I have often been criticized for making shocking statements in order to focus the audience's attention on the truth I am wanting to teach. If this is the case here, the risk of hypocrisy would certainly constrain my own comments. I have been asked my opinion on the book several times and do not feel the liberty to ignore such inquiries, but must be clear here. I do not plan to read it as there are many other books in my mental library that beckon me. So, desiring humility, I want to take caution in my tone. It is not my purpose to be a book critic, especially a book I have not read and most likely will never read. I simply point those who have pointed me to this work back to the words of Jesus: "Not everyone who says to me 'Lord, Lord' will enter the kingdom of heaven". I feel certain that if Bell is teaching that everyone goes to heaven, he would have a response to such a verse that refutes its clear meaning. If so, he will not be the first. I would most definitely dismiss the concept known as "universalism" that, as I understand it, teaches that no human being will spend eternity in hell as this is not very loving (however skewed the universalists definition of that word may be) and a "loving God" (and once again I would say He is not a "loving" God but rather IS Love...there is a difference) would never send someone to such a horrible place if it indeed exists.
In response to the first part of the promo video: I do not know Ghandi's eternal destination and: reality check - anyone would be in the wrong for saying he did possess that knowledge. In this I find no difficulty in agreeing with Bell's rather useless question that offered little insight as to what the book was all about. I can only conclude here that marketing can be helpful to some and a hindrance to others. I could have certainly asked the same question myself, with plans to take an entirely different direction. I am not critical of Dr. Piper's tweet as a response to Bell since it indicates only that he wishes that Bell "fares well" in this endeavor. I do not know what he meant. I will simply challenge the flock with whom I have been entrusted to press on in the Word of God. Do not let "new" ideas that have existed for thousands of years to sway you from your purpose of "meditating" on the Bible both day and night." Of this I am sure...it is infallible...it is inerrant...it is Truth...and it will point us to the Savior and the cross on which He gave His life so that all may be saved.