Posted on 08/16/2008 11:59:35 AM PDT by XR7
LAKE FOREST, Calif. — When John McCain and Barack Obama appear on the same stage today, they will vividly demonstrate the reach that has made the Rev. Rick Warren among the most significant evangelists of his generation.
He's a megastar who leads the nation's fourth-largest church and reaches thousands of ministers through the Internet and crusades against poverty and AIDS. That globe-trotting work and his successful book — "The Purpose-Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For?" — puts him at the vanguard of a movement that inspires young, socially conscious Christians.
But his willingness to soft-pedal political issues once central to U.S. evangelicals, such as opposition to abortion, has opened him to criticism that he has strayed from his calling to spread the Gospel.
Today's forum also is a sign of religion's importance in the 2008 presidential campaign, and the emergence of a new style of evangelical leadership on the national stage that is not tied to a single party and has broadened its social agenda beyond that of the religious right.
"This is absolutely a changing of the guard, and it suggests that the new guard of the evangelical movement is able to generate the attention and focus of both parties," said D. Michael Lindsay, a sociologist at Rice University and author of "Faith in the Halls of Power: How Evangelicals Joined the American Elite."
Warren personally invited the two candidates — "friends of mine" — via their cellphones. His event at the Saddleback Church will be broadcast live on CNN and Fox News Channel and streamed on the Web. It has among its aims "helping the church regain credibility and encouraging our society to return to civility," he said.
It's likely that fans and critics will be watching closely...
(Excerpt) Read more at seattletimes.nwsource.com ...
How much on a chip question? Every prophecy watcher wants to know.
1. McCain “actually has a pulse, which is more than alot of us expected.”
McCain actually has a pulse... and he actually has a PAIR.
I can’t believe it. I’m just floored. I’ve been barely tolerating McCain for weeks, supporting him only because I hate the leftists that control Obama. Now I’m really have trouble believing that I can maintain my level of barely tolerating him... I might completely tolerate most of him most of the time...
“..It’s turning into a love fest....Sheeesh
Are you all so gullible?”
Give credit where credit is due. McCain is hitting it out of the ballpark tonite. And if he follows through on what he is saying, it will be a good thing. That remains to be seen, but it’s a very good start, and I totally admire the job he is doing tonite in decimating Obama on all points.
I can’t believe I’m saying this...but I must give the guy credit.
He is just telling it like it is. We need that in this country.
Oh oh, shifty eyes from Warren again at the break. heh.
FNC and CNN are repeating the forum at 11pm eastern.
He's taking advantage of every opportunity to smoke obambi!
I’d have to agree, even from a personal standpoint I must ad.
Well, if YOUR candidate is OBAMA, you really are on the wrong thread.
Remember the choice is between McCain or Obama and you seem to be on the side of Obama, you seem very frustrated that McCain is doing so well.
Rick Warren did McCain a huge favor tonight.
Oh, Oh, We are heartbroken and dispondent to hear this awful news! Dont let the door hit you in the butt:-)
I have been so depressed about Georgia...this has really cheered up my mood! I am going to get a Mccain sticker and start campaigning for him tomorrow!
ROFL
McCain gets the Gold!!!
http://radiopatriot.blogspot.com/2008/08/mccain-takes-gold-obama-disqualified.html
Without a doubt. McCain worked the crowd and knocked this one out of the park.
Hopefully, Warren will address this.
WELL PUT!!
Even DU member agree’s McCain killed Obama LOL
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x6647190
Your opinion is wanted and valued...
((((((HUGS)))))))
I wonder if the Obama handlers realize how bad this contrast looks?
This is the best I have ever seen from McCain. Tonight he locked in my vote.
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