3 out of 5 stars

we live in a time when the Bible is constantly coming under scrutiny and overwhelmingly misconstrued to fit personal agendas and ideals. The most recent doctrine to come under attack has been the long-held view among Christians regarding the issue of Hell. Prompted mainly by the recent release of Rob Bell’s newest title, Love Wins, this issue has become a hot topic and source of grief to orthodox Christianity. As this book rose to the bestseller’s list, it became more and more evident that a future generation could be led astray by the popular influence of Rob Bell and his recent views presented in a carelessly researched and unscriptural fashion.

Bobby Conway, a Christian apologist, takes Rob Bell’s views, along with the scriptures Bell twisted to derive those views, and shows readers not only a strong defense for the orthodox view of Hell, but the fatal way Rob Bell easily manipulates in his book, Love Wins. Divided into three sections, Bobby Conway engages readers in three main issues: Hell, Rob Bell, and what happens when people die. Thus we have his release of Hell, Rob Bell, and What Happens When People Die.

When I picked up this book, I didn’t know what to expect. While Rob Bell’s recent views upset me, I decided ahead of time I would not purchase Bell's book. I did, however, keep a close eye on the reviews and buzz discussed in Love Wins. Lucky for me, Bobby Conway presents his material in such a way that one does not have to have read Bell’s book to follow along with Hell, Rob Bell, and What Happens When People Die. In addition, the arguments and thoroughly researched scriptures Bobby Conway presents are strong and convincing to defend orthodox Christianity. 

The second part of the book is more or less a giant review on Rob Bell’s book. While the author's review may seem overly critical, this part of the book is much needed as Conway points out the flaws in Bell’s arguments, leaving behind a trail of Scripture that leaves no room for doubt in reader’s minds that Bell has not only left Orthodox Christianity behind, but that there is no room in Orthodox Christianity (or Christianity at all, for that matter) to embrace Bell’s views.

When Love Wins first released, I followed many bloggers who reviewed the book. Most of them took Conway’s position and showed the flaws in Bell’s arguments. Many of the arguments those reviewers presented are the same ones Bobby Conway presents. For that very reason, I didn’t find this book particularly helpful. However, if you didn’t follow in-depth reviews that presented arguments against Bell’s theology, then this book is definitely for you. He also provides resources to additional information on certain topics, as well--which I did find very helpful. 

As a book, I can’t recommend one higher than this one to counter Bell’s views. This book is great for churches and small bible study groups. I believe it’s important for every Christian to study this issue so we can be prepared to counter the theology Bell has presented to our generation. Hell, Rob Bell, and What Happens When People Die will be able to help you present evidence to the new ideas floating around.

I received a complimentary copy of this book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.