. To not clutch and cling to some of these forms, but to let go of them.”

Since Bell moved to California, his role has evolved from pastor to speaker, podcast host, and surfer, along with husband and father. He has also written another book, How to Be Here: A Guide to Creating a Life Worth Living. This book is not controversial and is more of a guide — although not a prescriptive one — on coming to terms with life circumstances and finding a specific purpose in life.

It seems that Bell has is on a quest to find his own purpose as he has endeavors to spread a message to many. In the process, he has appeared at the Viper Room, in West Hollywood. In 2014, he participated in Oprah’s Life You Want Tour, along with appearances at many events.

Although he has a message, it is not a conservative gospel one. His talks now are often in the form of workshops and a fusion of self-help, science, and spirituality. He has also been a part of speaking tours with Deepak Chopra and Elizabeth Gilbert.

Bell advocates for inclusiveness, women in church leadership, same-sex marriage, and living out beliefs outside of church walls. He still remembers his church roots and says the sermon has been “forgotten as an art form” and believes that sermon is, partially, “performance art,” noted the Los Angeles Times.

The message of salvation through Jesus Christ is not one that Bell preaches anymore. He takes his talks on universalism to theaters, comedy clubs, and rock venues. He still speaks at some churches, but many places where he shares his thoughts have more of a diverse crowd. He said these audiences are harder to connect with, and to make an impact, it’s necessary to be good. His next venue is on March 31 at L.A.’s Largo where he will speak to an eclectic crowd.

[Photo by David Shankbone/Wikimedia Commons]

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