'Love Wins' Author Rob Bell to Co-Produce New 'Spiritual' Drama
Controversial author and pastor Rob Bell is teaming up with "Lost" co-creator Carlton Cuse to produce a new TV show called "Stronger," which is being described as an unusual spiritual drama and is reportedly loosely based on Bell's life.
The pastor announced last week that he will be leaving Mars Hill Bible Church and embarking on a new journey that would allow him to "devote his full energy to sharing the message of God's love with a broader audience." Bell appears to have started on that new journey.
"Stronger" will be a drama project with spiritual overtones, according to Deadline.com. The story revolves around Tom Stronger, a musician and teacher, and his spiritual journey as he becomes a benefactor and guide to others.
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The news that Bell would be contributing his efforts to storytelling is unsurprising based upon statements as well as hints he has given over the past few weeks. In announcing his "Fit to Smash" tour, the pastor asked:
"Have I ever told you the story about the smoke machine at the wedding? Or the time I hit my head and had to be told who I was? Or the one about Eleazar and the elephant? I didn’t think so, which means it’s time for a tour."
According to reports, while the story will be spiritual, "Stronger" will not be supernatural. According to online reports, the drama will touch on the spiritual side of people's lives much like the final season of "Lost" did.
Bell’s theological expertise is expected to add authenticity to the project, which is also expected to feature a healthy dose of humor.
Cuse and Bell met at the 2011 Time 100 gala where Bell was a 2011 honoree and Cuse had been on the magazine's list of the world's 100 most influential people in 2010. Accordingly, the two immediately became friends and soon concocted the idea for "Stronger," according to reports.
The series with Cuse appears to be one of the many projects Bell plans to pursue.
During his Sept. 25 sermon at Mars Hill Bible Church, Bell discussed the "new calling" he felt God had placed on his life, which involves moving his family to Los Angeles. Bell, who has been leading the Grandville, Mich., church for about 12 years, plans to undertake several projects, including touring and writing more books.
According to a statement from Mars Hill Bible Church on Bell's resignation: "For the remainder of this year, [Bell] will be teaching our Acts Series several times with his last teaching being in December. As we plan for the future, [co-pastor] Shane Hipps will continue to teach our community and we will be inviting other familiar voices to teach on Sundays during the spring of 2012."
