I did end up reading and finishing Francis Chan's take on heaven and hell, "Erasing Hell." I liked his perspective as much as, if not more than, Rob Bell's on the matter. Chan's respect for God, and His power to be and do whatever He wants, is refreshing. I think that while God can and does relate to us on a very human level, it's sometimes easy to let His nearness overshadow His greatness and power. The reason we can relate to God is because He is our Creator, and He fashioned each of us in His likeness, with pieces of His character woven into our hearts. But He is so much more than us... so much more complicated, powerful, good, just plain so much more. I like that Chan bases his conclusions on those truths. Chan also addressed the subject with both confidence and humility, something I consider an impressive feat! He concludes that hell is a real place, where real people will experience real and ongoing suffering. Much more definitive than Bell's conclusion, with a lot of exploration along the way to that conclusion. My thoughts remain the same as they were in my previous posts, but perhaps with an expanded view of God's character. Chan challenges us to ask ourselves not, "Do I feel like believing in a God who sends people to hell?" but instead "Could I believe in a God who sends people to hell?" Though a somewhat subtle difference, the two questions are quite distinct. I must develop the kind of faith that believes in a God outside of my ability to understand Him and His ways. I don't get to define Him and instruct Him, but I do get to seek Him and find Him. He is God, and in the end, whatever that may look like, I choose to trust that He will be all good, loving, powerful, and just in a way that only He can harmonize.
I'm currently reading a book by Francis Chan about the Holy Spirit, and anticipate posting my thoughts on it after I finish it. :)
Next topic. I just got back from a lovely vacation in Florida with my family! It was loads of fun, filled with laughter and memories and adventures. While there, I realized for the millionth time this year how thankful I am for my family. We have our quirks, our share of spirited discussions and tense moments, but I can always count on them to care. And I know that that isn't something everyone can count on. I'm so thankful for them, because no matter what else is going on in my life, no matter what anyone else thinks of me, at the end of the day I have five amazing people who will always love me. And that is more amazing than I ever realized before... maybe it is that the brutal truth of how the real world works has been creeping into my rose-colored worldview, but I have previously undervalued the care and love my family gives to me. I have always been thankful, but now more than ever! As things change, and they constantly do, it is so comforting to know I have a handful of people who love me as near to unconditional as humans are capable of loving. And within that handful I count my family, along with a couple of outstanding friends. :)
I have also been considering a few other philosophical/personal topics, but I think this will do for now. In a few days I will head to Creation, which will no doubt fill me with plenty of thoughts to share! [That's a promise for a future blog post ;) ]
