New Insight - Rick Warren

I see nothing in Rick Warren's theology that isn't completely supported by a valid interpretation of scripture, in the intended context.

 

There are invalid criticisms of Rick Warren, but invalid criticisms should not invalidate valid criticisms.

Sure RW has done some good things - no denying that. But does that mean no one can make a valid criticism?

Some people are upset over his program to help synagogues grow. In other words, he's bringing his purpose driven growth program to synagogues. Now, some people might have an issue with helping non-Christian congregations grow, don't you think?

The instance of RW getting involved with some synagogues, but not to share the gospel, has drawn concern.

This is the report on the above event from the Jewish Journal:
http://www.jewishjournal.com/home/preview.php?id=16029
in which the reporter states this:

 

"More than enough christian souls..."?

Oh my goodness. Sad. Truly sad.....

 

In all fairness, the article was not quoting Rick Warren.

 

Then who was the article quoting? Give us some insight here, please.

 

In 1999 I spoke with Rick Warren. I found him to be a genuine caring person who makes you feel like you really matter. There are few people who have made me feel that way. So many people act as though they are aimed at something else while they are talking to you.

 

People will say things that you never said and know things about you that even you do not know about you.

 

I agreed with you until I heard him speak the first time. When I heard him speak then I began to interpret what I read in his books differently than by what I had heard others say he said.

 

Yes, agree he is doing what he wants to do.

 

Actually, it doesn't quote anyone.

If you look carefully, you will see that the article claims that Warren said this to this rabbi. However, the article quotes niether Warren nor the rabbi. From what I understand of journalists, this is a fine line, but a line nonetheless.

 

Quote from article: "Warren told Wolfson his interest is in helping all houses of worship, not in converting Jews. He said there are more than enough Christian souls to deal with for starters"

Anyone who has only casually observed Rick Warren's ministry or his writings would know that there is no way he said that.

 

Shortly before that quote is, "[FONT=georgia,times new roman, times,serif][SIZE=-1] But make no mistake, the driving purpose of an evangelical church is to evangelize, and it is Warren’s devotion to spreading the words of the Christian Bible that drive his ministry."[/SIZE][/FONT]

 

http://www.jewishjournal.com/home/searchview.php?id=16029

 

So the only quote we are given is "Eat the fish and throw away the bones.” And we have no context for even that.

I'm not defending or attacking what was done here, I'm just saying that we do not have a quote. I know the Bible requires witnesses to any accusation against an elder. In light of that, I am wondering if we and all of these various bloggers should rush to judgment based on the testimony of one journalist who is careful not to quote anyone as he relays what was said.

 

I think we do far better dealing with principles than in attacking people. I remember my early years as a fundy. The things that were said about Billy Graham shame me now. Let's not do the same to Rick Warren. The man has a public ministry and has to frame his message in a way that you and I cannot comprehend. You and I do not have a public platform like he has. We have no comprehension of the pressure he faces to avoid giving a slanderous and hostile media sound bytes to assasinate him.
The principle to be learned, I would suggest, is to be very careful of the temptation to compromise the message. I feel very uncomfortable with the accusations that Warren has done this. I've got to worry about me, not Rick Warren. And I don't want to have to face him in heaven one day and beg his forgiveness.

 

When are we ever good enough?
Those of us who pastor small churches--maybe we're no good because we aren't effectively reaching our culture.
Those who pastor the mega-churches--maybe they're no good because they said something once that someone reported once to mean something that you and I, with the benefit of hindsight, wouldn't have said.
If we can't even love our brothers, how are we supposed to love our enemies?
I'm not saying that we shouldn't critique things. I would suggest, however, that we should avoid calling names.

 

I think now would be a good time to post this....

Ministerial Candidates Up for ordination!

The following is a confidential report on several candidates being considered for a ministry position.

ADAM
Good man but problems with his wife. Also one reference told of how he and his wife enjoy walking nude in the woods.

JESUS
Seldom stays in one place very long. And, of course, he's single. Has a messiah complex.

NOAH
Prone to unrealistic building projects.

ABRAHAM
Though the reference reported wife swapping, the facts seem to show he never slept with another man's wife, but did offer to share his own wife.

JOSEPH
A big thinker but a braggart. Believes in dream interpreting, and has a prison record. Had been accused of adultery.

MOSES
A modest and meek man but poor communicator, even stuttering at times. Sometimes blows his stack and acts rashly.

JOB
Complains a lot.

DAVID
The most promising leader of all until we discovered his affair with his neighbour's wife. His kids are out of control. Worse yet, he's a proponent of instrumental music in worship.

SOLOMON
Great preacher but our parsonage would never hold all those wives. Good with building projects though. Rather extravagant.

ELIJAH
Prone to depression. Collapses under pressure. Spends too much time in wilderness. Loner. No wife that we know of.

SAMSON
Hair is too long.

JONAH
Refused God's call into ministry until he was forced to obey by getting swallowed up by a great fish. He told us the fish later spit him out on the shore near here. Known to pout when things don't go his way. We hung up.

MELCHIZEDEK
Great credentials at current work place, but where does this guy come from? No information on his resume about former work records. Every line about parents was left blank and he refused to supply a birth date.

JOHN
Says he's a Baptist but definitely doesn't dress like one. Has slept outdoors for months on end. Has a weird diet. Provokes denominational leaders. Is too social and political minded. Offends politicians and is
known to lose his head on occasion.

PETER
Too blue collar. Has a bad temper. Has even been known to curse. Had a big run-in with Paul in Antioch. Aggressive, but a loose cannon. Probably speaks in tongues. Claims to have visions.

PAUL
Powerful CEO type leader and fascinating preacher. However, short on tact, unforgiving with younger ministers, harsh and has been known to preach all night. Controversial on women's issues. Admits to speaking in tongues. Has recommended young men to drink wine. Little chance that he will ever marry.

TIMOTHY
Too young.

METHUSELAH
Too old. WAY too old.

JUDAS
His references are solid. A steady plodder. Conservative and pragmatic. Good connections. Knows how to handle money. We're inviting him to preach this Sunday. Possibilities here