Bell, John

Robert Holmes Bell Jr. (born 1970) is an American author, speaker, and musician, formerly a pastor. He founded and led Mars Hill Bible Church in Michigan, which experienced rapid growth. Bell gained wider recognition for his New York Times bestseller 'Love Wins' and the spiritual short film series NOOMA. In 2011, Time magazine recognized him among the 100 Most Influential People. He has since focused on freelance writing, speaking engagements, and hosting a podcast called The Robcast. A documentary about him, 'The Heretic,' was released in 2018.

Bell's early life included musical pursuits and a stint teaching water skiing, alongside his academic studies at Wheaton College and Fuller Theological Seminary. His father was a U.S. District Judge. Bell's pastoral work at Mars Hill, which he founded after being inspired by an altar inscription to an unknown god, saw significant growth in attendance. However, his book 'Love Wins,' which questioned traditional evangelical views on hell, led to controversy, a decline in attendance, and ultimately his departure from the church in 2011.

Following his departure from Mars Hill, Bell continued his work through various projects, including speaking tours, conferences, and media appearances. He co-wrote a television drama pilot and has explored themes of spirituality, leadership, and the intersection of sexuality and faith in his books and public speaking. His podcast, The Robcast, is noted for its exploration of spiritual growth outside institutional confines.

Bell's work frequently delves into the nature of faith, spirituality, and the divine, often challenging conventional interpretations. His book 'Love Wins' sparked significant debate within evangelical circles by questioning the traditional doctrine of hell as eternal conscious torment. Bell suggested alternative perspectives, including universal reconciliation, and advocated for embracing mystery rather than demanding absolute certainty on theological matters. He also critiqued 'evacuation theology,' which prioritizes an afterlife in heaven over present-day spiritual renewal and transformation of the world. Bell's approach often emphasizes finding truth across different belief systems, stating that anything true belongs to God, regardless of its origin. His NOOMA film series, named after the Greek word for spirit or breath, features his teachings accompanied by music, exploring spiritual themes in a contemporary format.

In 1999, Bell established Mars Hill Bible Church in Grandville, Michigan, inspired by the Apostle Paul's encounter with an altar to an unknown god in Athens. The church experienced remarkable growth, becoming one of the fastest-growing in America, with attendance reaching thousands by the early 2010s. Under Bell's leadership, the church became known for its innovative approach and community engagement, including the widespread distribution of 'Love Wins' bumper stickers. Bell implemented practices like observing a personal sabbath day to maintain life balance. His influence was recognized in 2007 when he was listed among the '50 Most Influential Christians in America' by TheChurchReport.com.

Beyond his pastoral work, Bell is a prolific author and media creator. His books, including 'Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith' (2005), 'Sex God' (2007), and 'Drops Like Stars' (2009), explore themes of faith, sexuality, creativity, and suffering. 'Love Wins' (2011) became a New York Times bestseller. He also created the NOOMA series of spiritual short films. Bell has undertaken national and international speaking tours, such as 'Everything is Spiritual' and 'The Gods Aren't Angry,' often with a charitable component. He hosts the popular podcast 'The Robcast,' which he sees as a platform for spiritual growth free from institutional constraints. Bell has also been involved in television projects, including co-writing a pilot script for a series based on his life and developing a talk show concept.

“I affirm the truth anywhere in any religious system, in any worldview. If it's true, it belongs to God.”

“It's been clearly communicated to many that this belief (in hell as eternal, conscious torment) is a central truth of the Christian faith and to reject it is, in essence, to reject Jesus. This is misguided and toxic and ultimately subverts the contagious spread of Jesus' message of love, peace, forgiveness and joy that our world desperately needs to hear.”

“Whatever objections a person may have of [the universalist view], and there are many, one has to admit that it is fitting, proper, and Christian to long for it.”

“Some people are gay, and you're our brothers and you're our sisters, and we love you. We love you... [Gay people] are passionate d”