The Evangelical Universalist Forum

Christian book store bias

Went to my local Christian bookstore yesterday. Firstly noticed there were only bible translations which translate aionian as eternal. Secondly, there were about 10 varieties of Strongs concordance, a few Vines, but not a single Youngs.

But most noticeably was the treatment of Rob Bell. Last time I visited, he was the most ‘cool’ pastor around and there was a whole section dedicated to his books/DVDs. This time there was one copy of Love Wins. But it was sandwiched between Hell is Real And I Don’t Like It, a book by a pastor who didn’t believe in hell, now does and claims this book will convince you, and on the other side was Mary Baxter’s Divine Revelation of Hell, one of the most obviously made up books I’ve ever read. Then I noted a shelf dedicated to Baxter’s books.

It’s no wonder the church generally don’t see UR. Unknown to them, it’s as though we’re being censored. Christian thought is subtly influenced, not by robust argument, but by a purposeful absence of a visual presence that there even is another viewpoint.

It’s sad. If your view is correct, there is no need to censor other views. You can prove yours superior by the facts themselves. I must confess, I had my inner child longing to stamp her foot. The store had me quite miffed!

I remember when I first read “Hope Beyond Hell” and I was telling an uncle about it, and he asked me if the book was on any Christian bookstore sites online, and I said “no” after looking. He then replied “then it isn’t a Christian book”…

I must admit this is one of those things which really annoys me. I’ve had basically the same experience here in Australia, except they wouldn’t even put “Love Wins” on the shelf, let alone “The Inescapable Love of God” or “The Evangelical Universalist”! :frowning: I praise God for the internet :sunglasses: , otherwise I would still be in the dark & I suspect many of us here would be too!!

:unamused: