last night i had the opportunity to experience Rob Bell during his 'the god's aren't angry' tour in DC. I went with a few friends and met with some others there.

in a nutshell, Rob Bell pointed out...

Part 1: how all sacrifices through ancient times were about satisfying the gods.

Part 2: he connected how we still make sacrifices today to 'appease' the gods (whatever your god is...validation, approval, substances, materialism, religion, etc.). those sacrifices could be going to great lengths to please others, provide for addictions, etc.

Part 3: then Rob goes to Hebrews to point out that there is a God who turns this system upside down by making a sacrifice of love to satisfy us.

it was brilliant, as i've come to expect. while i will be able to take what Bell presented apart with my intellect for several days...i was able to accept it on a heart level immediately. this is one of the reasons i say 'brilliant'.

many will criticize the lack of 'penal substitution atonement' language. however, this was not a comprehensive theological discourse. this was an hour and a half of my life that i truly appreciated.

if you have the opportunity, i encourage you to catch the tour. experience it for yourself. judge for yourself.

or...

wait for the dvd.

all proceeds from the tour go towards world relief microfinancing.