Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith

We know there's something more. We sense it, we feel it, and we want it. But how do we find it---a spirituality that stands up to the questions of an honest, searching mind?

"This book is for those who need a fresh take on Jesus and what it means for us to live the kind of life he teaches us to live," writes Rob Bell. "This pursuit of Jesus is leading us backward as much as forward ... I am learning that what seems brand new is often just the discovery of something that has been there all along---it just got lost somewhere and it needs to be picked up, dusted off, and reclaimed." Velvet Elvis offers original and refreshingly personal perspectives on what Christianity is really about.

We know there’s something more. We sense it, we feel it, we know it. And we want it. We want an authentic spirituality.

Bell, pastor of Mars Hill Bible Church in Grand Rapids, Mich., offers an innovative and intriguing, if uneven, first book. This introduction to the Christian faith is definitely outside the usual evangelical box. Bell wants to offer "a fresh take on Jesus"-a riff that begins with the assertion that Jesus wanted to "call people to live in tune with reality" and that he "had no use for religion." Bell invites seekers into a Christianity that has room for doubts (his church recently hosted an evening where doubters were invited to ask their hardest, most challenging questions). He mocks literalists whose faith seems to depend on a six-day creation, and one of his favorite people is a woman who turned up repeatedly at his church, only to tell him that she totally disagreed with his teachings. He cites his church as a place of forgiveness, mystery, community and transformation. Bell is well-versed in Jewish teachings and draws from rabbinic wisdom and stories freely. His casual, hip tone can grate at times, and his footnotes, instructing readers to drop everything and read the books that have influenced him, grow old. Still, this is faithful, creative Christianity, and Gen-Xers especially will find Bell a welcome guide to the Christian faith. (Aug.) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

It would be wrong to say: "This is the book that started it all for Rob Bell," because Rob started with a vision of a new kind of American Christian community and, first, he preached that vision from his makeshift pulpit at Mars Hill Bible Church near Grand Rapids, Michigan. And, then, he preached that vision into a series of revolutionary, short, direct-to-DVD movies called, "Nooma," that swept around the world.

Now, he serves one of the U.S.'s biggest churches -- amazing to visit because he seems to have almost no interest in the size of his church. Rob remains focused on the scope of his vision -- which is to knit together Christian community that reaches around the world.

It's true that nearly every element of his message is timeless. Themes in his preaching resonate from John Wesley to inclusive themes celebrated by the Iona Community. But Rob specializes in creatively unique expressions, like this best-selling book "Velvet Elvis." He has emerged as a one-of-a-kind modern prophet.

"God doesn’t change, but times do, and Rob Bell, founding pastor of Mars Hill Bible Church in Michigan, believes new times call for us to remain open and flexible, living with passion and conviction….An advocate of a postmodern approach to faith, Bell is vulnerable about his own struggles with doubt and understanding Scripture. Joy, awe, raw honesty, and an appreciation for the mystery of faith permeate the pages." — Christianity Today



"Rob Bell is able to draw more depth out of the New Testament than I thought possible….I would have finished this book in record time if I didn’t have to put it down so often just so I could sit back and process what I was learning. Buy two copies, one for you and one to pass around." — YouthWorker Journal

Average Rating:

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Reviewed by Eric (Texas), September 18, 2008

This book is specifically for those of us who have grown up in an ultra-conservative church setting and are content spending Sunday after Sunday going through the routine of church. Rob's purpose for this book is to get people like me to step back and ask WHY do I believe as I say? Thank you, Rob. I have never had a desire to dig deeper into my faith. I choose to no longer be a lock-stepper.

Reviewed by Kevin (Arlington, TN), April 08, 2008

This book is great for strengthening your walk with Christ. It is a fresh reminder of how Jesus called us to live. It is also a great insight into what is going on in the minds of seekers and people who have strayed away from Christ after growing up in a church. The review from Marc in New York is disappointing because it is exactly the kind of "religion" that turns people away from church. This book opens you up to what is really biblical truth. I hope that Marc and his wife will pray about their decision to disconnect with a person just because they suggested a book. This would be a perfect opportunity to reach out to that person and discuss their differences of opinion. That is what this book is about. Just because we have different doctrines doesn't mean we can't live a life with Christ the way he wanted it to be. Read Stephen's response from MS, he hit it on the head.

Reviewed by Margaret Stuenkel (North Ridgeville, OH), November 20, 2007

This book offers a refreshing perspective on the Christian life - what it means to be a Christian in our world today. I highly recommend it.

Reviewed by Marc (New York), October 16, 2007

My wife and I received a suggested reading of this book from someone we no longer trust or associate with. They convinced us to get this book and upon reading it found flaw after flaw after flaw. Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit do not change yet Bell insists that change and questioning what the Bible says is good. Wrong answer. I would never recommend this book or any of Rob Bell's books to anyone. Take it or leave it but don't read or buy this book it will lead you away from God and Christianity.

Reviewed by Daniel (Navarre, FL), April 22, 2007

This book is not a manual on how church should be, but the questions it raises pull us in that direction. Rob is spot-on in bringing believers to the culture in which Jesus was raised to show us how He called disciples and what He expects those who "follow" Him to behave. Rich with references add to the tranperancy of this young pastor and his heart for true discipleship as well as the hell-bound in our midst.

Reviewed by aj (uk), February 14, 2007

The perfect book for the post-modern generation who have itching ears. Bell "repaints" or should I say misrepresents truth in his dodgy re-telling of church history (revisionism in the extreme). He plays fast and loose with the authority of scripture. The penny dropped for me when he said that "There are people in hell who are forgiven and whom Jesus loves, its just that they didn't choose that reality" - (my paraphrase). Huh?????? Did Jesus fail to save those people, wasn't the cross enough for them? Sorry Rob, I did as you said - I tested your book and it was found wanting...... A hollow faith for hollow men

Reviewed by Stephen (Booneville, MS), July 22, 2006

I think this is an incredible work, not only have I read this book but I also download his weekly talks. I think Rob Bell presents the Christian faith in a fresh way, not new or cool but fresh. Does he make you question some of the most essential truths? yes, but as you read he brings you full circle back around to the truth. I've read the book through twice, first time just reading it, second time making notes, underlining, and arguing with him. Do I dive into everything he says, no, I'm Southern Baptist, but i don't buy into everything the convention leaders say either. There is room for discussion, but Rob is solid.

Reviewed by Nathan Hyde (Berlin, Maryland), January 12, 2006

Rob Bell presents a very challenging book--challenging in two ways. First, his description of the life Jesus called us to and the church that He called us to be challenges me to take a fresh look at Christ and who I am in Him...and who I should be. But the book is also challenging because it is peppered with errors. The first chapter is pretty much devoted to shooting down the idea that theology and doctrine are important, and he follows that up with arguments that are just plain wrong theologically and doctrinally. In some places he provides fascinating insight on the Bible; in other places he twists Scripture to suit his views. This is not a book I'd recommend for seekers or immature believers. But for those who are strong in their faith and have a good grasp on the Bible, it's worth reading...once. If nothing else, chapter four is great and really got me thinking. (I wish this chapter could be bought separately!)

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