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I just posted something on Facebook; I "Liked" something Regent College is putting on around the issue of hell (even though I may not agree with everything the film is communicating). They are going to show a documentary on hell entitled "Hellbound" then afterwards one of their professors will teach on hell, and open the panel up for discussion.
 
As soon as I posted it, a dear friend of mine e-mailed me, concerned that I would post this without first screening the video. I heard his concern and in another context I would likely heed his advice.
 
But where I come from is that I believe it is of greater importance for us as a church family to seek out what it means to be an open healthy community where we try to minimize the secrets, the unknowns and increase our own self awareness. I believe that people grow the best in these environments.
 
Here is my response to my friend.
 
I do trust what comes out of Regent. I have been to many of these pastors conferences and have taken many courses at Regent over time. So I trust them. Even if they put a theological idea on the table that I don't agree with (this is good education - not simply telling people what to believe, but challenging them to think deeply) it forces me to grapple with what I believe and as a result come to a greater conviction around the issue. I also believe that healthy families talk, so I am using this as in invite to dialogue.
 
I believe that part of the reason why so many are talking about issues like "Hell" is is that they haven't been given the freedom to talk about it, or express their concerns/doubts within the church in healthy ways. That way of doing family - not being given the freedom to talk - only creates toxicity over time. I'l never forget something I read once from Philip Yancey on doubt. His brother was part of a christian community where they were told that you couldn't talk about it; that to have doubts about some theological idea as a christian was taboo. Where he went with that was really dark - eventually threw away his faith. Philip Yancey had all the same questions and doubts but was part of a Christian community where this kind of healthy expression and dialogue was welcomed and encouraged. He thrived and grew in his faith as a result.
 
It's kind of like raising kids. I know my kids are exposed to kids talking about sex at school, in the playground etc. I know it's happening. So where would I rather have my kids talk about and listen to discussion on these kinds of critical ideas and issues; in unhealthy environments like the playground or in healthy environments like our homes? As you, I'd much rather have my kids come home and talk to us about these issues; where we actually initiate the conversation. Where we can give good healthy teaching and feedback. I see this as the same thing. This movie is coming out in March. I know many of our people will go to see it. Others will go and the word will get around. I would much rather go with them to see it so we can talk about it, then have a good healthy teaching on it afterwards, and open it up for dialogue. That invites the questions, but does so in an environment where it is safe, and where it is healthy.
 
When I am secure in my relationship with Jesus I can talk openly, because I know He's got me. I do have some theological truths that I like to avoid because to talk openly about them makes me feel insecure, so I naturally want to steer away from those issues. But what I am learning is that rather than go that route, I think it's healthier for me to face those issues, and remind myself again that my security is found in Christ. He's got me, I'm safe; and He invites me to talk.
 
This is why I am for this event, and believe it is healthy.