Don't Worry, We're Still with You, Rob!

BC is a little concerned about one of our study subjects. The already controversial, young, prophet from G-rap has put himself in the line of fire on several fronts. The scary religious blogosphere, a place of fear and loathing, is already attacking Bell's new Nooma video, "She". Not surprising, the exploration of the feminine image of God is not embraced warmly in all sectors.

An altogether different issue is Bell's infomercial for the Today's New International Version Bible. Part 300,001,221 of the translation war. For the uniniated, Christians spend an absurd amount of time fighting about the "correct" translation of Scripture. Bible wars are legendary and Bell has canon balled in with an endorsement of the TNIV. Recently, a prominent scholar said it was okay to use the NIV if you are 12 but any serious Bible sudent should use something else. Fightin' words! Here at BC, we go straight for the full paraphrase and use Eugene Peterson's Message.

Finally, if Bible wars and charges of rank and rampant feminism weren't enough, there's a new book by Bell and his friend and former colleague, Don Golden - a genuine leader in the fight for the disenfranchised. We have high expectations for Jesus Wants to Save Christians: A Manifesto for the Church in Exile. The title alone is worth some reflection. We were sad to learn Golden left Mars Hill to become the Senior VP of Church Engagement at World Relief in Baltimore. Golden seemed to bring focus and strong organizational leadership to Mars Hill, particularly the artful creation of the X,Y,Z ministry. Golden's new gig will tap into those change managment skills in a whole new way, we wish him all the best. In the meantime, our dear Brother Bell is at home facing the long, cold Michigan winter with a whole lot of angry Christian bloggers, armed and ready. Hang tough, Rob, BC's got your back.