Posted on 04/18/2008 6:24:34 AM PDT by Terriergal
Are you a part of life’s rhythm? Or do you march to the beat of your own drum?
It was these and other questions that thirteen Butler University and Franklin College students attempted to answer Wednesday night, April 9, after viewing a video that is the 11th in a line of videos called “Noomas.”
Grace Unlimited sponsored the event which took place at Butler’s Center for Faith and Vocation, and promoted it as “an open, unpressured discussion of life’s big questions.”
According to etymonline.com, “nooma” comes from the Greek word “pneuma” which means “spirit, wind or breath.” Rob Bell is the narrator and creator of these short-film “Noomas.” They explore questions and topics that Christians can discuss to explore their faith.
The film shown Wednesday night, entitled “Rhythm” explores how each person finds his own tune in the symphony of Christian faith.
The video opens with panoramic views of a concert hall. An orchestra is in rehearsal on the stage, the music fills the air…and Rob Bell, seated in the balcony, begins his narration.
Bell suggests that many people believe in a God who is far removed from our lives, and only intervenes from time to time. Instead, Rob Bell asks his audience how to engage in personal relationship with a God.
“God is beyond anything our minds can comprehend,” Bell says in the video. “What does it mean to have a personal relationship with this kind of God? That’s hard to get your mind around. Loving this kind of God – what does it mean and how do you do it?”
The college students were more than ready to respond once the brief video ended.
“How can I show Jesus Christ to others if I’m not in tune with my own life?” asked Franklin College student Kevin Martin.
Butler creative writing major Quinn Clark pointed out some of the pitfalls of modern Christianity. “There’s a self-help mentality. There are direct attempts at explaining things. For example, when someone asks, ‘Why do you like particular song?’ But at some point, you say, ‘I just can’t explain it.’”
Sophomore political science and philosophy major Dakota Manuel put a twist on Rob Bell’s theology. Instead of viewing faith as a song that people are either in or out of tune with, Manuel said the song could include an improvisational jazz solo.
“I take the ‘free jazz approach.’ I may not do everything on the score, but then I end up right where I started.”
Tessa Rowing, a Franklin College philosophy and journalism sophomore, agreed. “Everyone has their own music that they enjoy. Music is up for interpretation. Religion is up for interpretation.”
As the conversation heated up, Franklin senior Christian Postel said debating is more than just one-upping the opponent.
“It’s not so much about debating tolerance. It’s more. I argue and stand up for what I believe in, but I trust in the mercy of God to transform the people around me. People get into debates and worry about who is smarter or better. But we should be using the ideals of Christ.”
Butler graduate Elizabeth Scriba stressed the importance of backing up opinions and statements with textual evidence. “If we have opinions and nothing to back it up, then we have nothing to say. I believe Christ came and gave us his word, the Bible.”
But one Butler freshman, Joe Wadlington, said he was content with the uncertainty of God. “I am pleased with the fact that God is elusive and no one has grasped it. With the ‘free jazz’ idea, you might go off in your own direction. You can find your own rhythm, and the end, we all come back together in harmony. It’s a great comfort.”
Rob Bell on The Theology of Breathing (talk about scripture twisting!)
http://blogs.echurchnetwork.net/Assets/UserBlog/314/052905.mp3
Does he think his intended audience is too ignorant to learn how to pronounce "pneuma"? (Hint: Dictionary)
Nah he just thinks it’s cool and words are flexible! Like a trampoline! Like, Mary didn’t have to be a virgin, etc. etc...
“Noomas” makes me think of cows.
Rob Bell reminds me the way Hollywood sometimes portray Satan - very cool, hip, and deceptive.
I hear ya. I have no idea what people see in the guy. He strikes me as a limp noodle. I just have no attraction for that.
INTREP
Here are some interesting Videos of how he represented his faith at the “interspirituality” conference with the Dalai Lama:
http://www.alittleleaven.com/2008/04/rob-bells-comme.html
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