Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith

by Rob Bell

Hardcover, 2005

Status

Available

Description

In Velvet Elvis, Rob Bell frees us to consider God beyond the picture someone else painted for us in order to find an authentic understanding of the Christian faith. God doesn't have boundaries, and faith doesn't have to be limited to what someone else has told us. God is alive. Faith is alive. Velvet Elvis helps us find our faith. And even if it doesn't, it encourages us to keep looking. Faith doesn't end with this book. But it just might begin...

Publication

Zondervan (2005), 208 pages

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Rating

½ (512 ratings; 3.9)

User reviews

LibraryThing member nesum
I was rather, well, angry about the first part of this book. Then it got better, and then worse again. I was planning to give it three stars rather than two, but when I finished the book, I couldn't remember what the good points were. They made no impression on me at all.

What I do remember is Rob
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Bell pretending to be the new Martin Luther. Bragging about how he grew his church. Making pretense to be very knowledgeable about history (He is not -- the example I will give is when he claims that Caesar Augustus wanted everyone to worship him as a god, which is completely untrue. The Senate kept trying to get people to worship him, but Augustus was opposed to these efforts.), and trying to at once be a biblical authority while claiming that we cannot understand the true meaning of the Bible.

Throughout the first part of the book he tears down the Bible as something we cannot understand, but only interpret in our own way. He relies more on personal experiences to lead him to God than God's actual Word. And be sure and look up those passages he references (hiding the actual citations in endnotes), since quite often he's way off. He spins elaborate tales about Jewish society to prove how smart he is, only to finally reach the point that was obvious by the actual words of the Bible.

I've listened to Bell's podcast some, and some I do like, while a lot of the times he is either misled, wrong, or just longwinded (again, telling all about Jewish culture to arrive at the obvious point of the passage). But even there, when he is right, he is right in the most common and obvious ways that there isn't much you can take with you.

A new Martin Luther? No. Martin Luther's revolution was to give the Word of God to everyone and let them follow Christ. Rob Bell's revolution is to drain the meaning from the Word and replace it with his own stories, his own supposed knowledge, and his own undersanding. As for me, I will trust in the Word over Rob Bell.
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LibraryThing member brianghedges
This book is provocative and well-written (and likeable for those reasons). You can't help but enjoy Bell with his edgy, self-consciously authentic, loose-cannon style. He raises some good questions about lots of things and makes you think outside the box, which is always good for me.

But he's also
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a bit careless. Some of his questions leave you with big questions about what he really thinks about some pretty important core doctrines. He's also unfair - in using analogies that misrepresent what a lot of good, solid theologians of a more traditional ilk really say or think. (If you've read it, the brick wall vs. trampoline analogy is a case in point.)

Finally, he sends confusing signals. It boggles my mind that he gives an unqualified recommendation of books by John Piper on one hand and makes positve, unqualified references to J. Dominic Crossan, on the other. That just seems careless to me. I can't imagine giving an unqualififed recommendation of something written by a member of the Jesus Seminar.
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LibraryThing member JohnNebauer
An excellent explanation of Christianity as praxis, with a lesser emphasis on theology. His aim is to make Christ inclusive, not exclusive. I can imagine that he could come across as abrasive or arrogant by those with whom he disagrees, but it is a message worth listening to.

His discussion of Mary
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Magdalene's non-recognition of Jesus after his resurrection and the resonance with the story of Genesis was fascinating. His drawing out the meaning of 'rabbi' in terms of social importance and practice in atracting disciples was likewise extremely interesting. While the message of Jesus may be timeless, placing the story in the 1st century context has to aid our undrstanding.
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LibraryThing member RitaFaye
A profound discussion of modern Christianity.
Rob Bell starts a modern discussion of what it mans to be a Christian, to be a Christ-follower. This is much more than the WWJD bracelets-it's a challenge to think about your faith and how it appears in a modern world. Faith is more than belief, it is
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acting on that belief. Bell is the first to state he doesn't have all the answers, but his questions will force you to confront your own faith and what it means.
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LibraryThing member DubiousDisciple
Harper One appears to be doing a reprint of Rob Bell’s works, and sent me a nice little stack of books. So I’m beginning with Bell’s Cinderella work, Velvet Elvis, published back in 2005. I had actually never read it before. Had heard it talked about, but never turned the cover. It turns out
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to be a good book, but I really didn’t enjoy it as much as I did Bell’s latest, Love Wins. I’ll review that one shortly.

Velvet Elvis is written in a style exactly like I expect the young mega-church pastor to preach: friendly and colloquial, somewhat meandering, common-sensical. I don’t quite get the “Velvet Elvis” part, so let’s ignore the title and just say his is common-sense Christianity. It’s not terribly controversial (it’s actually more conservative than I expected), and it’s not theologically probing, but it’s clear Bell can think for himself … or rather, he can unthink some of the stray ideas that have led many Christians away from simply living a Christian life. I absolutely love this observation early in the book about what happens when you try to follow Jesus:

Over time when you purposefully try to live the way of Jesus, you start noticing something deeper going on. You begin realizing the reason this is the best way to live is that it is rooted in profound truths about how the world is. You find yourself living more and more in tune with ultimate reality. You are more and more in sync with how the universe is at its deepest levels.

