New Insight - Rick Warren

Don't count on it. Some already have their mind made up no matter what is said or done.

 

I'm sure God has and is going to use Rick for His kingdom work waaaaaaayyyyyy more than He will ever use me. I'm content just being used of God in what manner He chooses. After all, I did not choose Him, He chose me.

 

:thumbsup: :godisgood: raying:

 

Here is the link to that interview--it was published in the November, 2004 issue of Decision magazine:

http://www.billygraham.org/DMag_Article.asp?ArticleID=492

 

It's amazing how we laud success until someone's successful. Then we demonize them. I fear Warren has suffered this fate. We applaud soul-winning, church building and works of compassion. Then when Warren does it on a scale beyond our imaginings, he is suddenly evil, worldly or compromised or whatever. BTW, if he kept every dollar from his book sales, that's his business. I have a problem with ministers accepting large salaries that are based on donations. But with book sales that's a different matter. The fact that he has gone above and beyond and actually given away his money is more than commendable.\
To set the record straight, I'm not saying this because I'm a big Warren fan. My philosophy of ministry is a lot more conservative than his. But who am I to judge?

 

I have no problem with Rick Warren, or anybody, for that matter, making money and becoming wealthy off their work. My problem with him is theological in nature.

Joseph Botwinick

 

I agree with that -- it's not the money that Rick Warren is making off his book sales--it's what is written in those books -- that's the problem.

 

I saw him on 60 minutes last night. It was the first time I really paid attention to him. I agree with a lot of what he said. When it came to AIDS, he said one can love the sinner yet hate the sin. I thought that was solid.

 

I agree Linda.

I also agree with I Am Blessed 16.......

while I may not agree with some of his ideas that does not mean that I cannot take a lesson from him on something that he seems to have gotten absolutely right.

:godisgood:

 

I had a chance to meet R W once and blew it!!!!

I had gone to a Southern Baptist convention meeting --- I think it was in Dallas and during one of those dull business sessions I went down to the book store area and was "me-andering" through and picked up a few books, etc and walked over to a check out booth ---- and there in front of me checking out was this dude with knee length short pants, sissy-fied loafers with no shocks and a Hawaiian shirt

I knew who R W was but had no idea he'd be standing in front of me and LifeWay checkout----still ---- I didn't know it was him until I watched him sign his "John Hancock" on the credit card charge

Sure enough ---- I was standing right behind him --- and didn't even know it ---- but faster than Santa Clause and Rudolph on 100 octane gasoline --- he was gone!!!

I had a chance to meet R W and I blew it!!!

Blackbird

 

Does that really upset you?

I'd would be interested to know what the conversation would have been about had you actually met Rick Warren.

 

It amazes me that Christians always feel the need to attack people like Warren. I may not agree with him on some theological issues, but we do agree that people need to come to have faith in the shed blood of Jesus for salvation.

The man has probably done more to advance God's kingdom than any 10 people on this forum, and I am rejoice for every person that has found salvation through his work.

 

1. What theological disagreements do you have with Rick Warren?

2. Do they matter?

3. Are you attacking Rick Warren if you point out those disagreements and explain why you think they matter?

4. Do you see the cult like mentality inherit in question #3 (touch not my annointed twisted to the nth degree)?

Joseph Botwinick

 

With popularity and success comes scrutiny. A man who says much will have his words twisted, and if he says something twisted it will be exposed. Rick Warren has supplanted Billy Graham as the go-to man for the media and for just about all religions around the world. He is immensely popular and successful.
That being said, one cannot deny that those churches which have chosen to try and follow Rick Warren's methods have been split on some occasions. Change is a dividing agent often. The older folks are fearful of change. The younger ones are tired of the older folks wanting to do things the same way they have been done for 40 years.
Regardless of who is right, as like with everything else, a church and individuals can either accept or reject Rick Warren and his ways.

 

God can use us all, and does, and in doing so we give God the Glory.

I'm not sure he still doesn't tend toward works however. Your 4th reads "Fourth, I added up all that the church had paid me in the 24 years since I started the church, and I gave it all back. It was liberating to be able to serve God for free." Seems he is saying he has worked off his debt to God.

James in 2:24 says, "Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only." The good Pastor seems to adhere to justification by, rather than through.

 

I don't usually watch TV preachers.
BUT Rick Warren was on the Fox News Network in our area with "The Purpose of Christmas", his first church TV broadcast.
I've never heard him preach before.
I listened.
I was impressed.

It was the best Christmas sermon I've heard in a long while.

Here is his site featuring the controversial peace plan.

THE PEACE PLAN
​

Rick Warren has filled the big shoes of Billy Graham as America's most prominent (and effective) Evangelist.

I may disagree with him on some minor issues (could easily be my err rather than his), he's a strong Christian leader, blessed by God.

Rob

 

Not really --- just missed the opportunity, thats all.

I once met Paige Patterson of SWBTS fame --- he was preaching at one of our Mississippi Baptist conventions in Jackson --- some years ago.

I was in the Men's room between sessions and was washing my hands in the lavartory when the door opens and he pops in. I introduced myself and commented something like --- "I appreciate the message you preached this afternoon, Dr. Patterson ---- the Spirit of God really spoke to me and I thank you!"

Engaging in deep theological discussion at a LifeWay checkout counter and in the Men's room at 1st Baptist Jackson, MS??? Even if I would have gotten the upper hand on both Warren and Patterson --- my wife would have told me that those were both inappropriate places to engage in deep thinkin' and talkin!!:type:

 

It is if you attach "fale prophet", "heretic", and "wolf in sheep's clothing" to him.

 

great op on this thread.

Rick Warren has been doing far more than you or I could ever know about to positively advance the Gospel in our generation. While some might disagree with him and his methods, he is representing Christ wonderfully in our culture in places where most Christians have already discreditted themselves.