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Altar to an Unknown Love
Rob Bell, C.S. Lewis, and the Legacy
of the Art and Thought of Man

For centuries, the world of professing Christendom has faced countless contests regarding the nature of God's justice and love, as well as the doctrines of Heaven and Hell. Rob Bell's book, Love Wins, is just another illustration of this reality. The entire protest revolving around Bell's book was fairly dramatic, however, it produced more smoke and heat than productive light. Despite the loud complaints leveled against the controversial author of Love Wins, what he unveiled in his book should have produced little surprise. There is a very important and untold story behind the whole Bell debate that must be passed on for the sake of future generations. The mystery and oddity of this conflict has revealed a systemic problem - one that is much greater than the premature protests surrounding Rob Bell. Altar to an Unknown Love addresses the untold story which stands behind the scenes of Bell's particular views of theology. What the reader may find surprising is that Bell's teachings are remarkably familiar, and have even been promoted, whether directly or indirectly, by some of Bell's loudest critics. All of this points to a great opportunity for the church in the present day. The conflict surrounding Rob Bell actually supplies an opportunity to rediscover our need to go back to the Scriptures themselves, rather than to the teachings and traditions of men. This is an opportunity for the church to rediscover the priority of Sola Scriptura, now, and for the generations to come.

Altar to an Unknown Love addresses this untold story which stands behind the scenes of Bell's particular views of theology. What the reader may find surprising is that Bell's teachings are remarkably familiar, and have even been promoted, whether directly or indirectly, by some of Bell's loudest critics.

From the back cover:

"Rob Bell’s Love Wins: A Book About Heaven, Hell and the Fate of Every Person who Ever Lived, has been condemned by evangelicals who are, at the same time, professed admirers of authors from whom Bell has drawn, namely, George MacDonald and C.S. Lewis. Beasley challenges the consistency of this procedure, and if his book is taken seriously – as it deserves to be – it must promote more controversy, for MacDonald and Lewis are widely respected figures. A reconstructed presentation of the love of God – to be found in all the authors Beasley is critiquing –produces teaching which carries no offence to the natural man. What is more offensive to the natural man than truth concerning the justice of God and his wrath against sin? But that offence is eliminated by the subjective, man-centered teaching here reviewed. Yet, instead of starting with Scripture, Lewis believed that considering love in man can help us to understand love in God. A major part of Altar to an Unknown Love is a refutation of this error. The love to be found in unregenerate man is self-love – love centering around the pursuit of pleasure and identified by the Greeks (and by Lewis) as eros. But the love of God (never called eros in the New Testament) is altogether different, and is unknown until a person is born of God (1 John 4:7-10). To our mind he proves the case that Lewis is now so widely acceptable in American evangelicalism because non-biblical ideas are not being recognized for what they are. Artistry in writing, effective story-telling, with a mixture of ‘disconnected scriptural references and thoughts’, are able to achieve wide success in a day when discrimination has given way to popular appeal."

Reverend Iain H. Murray
Former Editorial Director
& Joint Founder of Banner of Truth Trust

Introduction:

Here we begin with a staging of the Rob Bell controversy which surrounded his latest book: Love Wins. It is here that the reader is introduced to the behind-the-scenes "untold story" behind the conflict itself. This doctrinal conflict is not just about Rob Bell - it is also about C.S. Lewis and his admitted "Master" - George MacDonald.

Chapter 1: The Art and Thought of Man -

What place does human philosophy and reason have in the development of doctrine in the church, and what example do we see being set by men like Rob Bell, C.S. Lewis, and George MacDonald? This chapter begins an essential query into the process that should inform the theology of the church.

Chapter 2: The Greatest Love of All -

In this chapter, Bell's and Lewis' theology of love is introduced. The similarity of views between these men is considered, especially in view of the theology of Lewis' popular book: The Four Loves. From here the reader is introduced to what the Savior referred to as "the foremost commandment" and is given a summary review of the foremost love. This chapter provides a crucial referent for an understanding of Bell's theology of love in his book Love Wins.

Chapter 3: The Affections of Love -

The subject of love continues in this chapter, but with a crucial consideration of the nature of true love. Lewis' influence on this subject is examined more deeply, especially in view of his incorporation of the Greek concept of eros-love. The central question in this section addresses the place and relevance of eros love in the life of a Christian.

Chapter 4: The Freedom of Love -

It is here that the relationship between free will and love is considered, especially in view of Bell's book Love Wins. Bell's frequent expression: God is love, and love demands freedom is examined more carefully in this chapter. Can it be said that love demands freedom, and who is the one who has such freedom?

Conclusion: A Solemn Message from Hell -

Bell's frequent use of the parable of the rich man and Lazarus is examined in this chapter. In his book Love Wins he refers to the rich man's sustained freedom in Hell - a concept that is quite the same as that of C.S. Lewis. This narrative supplies a very important and solemn message, especially in view of the rich man's desperate plea.

Appendix:

The appendix offers several summary examinations concerning the similarities between Bell, Lewis, and MacDonald.