It is both. Actually, I went back and read "Purpose Driven Church" after the other one, because I heard a local pastor refer to it. In that book, Rick Warren advocates that if any of the older "Traditional" members (read: CONSERVATIVE) want to keep their tradional music or beliefs, they are considered "Idolators". I find that extremely offensive, and maintain that those who want to practice only "Contemporary" methods or music must also be considered idolators. Warren is really stretching it with his method. Local churches are taking it to the extreme, literally pushing out members who oppose Warren's views.
Interesting. You make some strong points. Now I'm curious.
And now we see the real cause for the agenda.
I have yet to hear a critic of Rick Warren, and the Purpose-Driven Life for whom, in the end, it is not about the music.
But .. you can't go fishing with fire and brimstone - even Jesus didn't do that. He saved the fire and brimstone for "mature" believers - who had a heart open to receive it.
If a person's heart is closed - scare tactics don't work.
Sunday morning is for FISHING (because more unbelievers are apt to be there) - Wed nights are for teaching - and sometimes include the "meat" of the Word. New believers would find this difficult to understand on Sunday morning. Sunday nights - are Holy Ghost meetings - where the Holy Ghost has more lattitude to operate - because the meetings are usually made up of "mature" believers.
My Pastor does feed more publum on Sunday mornings - but I'm not offended - because I know the purpose behind it - HE'S FISHING. Your statements seem to be saying you're choosing to be offended just because YOU don't like the changes.
It's true you can't feed pablum to mature believers and keep their attention - but you also can't feed chunks of meat to unbelievers or baby believers and not have them throw it up. It's wise to know the difference and to act accordingly. I truly believe this is Warren's message. Fishing for babies with old and tired stuff just won't work anymore. It has nothing to do with "watering down the scriptures".
I love the old hymns - it's just my personal choice - but some of the new music from "Hillsong" - has been stirred by the Holy Spirit - and it's full of love and forgiveness and strength and power, and is used to mature the saints. I don't think I'm going to argue with what THE HOLY SPIRIT WANTS TO DO.