What is Bell talking about? He’s talking about what it means to be a disciple of a first-century Rabbi who sees potential in each of us, and calls us to live like him. He’s talking about what happens when you quit pushing your religion on your neighbors and dwell like Christians among them. He’s talking about what happens when you view God’s dream for mankind as one of him coming down to make his home with us, rather than us peering into the heavens with a forlorn hope of rapturous escape. He’s talking about compassion, goodness, simplicity, all the things that can make this world a better place for all of us.
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LibraryThing member tcarter
Every time I read something by Rob Bell, or see one of his videos, it seems to capture and express what I want to say, only so much better. This was no exception. Bell describes this book as a contribution to the ongoing act of painting the Christian faith. It is a vulnerable, honest, and open
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expression of a vibrant and living faith that invites engagement with excitement and an expectation of changed lives. It left me exhilarated and enthused for the possibilities open to the church in contemporary culture if we really engage with this approach to our faith.
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LibraryThing member navets
The book was amazing. Even the layout of the book was amazing - being hardbound with a white cover with orange print. I picked the book up as soon as I could and poured over its pages as quickly as possible. This will definitely be on my “must read again” list for some time. I need to try and
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soak up all that I can remember from this first read and go back through with a fine-toothed comb to get out other morsels.

The book takes the reader through seven “movements”: Jump, Yoke, True, Tassels, Dust, New, and Good. Each of these “movements”, like his sermons that I download weekly, are jam-packed with information on who Jesus was and is. Rob Bell writes (and speaks) in a way that shows he has definitely “done his homework”. Lot’s of early-church history and Jewish tradition finds it’s way into this book as well as his sermons.

Some interesting ideas are shared in this book that will challenge any reader to be more firm in his/her faith.
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LibraryThing member bbrown6
One of the more frustrating reads I have enjoyed in the last 2 years. So much of what Bell has to say is helpful and clarifying, and then there are these unbelievable slips of sheer, distoriting, damnable folly. The first chapter slaps one in the face with its clear departure from gospel clarity.
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It orients the faith around practice rather than around the historical event of what Christ actually accomplished. Theology is thus over-ruled by praxis, when it is precisely theology which empowers praxis.
Bell's writing is like his teaching- He is skilled. Extremely skilled at drawing his audience in to experience his prose. And while much of what Bell says could do much good, in the end he undermines his own project by repainting the Christian faith into a beautiful mess whose actual content is unimportant- so long as it fits our expectations for what beauty should be.
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LibraryThing member krayoncolorz
Velvet Elvis is one of my favorite books. I am a huge fan of Rob Bell and the way he can communicate faith through painting a picture with words. He's extremely bright and knows Biblical history very well. One great thing is he has a way of showing God with more than the Bible. If people don't
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believe in the Bible there is no point in using it to try and sway. He uses all of God's creation to tell a wonderful story.
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LibraryThing member elbakerone
This book captures the heart and essence of the postmodern/emergent Christian church. Stepping away from doctrine, the focus becomes experiencing God through the world He has created instead of seeking Him through rules and religion. Rob Bell is an excellent writer, using parables of his own to
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create memorable points (such as the titular Velvet Elvis painting which demonstrates the need to "repaint" the Christian faith). Critics of Bell will likely hate this book but they are equally likely to oppose the postmodern movement as a whole, however, there is much truth to be found among the controversy if they are willing to look at it with an open mind. I would rate this as a must read for anyone in ministry with younger generations of Christ followers (high school, college, etc.) as that is probably the audience most easily reached with Bell's style and views.
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LibraryThing member Brandie
I am so glad I read this. So glad. I can't even put into words. Seriously, a lot of the things I have been thinking about lately (and even some I haven't been) were talked about in this book. It made me feel less crazy and gave me a bit of peace for all my questions and thoughts.
I used to think I
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knew what it meant to have faith. I used to think I knew all the rules and all that jazz. I used to live a very black and white existance. But over the last several years I've begun to find this grey area, and have a lot of doubts and wonder if all the "traditions" I've believed in were in fact right.
Not that Bell strikes them all down, but he just writes in a way that says that's okay to feel that way. And I can question things and that is okay. I can have faith through it all. I can not subscribe to black and white thinking and that's okay too ...

there is a lot I'm feeling that makes it hard to put into words, but read this book! Really read it. And think about it. You don't have to agree with him or anything
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LibraryThing member jenspeaks
A chapter was discussed in my small group Bible study. Since I like Rob Bell anyway, I was able to borrow the book from our group leader.

