Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell (2006, Paperback)

Every Saturday a few friends and I get together at the local Starbucks to discuss a book. We had originally been reading classic books such as work by A.W Tozer, C.S. Lewis, etc. To change things up, we thought maybe it would be a good idea to criticize a book, so we all bought "Velvet Elvis". From the first chapter things were downhill.

Bell has a way of stating things that are half right and half wrong, and the half wrong statements can lead to a whole host of heretical teachings. His teachings are all over the place, during the reading you wonder whether there is any point or any composition to his questioning traditional Christianity at all. He basically tries to "reinvent the wheel" by questioning the most fundamental doctrines in Christianity from the ground up. While there is nothing wrong with asking questions, Bell's conclusions are off the wall.

In the first chapter, Bell infers that Christianity doesn't lose much if the virgin birth never took place (We lose Jesus, isn't that a lot!?). He attacks people who hold onto to doctrines and systematic theology, making the analogy that doctrines are "bricks", and we build our "walls", and when you take one brick out and the whole thing falls over, how strong was it in the first place? Problem is, that's what makes it strong - each brick is founded within Scripture and is infallibly correct. So when you build a wall of absolute truth, no one can topple the wall and all things can be measured by it. He doesn't seem to explain it in that way though...

In later chapters he says all sorts of things, from the denial of sola scriptura to applying every possible Scriptural passage in the wrong way. An example of this is his constant mention of being on "holy ground" as Moses was when he was standing before God. Bell basically says that he was on holy ground when he went to see U2 for the first time. So Moses standing before God is as equally holy as Rob Bell being at a U2 concert? Huh? His applications are dangerous, and nowhere does Scripture teach that we all have our "holy ground" that we stand on. Bell displays his terrible exegesis very well in this book.

If you don't have a solid biblical foundation to stand on when reading this book, it could very easily sweep you off of your feet, because there are many false teachings that are mixed with truth, and "cool" concepts. Bell definitely has a way of relating experiences to his teachings. The problem is that those experiences are a way to sneak in false teachings that you don't even recognize. If you are planning on reading this book for a deeper understanding of God and growing in your relationship with Him, then I would suggest buying a different book. Something like "The pursuit of God" by A.W. Tozer would be a good read. But "Velvet Elvis" is just a waste of time unless you want to measure how far the modern understanding of God Almighty has fallen. This book is garbage.

I bought the book through hearsay and was very pleased with the overall quality and content of the book! - No complaints whatsoever! :)

A must read very insightful and intelligent. If you have a relationship with God or not this book will challenge your perceptions.

We are using this book for a small group Bible Study. It is an easy book to read. For the purists, the book does not include a lot of supporting scriptures. Compared to other books that we have used in our studies, this would be considered a weakness. The author's thoughts are definitely controversial, but beget a lot of stimulating conversation in our group discussions.

I ordered this shortly prior to christmas, not thinking it would get here in time to be a stocking stuffer, but you surprised me by sending it out right a way and she opened it and loved it.
thanks, cindy

This is a very positive book on Christian views that will stimulate your mind and heart for God's purpose in your life.

This book is very real and extremely informative. I've been going to church since the day I was born and learned something new in each chapter. If you are looking to grow your faith, at a stand still in your relationship with God, or want to learn more about the Christain faith in general. I hope you find it as inspiring as I did!

God Bless!

I really hate that I didn't receive this item after I had ordered it. Apparently it was a mistake on the part of half.com--the seller had three books to sell, while half.com sold four--which makes it that much worse.

Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell, has to be one of the greatest inspiring books that can even teach a Christian who is strong in His walk. Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell, first goes into asking God questions is a good thing, as when we ask God questions we find answers, and those answers helps us to grow in the Lord. Rob Bell goes into talking about Gods' creation and how the Lord wants us to use it. The best section in this book is about the Jewish history of Jesus Christ. This section of the book really got me to be in awe of our Lord Jesus Christ.
There are seven topics in this books that Rob goes into. He calls them movements. Velvet Elvis, has brought me into a new understanding of passion. I've been a born again Christian for three years with a fire and this book just kept my flame going if not made it go higher.
I recommend this book for any Christian of any age, in fact get two copy's of this book one to keep and one to pass on. This is a book that will change your walk for ever, and even put you in tears of how beautiful our God is. Your Pastor would even enjoy and get inspired by Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell.
This is a spirit filled book, and I look forward to reading more by Rob Bell.