Why I decided not to buy Rob Bell’s book.

‘Wait a second! How can anyone comment on Rob Bell’s views without having first read his latest book?’ That’s the cry of many people. Hey...and who could possibly argue with that?

So I’ve decided not to make any comment on the purported contents of the book. In fact, I’ve decided not to buy it at all. Why? No...it’s not because I don’t believe in reading something I may or may not agree with. No no...it’s nothing like that. This is my little protest you see. Yes I know....I’m weird...eccentric...idiotic...not cool...or whatever. But it’s my right. And I’m exercising it.

Actually, maybe my decision isn’t as ignorant as it might first appear? Think about it. This whole chapter (excuse the pun) has been a lesson in not much other than ruthless marketing. And boy oh boy...has it worked! To have bought this book means to have bought into the marketing strategy behind it...which said ‘You MUST read this. This book is controversial. This book is important. If you don’t read this book, YOU’RE an idiot.’ The marketing people must have jumped for joy each time they heard people say ‘Wait a second! How can anyone comment on Rob Bell’s views without having first read his latest book?’

No doubt hundreds of thousands of copies have already been sold (perhaps millions). And a few publishing executives are now sitting in their cosy offices thinking....’Haha, those stupid Christians! Thank God for them (if there is a God?).’

They’ve achieved exactly what they wanted. They’ve done all the things they needed to do in order to stir controversy, create intrigue and make money. And many thousands have bought into it. Rob Bell’s done well. The publishing company have done well. In two or three years time...when the book is but a distant memory, they’ll still be living off its ‘blessings’. ‘We win’ might have been a more honest title.

Fair game to them. They’ve done a good job. But not on me. Oh no. I didn’t buy it. Thats my personal decision. I’m a bit cheeky you see. You know...I’ve never been cool. I tried it once. Didn’t work. Oh well.

Now then...where’s my copy of ‘Lord of the flies’? Toodaloo.