The book was good. I like Bell's writing style - he's open and has a way of painting pictures with words. And he's good at pushing you to God without beating you
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over the head with Him. I recommend the book.
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LibraryThing member rybeewoods
My new favorite book. I love it in every way.
LibraryThing member joglesby
Great book for those looking for more from their faith. Not a program or plan, just a new way of looking at things. He's someone that gets the point of Christianity and can articulate it very well.
LibraryThing member bsanner
Rich with imagery and illustration, Velvet Elvis seeks to strip Christianity of its cultural baggage (for better or worse) and rediscover the wonder, joy, and mystery of faith (in exchange for revelation?). Bell walks the reader through a “repainting” of theology, discipleship, Christian
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living, creation care, truth, and the bible. Bell’s work has existential and exegetical appeal. B
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LibraryThing member jd234512
This was what I expected it to be. Some excellent thoughts by a person that is bringing very welcome ideas to mainstream Christianity. These ideas seem more like something from the recesses of faith rather than from someone in a large church.
LibraryThing member lmathews
This is an excellent book by Rob Bell. He pastors a church in Michigan, and the first Sunday they started, without promoting or anything, 1,000 people showed up. So the guy starts preaching through Leviticus for a year, and now they have 10,000. He is certainly not your average pastor. He is
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labeled as being part of the emergent church movement, which is not negative to me, and is very well studied. This book doesn't focus on one particular thing, but discusses many things that any person can learn about. He has a tremendous knowledge about the Word of God, and is certainly unorthodox in his beliefs. It is not a difficult read, and one can knock it out in about 2 or 3 days easy. I recommend this book to all people, Bell should not be criticized...he should be listened to, discerned, and learned from by all people.
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LibraryThing member nisly
Rob Bell is an engaging and interesting author. Quite a bit of what he has to say resonates with my heart, but other aspects of his writings and teachings raise red flags... he does not seem to embrace the inerrancy or the divine inspiration of Scripture... rather, we can draw lessons from it for
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today's time and culture, but nothing definitive. His view of hell seems to be limited to the present reality, not an eternal destination. He also comes very close to universalism... while I believe lessons can be learned from his writings, it would be irresponsible to not use a healthy dose of skepticism/discernment in deciphering what he says.
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LibraryThing member HHS-Staff
It is a book about what the author thinks Christianity should look like - about how Christ taught people to interpret and live out scripture. He attempts to give the reader some historical and cultural perspective on some scripture and some thoughts about the difference between following religious
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doctrine and following Christ's teachings. I read it twice and I didn't have time to read it the first time. Reviewed by:Greg GunnScience Teache
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LibraryThing member Lake_Oswego_UCC
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
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live,” writes Rob Bell.
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LibraryThing member punkeymonkey529
3 1/2 stars

this is my first book im reading by rob bell. i do agree with him a lot. i really liked all the analogies rob used. it helped me see things more. this book got me thinking at times,and i know i will be thinking for days on it. velvet elvis is a easy read that will have you reminded of
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what christianity is and almost like a guide to help you rethink who you are. oh and the end notes are about 10 pages long its gonna take me some time to look up the verses listed in the bible, and the books he's listed to go back, but i think it will be a good review and worth looking over.(
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LibraryThing member epa88
I'm a big fan of Rob Bell's Nooma series so was interested in reading some of his books. I was not disappointed. Rob Bell addresses our spiritual relationship with God in a way that really makes you think. I loved the "Velvet Elvis" analogy.
LibraryThing member deusvitae
This is a book not for the faint of heart or for those who take comfort in rigidity.

Bell definitely walks a fine line; sometimes it seems he crosses over it. Nevertheless, even where one does not agree with him, he certainly provides things about which to think.

The image of the trampoline vs. the
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brick wall was interesting and has some value in practice. Many of his discussions are spot on; with others, you can see how he will become a lightning-rod for controversy, and how he will get to "Love Wins" and the firestorm that creates.

I can appreciate the idea that each successive generation is trying to wrestle with the faith and its practice; whether one can truly speak of "progress" in this endeavor might be another story. Bell seems to be simultaneously steeped in tradition while remaining culturally a late 20th/early 21st century American. He has an affinity for rabbinic exegesis; if some of these points are to be accepted as fact, they do provide interesting illumination to certain Biblical concepts.

A challenging book to be sure, and one that you will not always agree with. But it's worth consideration.

Kindle edition: very well done; the covers of the chapters do not render the best, and there's the occasional punctuation blip, but quite good in general.
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LibraryThing member ScoutJ
pretty interesting case for returning christianity to real christians
LibraryThing member LDVoorberg
An easy reading way to convey non-institutional Christianity. Generally I agree with what he says, though I'd alter his heaven talk abit to convey a renewal more than a restoration throughout, and not just at the end. I really like the contextual readings of Jesus' work and teachings. A few good
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insights there.

I did find the book lacking in its discussion that we are called to be who God meant for us to be. Bell goes into detail about forgiveness of your vices, but he gives little guidance about how to find out who we really are --other than to go see a therapist. He glosses over this part in his own story, too. Disappointing.

But still worth reading. (A good book to use for small group discussion, too.)
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